Leading trichologist Eva Proudman has shared the foods she recommends for supporting hair growth, strength and thickness.
As we head into a new season, attention turns to ways to combat
winter hair problems, and it's no surprise that diet can help.
The
Absolute Collagen ambassador rates a list of food, from protein-packed eggs and beef, to plant-based staples such as lentils and quinoa. She also breaks down why getting enough protein, iron, zinc and other key nutrients through a varied, balanced diet is important for healthy hair.
So without further ado, here are her nine hero foods with a brief explanation on why they're so good for hair.
Eggs
A source of complete protein, iron and selenium
Beef
Provides protein and iron, important nutrients as part of a balanced diet
Oily Fish
A source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids
Lentils
Rich in plant-based protein, iron and zinc
Quinoa
A complete plant-based protein containing all nine essential amino acids
Pumpkin Seeds
A good source of zinc, which contributes to normal hair maintenance
Chia seeds
Providing protein, omega-3s and other nutrients
Soy foods
Tofu, tempeh and edamame beans, they all contain complete plant-based protein
Poultry
Chicken and turkey both provide a broad range of minerals and vitamins
Why is Food and Nutrition So Important for Healthy Hair?
"Hair requires good quality protein for optimum hair health, ideally complete proteins that contain the 8 essential amino acids that can only be found from dietary sources and not made by the body," explains Eva Proudman, Absolute Collagen Resident Trichologist.
"The protein provides the nutrition to keep the hair follicle in optimum health, however the hair follicle is unique as it is the second fastest dividing cell in our bodies but non-essential, therefore it is always at the bottom of the food chain which in simple terms means that if you don’t have enough protein the body will prioritise the essential organs leaving the hair with no nutrition.”
If you have clients with thinning hair, be sure to hit up these tips for cutting, colouring and styling thinner hair.
