Superfoods for Superhair

Aloha everyone!

After my post "Locks of Youth- Secret to Luscious Hair" I have had numerous inquiries on what hair products I use on a daily basis.

Nothing fancy, really.  Just Head & Shoulders (2-in-1 Shampoo and Conditioner), and Herbal Essence (Volumizing Conditioner).

Here's a secret for ya: Using the right shampoo and conditioner alone does not give us the luxurious locks we crave.  Our diet plays an important factor, as a memorable saying goes, "You are what you eat,"... the health of your hair depends a lot on the food you consume.  Just like the rest of your body, your hair needs balanced doses of protein, vitamins, minerals, and oils to grow.

Here are ten Superfoods for Superfabhair. 

EGGS
Eggs are one of the best protein sources you can find. They contain lots of biotin (which helps strengthen hair and nails) and vitamins B5, B12, and D.   In addition eggs also contains sulfur, a tress-boosting mineral.  

SALMON
Salmon is filled with protein, iron and omega-3 fatty acids, a high-quality protein source that is loaded with Vitamin B-6 and B-12, which produces red blood cells to carry oxygen to follicles.  A deficiency in omega-3 fatty acids can result to a dry scalp and dull hair. 

AVOCADO
Avocados contain lots essential fats and are a great source of biotin, which is key to growing healthy hair. Biotin helps hair grow thicker, stronger, and longer.  You can even apply avocado directly on to your hair as a hair mask, adding body and shine to your hair.   

CARROTS
Carrots are an excellent source of Vitamin A, which aid in having healthy scalp and shiny hair, and not to mention good vision ;) If shiny, well-conditioned hair is what you want, you need to have a healthy scalp, so keep munching on those carrots.  

OLIVE OIL
Olive oil contains essential Vitamin E.  In addition, the polyphenols in olive oil help control inflammation which can damage hair follicles as we get older.  Like avocado, you can also apply olive oil directly on your hair, especially in winter or on humid days.  Combing on a tablespoon of olive oil can tame frizzy hair and help moisturize your mane. 

FLAX SEED
Flaxseeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids.  They also contain lignans- plant-derived chemicals that act as antioxidants.  Flaxseed help prevent hair loss and boost hair strength. 

DARK GREEN VEGETABLES
Dark green vegetables like spinach and broccoli provides iron and calcium, as well as Vitamins A and C.  Your body uses these minerals and vitamins to produce sebum, an oily secretion from your hair follicles, which naturally conditions your hair and promotes hair growth.
 

WALNUTS
Walnuts provide zinc and fatty acids. Walnuts have alpha-linolenic acid, an omega 3 fatty acid that help condition and moisturize your hair.

BEANS 
Beans are another example super food for healthy hair. Beans provide good amounts of protein for hair growth, as well as iron, zinc and biotin. A deficiency in biotin can result in dry, brittle hair.

YOGURT
Yogurt contain calcium, a mineral that is vital in the role of hair growth.  It contains whey and casein, both excellent high quality protein sources necessary for a healthy scalp and hair.  For better results, opt for unsweetened Greek yogurt instead of the sweet,colorful yogurts.


Next time you visit the store, try adding these items on your shopping cart.  Your chances of having healthy, shiny, luscious locks may be as close as your nearest supermarket ;)


Love,
Honey

Locks of Youth- Secrets to Luscious Hair

“The hair is the richest ornament of women.”
-Martin Luther

In the beauty scheme of things, it’s difficult to underestimate the importance of hair.  Healthy hair indicates well-being and youth.  For women, hair is an important sign of beauty and age.

People who have it, treasure it.  People who don’t, grieve the loss of it.  Hair is sexy.  We want it to look fabulous, at all times.  If it doesn’t we don’t feel good.  At least, I don’t….

I was blessed with thick, jet-black hair- a physical attribute my beautiful late mother passed down to me and my sisters, and my brother.  She constantly reminded me never to dye my hair, because all of the chemicals will destroy the growth, strength and natural shine and texture of it.  I believed her, but I what I didn't learn until later in my life (now) is that there are several factors that affect hair growth.

Among the factors that affect hair’s growth are hormonal changes caused by aging, emotional stress, change of diet, iron deficiencies, and hereditary tendency toward hair loss.  Add to these hot irons, color treatments, and overstyling, and hair is overwhelmed from all sides.   At this time in my life, I am highly concerned about the effects of growing old, not having enough vitamins, and dwelling a very anti-stress-free lifestyle has on my hair.  I am lucky enough not to worry about hereditary hair loss.

I have had a lot of great compliments about my hair.  It’s the single characteristic that I am delighted to be vain about, therefore when the day finally comes when my hair starts falling, thinning, and going gray, I will be in misery.

Still blooming in my mid-twenties, I make it a point to maintain my locks of youth.

The secret to long, lush, youthful hair?   Allow me.

DIET
Hair is made up of proteins and nutrients, and can be malnourished just like our bodies if improperly fed.  My normal diet includes fish, eggs, yogurt, apples, grapes, spinach, strawberries, broccoli, and cabbage.  If you are a meat eater, include lean meat and poultry.

SLEEP
Sufficient rest is important for our bodies, our health, and our hair.  Lack of sleep can affect our bodies’ chemical balance disturbing our hair growth.  I make sure I sleep a total of 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night.  When my workload gets in the way of my slumber, I make sure my body catches up on lost sleep and rest when I can.

STRESS
Stress, worry and depression have an adverse effect on hair growth and can lead to premature hair loss.  Reducing stress can help fight against hair loss, allowing your growing hair to flourish.  When I am stressed out, I meditate or do yoga.  I also pick up a book, write, make jewelry or sew.

EXERCISE
Daily exercise improves circulation throughout your body, including your scalp, which can result in faster hair growth.  Thick hair springs from a healthy, clean scalp.  Proper exercise plays an important role in supplying oxygen needed to promote hair growth rate and length.

HAIR CARE
Ah, yes, the puzzling question on how often to wash hair.  Wash, wash, and wash your hair- preferably once a day.  While shampooing, massaging, conditioning, oiling, gently combing and brushing your hair can help to promote your maximum hair growth rate and length as well.  My no-longer-little-secret::: I leave my conditioner on at least 5 minutes.

WARNING!  Following Miss Honey’s advice will result to undeniably smoother, shinier, voluminous hair.

Don’t say I didn’t warn ya! ;)

Love,
Honey