Let’s start this by saying the easiest way to keep your hair happy and healthy, is to watch what you put in your body. For all the shampoos, conditioners, and leave-in treatments we buy to support our locks, we are actually taking one step forward and two steps back when our diets are not in check.
Obviously, our hair can become damaged by the processes inflicted daily with chemical treatments and flat irons- these things cannot be reversed with food. But when we do not supply our bodies with enough nutrients, (especially when malnourished), it can severely increase the damage that has already occurred.
“Your hair grows about 1/4 to 1/2 inch every month, and the foundation of all of our new hair, skin, and nail growth is the nutrients we eat. If you eat a healthy diet, you will grow stronger and healthier cells throughout your entire body — inside and out.”
-Dawn Jackson Blatner, RD, a Chicago-based dietitian. (www.webmd.com)
If we want to keep our hair healthy in between cuts we need to make the most of our resources. Start your healthy hair regimen with these nutrient rich foods that will give your hair luster and length through the months.
Growth Promoting Food
- Salmon: Omega-3 fatty acids, high-quality protein source, filled with vitamin B-12 and iron.
- Dark Green Vegetables: Source of vitamins A and C, which your body needs to produce sebum.
- Beans: Protein to promote hair growth, ample iron, zinc, and biotin. Biotin deficiencies can result in brittle hair.
- Nuts: Best source of selenium, an important mineral for the health of your scalp. Walnuts contain alpha-linolenic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid that may help condition your hair. Terrific source of zinc, as are cashews, pecans, and almonds. A zinc deficiency can lead to hair shedding.
- Poultry: Provides protein and iron with a high degree of bioavailability, meaning your body can easily reap its benefits.
- Eggs: Contain biotin, protein, and vitamin B-12, all of which are important beauty nutrients.
- Whole Grains: Healthy dose of zinc, iron, and B vitamins.
- Oysters: The key to their abilities is zinc — a powerful antioxidant.
- Low-Fat Dairy Products: Low-fat dairy products are great sources of calcium, an important mineral for hair growth. They contain whey and casein, two high-quality protein sources.
- Carrots: An excellent source of vitamin A, promotes a healthy scalp along with good vision.
(Source: www.webmd.com. To read a detailed account of each food- click
here)
Second in our healthy regimen is a good shampoo and conditioner. Try Oribe’s Signature Shampoo and Conditioner, they call it a “daily indulgence” for a reason. This duet will give you UV protection, strength and repair, is weightless, and paraben free. It will keep looking and feeling as it should between cuts. Trims are as followed: every 6 weeks for the more frequent chemical/mechanical client, and anywhere from 6-8 weeks for clients who have relatively virgin hair.
Signature Shampoo & Conditioner
- Macadamia Nut Seed Oil smoothes hair and delivers antioxidant properties.
- Whole Wheat Derived Proteins moisturize and condition.
- Lychee Extract defends hair from oxidative stress, photo-aging and deterioration of natural keratin.
- Edelweiss Flower Extract protects against the drying, damaging and color-depleting effects of the elements.
- Watermelon Extract boosts natural protection against oxidative stress and deterioration of natural keratin.
For an additional boost of moisture and health add Signature Masque by Oribe once a week for 10 minutes.
