By Adriana Ermter
If the age-old expression: you are what you eat is true, then we’re due to turn into a bowl of ice cream any day now. Jokes aside, it would serve our physique, and with it our hair, better if we took more notice on the food we ingest. Particularly since the cold winter weather zaps our skin and scalp’s moisture, leaving our hair feeling brittle and lifeless. And while deep conditioners and oils are great for temporary hydration boosts, the haircare experts at Scandinavian Biolabs recommend fuelling your diet with eight hair-health transforming foods. “Your hair’s health starts from the inside out, reflecting what you put into your body,” they explain. “Superfoods are packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that give your hair the nourishment it needs to grow strong, stay hydrated, and look its best. Adding these nutrient-rich foods to your diet can protect your hair from damage, boost growth, and keep your scalp healthy all year round.” SO keep reading and eat up!
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet Potatoes are packed with beta-carotene, which your body converts into vitamin A. “This helps your scalp produce sebum, which will naturally moisturise your hair and help to maintain hydration and avoid breakage,” say Scandinavian Biolabs’ haircare experts.
Walnuts
Walnuts are loaded with omega-3s, biotin and vitamin E. Even more interesting, all of the walnut’s ingredients can often be found in everyday haircare products. According to the haircare experts at Scandinavian Biolabs, that’s because all combined, “these nutrients help to strengthen your hair, reduce shedding and protect it from environmental stress.”
Leafy Greens
Dark leafy greens such as kale (our personal favourite) and spinach are great for protecting your hair against the winter elements. Rich in iron, vitamin C, and folate, leafy green can keep your hair healthy from the root. “Iron, especially, is crucial during the colder months when thinning hair becomes more commonplace,” add the haircare experts at Scandinavian Biolabs.
Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds are full of zinc which supports a healthy scalp and strong hair structure. “A zinc deficiency can often be a leading cause behind hair thinning and shedding,” note the haircare experts at Scandinavian Biolabs. “So a handful of pumpkin seeds can work wonders.”
Oats
Starting your day with oatmeal isn’t just good for your energy levels, it’s also great for your hair. “Oats are high in silica; a nutrient that strengthens hair strands and prevents breakage,” affirm the haircare experts at Scandinavian Biolabs.
Citrus Fruits
Incorporating oranges, grapefruits, and lemons into your diet can provide vitamin C boost for your hair. “This antioxidant helps protect your hair from damage and supports collagen production, making your locks shinier and healthier,” explain the haircare experts at Scandinavian Biolabs.
Eggs
Eggs are as close as you’ll get to a perfect hair food. They’re full of protein and biotin, which the haircare experts at Scandinavian Biolabs say “are key for growth and repair, and can also add thickness and strength to your strands.”
Avocados
Avocados are packed full of healthy fats, vitamin E, and biotin, that have been proven to help repair damage and support keratin production. The result? “Smooth, strong, and shiny hair,” enthuse the haircare experts at Scandinavian Biolabs.