In a bid to speed up the growth of our hair, to make it long and healthy, we often tend to focus on the application of external products (both natural and artificial), this should not be so, because the internal (foods) and external go hand in hand to ensure that we get to the desired destination.

To nourish and accelerate hair growth, many of us have tried the oil bath method, ginger mask, egg mask, honey mask, coconut milk mask, onion mask (and every other mask), scalp massage, regular trims, and other tons of artificial products promising to improve our hair status, with little or no result. 

We tried virtually every hair care product that pops up on our devices every time we surf the internet. The question is, have you tried a balanced diet?

Know this and know peace

Hmmm! Long, healthy hair come with this “non-negotiable” versatility, it allows one to change style with ease if you know what I mean.

Factors like age, health, genetics and diet, affect your hair growth. Although you can’t change factors like age and genetics, diet is one thing you have control over. In fact, consuming a diet lacking the right nutrients can lead to hair loss.

Hair grows about half an inch per month on average, and about 6 inches (15cm) per year. A lot of patience and maintenance is required to get to your desired length.

Lets your growth starts from within

Nutrition plays an important role in the health of your hair. The cells that make up each strand of hair require a regular supply of key nutrients. 

If you are predisposed to thin, so-so hair, you wouldn’t want to make it worse by consuming the wrong foods, would you?

Examples of Foods that may Influence Hair Growth

1. Eggs

Eggs are a great source of protein and biotin, the two nutrients that may promote hair growth. Eating sufficient protein is good for hair growth because hair follicles are made of mostly protein. A lack of protein in the diet has been shown to promote hair loss.

Biotin is essential for the production of a hair protein called keratin, which is why biotin supplements are marketed for hair growth. Eggs are also an excellent source of zinc, selenium and other hair-healthy nutrients. This makes them one of the best foods to consume for optimal hair health.

2. Fatty Fish

For example, fatty fish like salmon, herring and mackerel have nutrients that can promote hair growth. They are all excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which have been linked to hair growth.

However, there are only a few studies on omega-3 fatty acids and hair growth. Fatty fish is also a great source of protein, selenium, vitamin D3 and B vitamins, nutrients that may help promote strong and healthy hair.

3. Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are a great source of beta-carotene(or a nutrient that the body readily converts into vitamin A), which is linked to good hair health. A sweet potato of about 114 grams contains enough beta-carotene to provide more than four times your daily vitamin A needs.

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Research has shown that vitamin A promotes the production of sebum, which helps keep hair healthy. What’s more, vitamin A could also speed up the pace of hair growth and encourage the growth of thicker hair, all while preventing other hair follicles from regressing

4. Soybeans

Studies have shown that some compounds in soybeans may promote hair growth. One of these compounds is spermidine, which is abundant in soybeans. 

5. Sweet Peppers

Sweet peppers are an excellent source of vitamin C, which may promote hair growth. One yellow pepper provides nearly 5.5 times as much vitamin C as an orange. Vitamin C helps promote collagen production, which can help strengthen your hair strands.

6. Shrimp

Shrimp are popular shellfish rich in several nutrients that have the potential to promote hair growth.

Bottom-Line

Aside from using natural or artificial or both to promote the growth of your hair, ensure to also fuel you internally. Essential fatty acids such as green vegetables, seeds, eggs, nuts, oily fish, seeds and legumes, with foods rich in antioxidants, zinc, iron, vitamins, proteins promote healthy hair growth.

Kindly share in the comment session some tips that have worked for you in the past.