Did You Know?
Just like skin, the condition of your hair is an outward sign of inside health. Your hair needs a regular supply of nutrients just like the rest of your body. Eating a balance of the nutrients listed below can supply the hair with everything it needs to be strong and lustrous.
Protein: Hair is made up of protein so if you do not have enough protein in your diet then your hair can turn out being dry, brittle and may even lead to hair loss. Protein is crucial in your hair diet for making your hair strong and healthy. Choose chicken, turkey, fish, dairy products, legumes, nuts and eggs to help supplement the protein needed for healthy hair.
Iron: Too little iron is a major cause of hair loss because the hair follicle and root are fed by a nutrient rich blood supply. When iron levels are low (anemia) it disrupts the nutrient supply to the follicle, which affects the hair growth cycle and may result in shedding. Animal products such as red meat, chicken, & fish provide the easiest way to get readily accessible iron into your system, and for vegetarians try raising your iron by including lentils, spinach and other leafy greens into your diet.
Vitamin C: Vitamin C goes along with iron because it aids the absorption of it in your body. So, it is a good idea to eat foods high in Vitamin C in conjunction with foods high in iron. Of course, Vitamin C is also an antioxidant and helps in the production of collagen which strengthens the capillaries that supply the hair shaft.
Omega-3: This fatty acid is very important because we can only receive the benefits through our diet, because our body cannot make it itself. Omega-3’s are found in the cells that line the scalp and provide the oils that keep your scalp and hair hydrated. Oily fish such as salmon, herring, sardines, trout and mackerel as well as plant sources like avocado, pumpkin seeds and walnuts are the perfect foods to introduce into your diet if your hair is dry and slightly brittle.
Of course, there are more foods and vitamins that are essential to your health, but these few options are great introductory diet changes that you can suggest to your client when they are unhappy about the health of their hair. It is important to stress that they will not see changes overnight and some tips may not work for them like it has worked for others, but it is never a bad idea to eat healthy. Offer a natural hair mask as an add-on with any skin care purchase.
Some great options include:
Amir Argon Oil Deep Conditioning Mask - Conditions hair from root to end with argan and acai oils.
Amir Coconut Oil Deep Conditioning Mask - Conditions hair from root to end with coconut oil. Amir's coconut oil is filled with essential fatty acids, vitamin E & antioxidants leaving hair wonderfully shiny and smooth. Also infused with keratin to reinforce the hair cortex.
