Your clients should never underestimate the power diet can have on the hair. As food is made up of nutrients and vitamins that are essential to maintain healthy hair, it is well known among hairdressers and those in the industry, that what your clients eat, affects their hair. So, what should you be telling your clients about the link between a healthy diet and good hair health?
Food, Glorious Food
“A well-balanced, and nutritious diet should be followed in order to benefit the hair and the individual,” says Darrel Starkey, Taylor’s Hair Studio. But what should clients be eating in order to maintain their hair health? “Eating foods which are rich in nutrients such as Omega-3 which helps the hair follicles by adding key oils to the hair and preventing inflammation and dryness, Biotin which stimulates the keratin in hair follicles which increases the rate follicles grow, and plenty of proteins which keep hair strong and allow it to continue growing, will contribute to hair health and growth,” Darrel adds.
But for such high importance, diet can sometimes be overlooked. Some foods in particular hold more nutrients that are essential for hair health. “Fish provides the hair with Omega-3 fatty acids, something that our bodies cannot make themselves, which is therefore essential in diet. This will help add shine, protect the hair, and encourage growth,” explains Andrew Smith, ambassador for z.one concepts. “Meats are also a fantastic source of protein which the hair constantly needs. Protein adds strength and this in turn, results in strong and healthy hair. Red meat especially is full of iron which helps hair growth.” Robert Kirby recommends informing clients to aim for a daily intake of protein to optimise hair health and hair quality.
Clients will notice benefits to their hair texture by maintaining a healthy diet. “Hair will become much more shiny and strong which will result in a lot less breakage or thinning,” says Darrel. “And of course, those with a poor diet will experience the opposite effect – dull and heavy hair, loss of colour vibrancy, and very dry and fragile hair.”
Vitamins
We’re fortunate that we live in a time where vitamins can be very easily accessed, with the vitamin and supplement industry market size estimated at £1.5 billion in 2022, according to Ibis World. With such easy access to vitamins that are essential for hair health, it’s important for clients to understand which types of vitamins are beneficial. “Vitamin supplements can help counteract problems with the hair and also help it to remain strong throughout illness, stress, or through a tough period in life,” says Tracey Anne Smith, ASP global ambassador.
“Although Vitamin D is not directly associated with the hair, it helps against deficiency’s which can cause hair loss,” adds Tracey. “Zinc is likewise essential in the hair world as it is part of the growth and repair process, keeping oil glands operating efficiently.”
How Diet can Stimulate Hair Loss
Hair loss is caused by many factors, but one of the major causes of hair thinning and hair loss can be put down to poor nutrition. “Poor diet can have a drastic effect on the hair, its health, and its overall growth,” explains Tracey. “A poor diet where clients are not getting enough nutrients can completely stem hair growth due to lack of protein and keratin, resulting in the hair growing at a much slower rate and not as strong.
“This can lead to further breakage and fragile follicles as time moves on. Over time, lack of key nutrients can lead to hair loss called Telogen Effluvium," continues Tracey.
Likewise, L’Oréal Professionnel partner, Marcello Moccia says: “Hair is non-essential to life, so if clients’ diet is poor, essential nutrients will first and foremost be used to maintain vital bodily functions, potentially leaving little for the hair, and that is when hair thinning and hair loss can occur."
So, there you have it! As professionals, educating clients on the benefits of food and diet will help them maintain a routine that ensures their hair is as healthy as the nutrients they are feeding it.
