I love having super long hair. I’ve had long hair for the majority of my life, and the one time I cut it short, I instantly regretted it and vowed to never do it again! Women frequently ask me what I suggest to grow healthy hair that is strong and shiny, so I thought I’d share some of my top recommendations.
Your hair is made of protein, so consuming an ample amount of protein will help your hair grow healthy and strong! Organic and grass-fed chicken and turkey, wild fish and organic omega 3 enriched eggs are all great sources of protein. For my veggie friends, legumes, nuts and organic tofu and tempeh are great sources of vegetarian protein.
Iron is a very important mineral for hair. In fact, if you experience excessive hair loss, that could be a sign that you may be anemic (too little iron). Iron can be found in red meat, chicken, fish, lentils and green veggies like spinach and kale.
Biotin is a B vitamin that has been shown to help with hair growth. Biotin-rich foods include eggs (especially the yolk), peanuts, almonds, whole grains and oats, sweet potato and salmon.
Not only are Omega 3 oils great for your hair, skin and nails, but are also very important for your heart and overall health. The standard American diet tends to be high in omega 6 oils, so it’s important to ensure that you are getting ample omega 3 oils to balance that out. Salmon, sardines, walnuts, flax seeds and flax oil are all rich in this important fatty acid.
Collagen, specifically types 1 & 3, is a protein that helps to improve skin elasticity, thickens and strengthens the hair and nails, and promotes healthy bones and joints. Collagen can be found in cabbage, soy products, beans and red fruits and veggies like apples, strawberries, beets and red peppers. You can also take a collagen supplement. Here are some of my recommendations:
NeoCell Collagen Powder:
I’m a big fan of this product. It has a very neutral taste and easily dissolves in liquid. I typically add it to smoothies or mix it in with my cashew milk. I’ve also seen people mix it into their morning coffee.
BioSil capsules:
I’ve just recently starting taking this product, so it’s too soon to report back on results, however, I will say that I have noticed my hair grow much quicker than usual, and I’m not one to fall for the placebo effect, so I’d say this product works!
I also really like these Beauty Bursts by NeoCell.
These soft chews contain 2000mg of types 1 & 3 collagen per servings (2 chews). I’m a fan of the chocolate mint flavor. It’s a sweet little way to get your collagen!
Lastly, try not to wash your hair too often! The oils that naturally produce help keep your hair healthy! If you can, wash your hair no more than 2-3 times per week.
Happy hair growth!
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Be well,
Tina
