When you think of strengthening and protecting hair, you may think of protein. The idea that protein is essential to healthy hair is a logical one because our hair is made up of a tough protein called keratin. If we do not consume enough protein-through diet or supplement-we will ultimately end up with weak, brittle hair as well as noticeable hair loss.
Because of this, high protein diets and products like ApHogee*’s protein treatments have become increasingly popular- especially for those on a healthy hair journey. This is a move in the right direction, however, protein is not the only macronutrient needed for healthy hair and we need to keep this in mind when creating diet plans and hair regimens.
Hair cells require complex carbohydrates, iron*, protein, and a mix of vitamins to function and grow properly. Not getting enough of any one of these will result in hair thinning and loss as well as split ends, breakage, and excessive dryness. At the same time, the things you consume can also be working against you and your hair.
Some people believe that problems brought on by vitamin deficiencies or unhealthy habits will go away if they eat right for a few weeks or start to take supplements* or multivitamins. While this may help, the benefits are temporary so you need to adopt health practices that you can maintain in the long run.
You don’t have to change your diet completely, but you can add and take away a few things to give your hair the boost that it needs.
Here are a few tips you could use to jumpstart your “healthy hair through healthy diet” journey!
Learn about healthy fats and unhealthy fats- yes, there are healthy fats!
“Healthy fats” and “unhealthy fats” are just layman’s terms for unsaturated fats and saturated fats. Unsaturated fats and oils* are monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fatty acids-including Omega 3s. These fats are found in almonds, avocados, olives, salmon, soymilk, kale, spinach, tofu, safflower oil, olive oil*, and other unprocessed foods.
These fats help give your hair that lovely natural shine, improves hair elasticity, and distributes vitamins and nutrients to your hair.
Saturated and trans fats, however, do the opposite; these are the “unhealthy” fats found in fast food, cookies, sodas, margarine, fried chicken, candy, and other processed foods.
Saturated and Trans fat interfere with your hairs absorption of healthy fatty acids and other nutrients. They have also been linked to hair thinning and balding.
