Women go to great lengths to achieve healthy, shiny, long hair. We book regular appointments with our hairstylists so that our hair can luxuriate in salon-quality treatments and conditioners. Our bathroom cabinets overflow with expensive products that promise to help strengthen, grow and enhance the appearance of our hair. Product after product yields less-than-stellar results, and we’re left with empty bottles and unhealthy hair that won’t grow. The secret for fast hair growth isn’t in a fancy, colorful bottle filled with a fruity-scented cream; it starts from within.
Add More “Fat” to Your Diet
WebMD reports that essential Omega-3 fatty acids promote hair growth. Add grilled salmon to your salad, invest in a quality flaxseed oil supplement or enjoy walnuts as a snack. These foods are rich in essential omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to contribute to healthy hair and promote growth. Foods such as soybeans, shrimp, sardines, and tofu also provide your body with the omega-3 fatty acids it needs. And as an added bonus, essential fatty acids even help keep nails looking healthy.
Get Your B’s
B-complex vitamins, which include thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pantothenic acid (B5), pyridoxine (B6), biotin (B7), folic acid (B9) and cobalamin (B12) are known to aid in hair growth. These vitamins can be taken in pill form but are also found in foods such as nuts, beans, eggs, seafood, poultry, liver, milk, cheese, green leafy vegetables, carrots, mushrooms and peas, to name a few. If you opt to purchase a B-complex vitamin instead, Pure Health MD suggests avoiding brands that include artificial coloring. Also, check the label before purchasing and ensure the supplement contains at least 100 percent of the recommended daily allowance for B vitamins.
Enjoy a Carrot a Day
Add beta-carotene to your diet by enjoying fruits and vegetables such as leafy greens, carrots, and sweet potatoes, which provide large amounts of beta-carotene. Beta carotene aids in hair growth and maintenance. If you’re not getting enough beta-carotene in your regular diet, purchase the vitamin in capsule, liquid, or tablet form. The Mayo Clinic suggests that adults take 6 to 15 mg of beta-carotene as a dietary supplement, in capsule or chewable tablet form.
Put Down the Flat Iron
Flat ironing, curling, and blow-drying your hair could be stunting your hair growth. Women’s Fitness reports that heat damage can cause split ends and hair to thin. Opt for air-drying your hair and wearing low-manipulation styles, such as buns and low ponytails, to protect your hair and promote growth.
