I blame my fascination with thick, shiny, tumbling locks on Ariel, I’ve been envious of that Disney mermaid ever since I watched her toss her long, auburn locks. As a woman who spends a lot of time in the water (both a natural lake and a salt-water pool at my gym), I always been on the hunt for ways to make my hair fuller, stronger, and thicker, trying almost every conditioner and hair treatment on the market.
Luckily, I finally learned that Mother Nature is my ideal hair stylist—with her bevy of natural, healthy supplements—that took my locks from limp to lush and envious…
1. Zinc
Zinc is considered an essential nutrient when it comes to carotene production, a substance that facilitates hair and tissue growth while keeping the oil glands surrounding hair follicles in prime working function. You can easily incorporate zinc-rich foods into your diet—for instance, shellfish, turkey, peanut butter, chicken, chickpeas, and pork.
2. Keratin
You also see keratin infused hair products on the store shelf for very good reason. Keratin is the key structural component that helps form the outer layer of human skin, human hair, and nails. Understandably, infusing your hair and scalp with keratin-rich products will mend damage ends, promote elasticity, and guard against further breakage and split ends. Just keep in mind, if you start using a keratin-rich product, it may take up to 6 months for results.
3. Horsetail
Many natural practitioners recommend drinking horsetail tea and applying horsetail extract (mixed with olive oil) directly to hair because it’s rich in silica, a substance that promotes hair growth, strengthens hair follicles, banishes dry scalp and dandruff, and protects against split ends and hair loss. Silica-rich horsetail is credited for promoting blood circulation when applied to the scalp.
4. Protein
Your muscles depend on protein for strength and so does your hair. Protein encourages the production of amino acids—essential for keratin (see above) production. Focus on animal based proteins that are lean and light (i.e., low fat diary and yogurt, fish, almond and soy milk).
5. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a primary ingredient in many beauty, hair, and nail products for good reason. A super-powered repair and renewal vitamin, C boots collagen 1 and 3 production, and collagen just happens to provide the foundation for strong hair, nails, and skin. Naturally boost vitamin C stores with lemons, kale, broccoli, citrus fruits, and strawberries, but be sure to combine them with a vegetable-based protein.
6. Selenium
Selenium, an antioxidant found naturally in garlic, beef liver, and whole grains can be incorporated into your diet to promote hair strength and elasticity. Selenium supports hair growth and strength by eliminating free radicals from sun and environmental exposure, powering the immune system and associated functions (i.e., hair and tissue growth).
7. Frankincense
With roots that date back to the biblical times, this musky oil has been coveted for numerous health and beauty benefits. Frankincense, considered an essential oil will make locks shine, strengthen your hair to the roots, preventing thinning hair and premature balding, and soothe the itchy and embarrassing effects of dandruff if used in your routine hair care.
8. B vitamins
You can consider all of the B vitamins essential for stunning hair growth—when it comes to strengthening hairs ends and boosting proteins in the hair shaft, when it comes to vibrant shine and color, and when it comes down to preventing hair loss and thinning. The B’s work together by increasing red blood cells, which transport vital nutrients and oxygen to your scalp, feeding your follicles and encouraging growing hair. Eating vitamin B6 or B12 rich foods (i.e., whole grains, fatty fish, oats, beets, soybeans, and lentils) will keep locks long, strong, and enviable.
