- Poor nutrition, hormonal changes, stress and shock play a major part in affecting the condition, appearance or disapperance of hair.
- Vitamin A – promotes healthy scalp.
Food sources: dark green, orange and yellow fruits and vegetables.
- Vitamin B complex – Regulates the secretion of oil, keeps hair healthy and moisturized.
Food sources: cerals, tomatoes, lean meat, liver, kidney, Brewer’s yeast, eggs and green vegetables.
A severe lack of biotin (one of the Vitamin Bs) can lead to hair loss. It works best with Vitamin B5, B12 and folic acid. Food sources: cauliflower, yoghurt, wholemeal bread, bran and bananas.
- Minerals such as zinc, iron and copper promote healthy hair.
Food sources: zinc – lean red meat, chicken, pumpkin seeds and green vegetables; iron – beef, dried apricots, lean red meat, parsely, eggs, wheatgerm and sunflower seeds; copper – animal organs, seafood, egg yolk and whole grains.
A lack of iron is cited to be the cause of hair loss among women who have not reached menpause.
- Proteins – because hair is made up of 97% protein (keratin), consuming enough of it gives hair a natural shine.
Food sources: lean meat, grains and soy.
Chapter: Hair Care :: 24 April 2007
