Why don’t you eat yourself better hair? What am I talking about? Well you’ve heard the saying you are what you eat right! Your hair is no exception, and with new research suggesting that the average nutritional intake of the UK population is at a major slump, there’s no wonder so many are struggling with limp, dry and thinning hair. SO, how can one revive and nourish hair that’s lacking vitality?
Inside out beauty
Over in continental Europe, the general population have a different understanding of beauty. They grasp the idea of beauty from within because as science tells us, everything starts with the gut. Get your gut health right and 99% of your problems go away. Be it skin complaints, hair fall or lethargy and even depression, the gut is where it all stems from.
So what is causing our general gut health crisis if there is one?
The thing that absolutely blows my mind is that we humans are made up of more bacterial cells than we are human cells. Each of us has around 100 trillion microorganisms residing within our bodies in the form of Bacteria, Viruses, Fungi and Parasites. The delicate balance of these colonies of microorganisms plays a huge role in our health and well-being due to the way that the gut microbiome in particular, helps to extract nutrients from foods and create vitamins to keep us healthy. Disruption to this mechanism has been linked to a whole range of health issues. Just think, right now whilst you are reading this article, you have a host of microbial chemical factories in your gut, working away to keep you energised and moving. We have a lot to be thankful for co evolving with our teeny tiny counterparts.
Can my gut really affect my hair?
Our hair on our head can often be an outward reflection of what’s going on inside. The cells that divide to grow the hair strand in the hair follicle are the second fastest growing cells in the human body. Think of this part of your hair as the living part, just under the skin of the scalp where the follicle is fed blood via a vessel. The quality and quantity of the oxygen and nutrients present in the blood has a direct impact on the quality of cells dividing to form hair. This is a constant process of course, 24/7 day in day out just like all the other incredible functions of the body that we barely even stop to take notice of!
When your gut is not firing on all cylinders, it means you are potentially missing out on certain key nutrients from your food and this can result in thinner, more weakened hair as well as brittle nails and skin problems too.
How stress can manifest in hair loss
Stress can interfere with this process too. When we are overly stressed for long periods of time, the body goes into fight or flight mode. Blood pressure increases, the heart beats faster and nutrients are diverted from lesser important bodily functions like hair growth and prioritised towards supporting vital organs. This is a primal mechanism that once upon a time would have helped us to evade predators by priming the body for action. The trouble is, we still have this primal mechanism and the body doesn’t know the difference between a real life or death threat or one that we perceive mentally. In other words, if we are stressed out and anxious about any number of things, take your pick, money, work, war, your kids etc, the same fight or flight mechanism kicks in which can lead to some serious problems due to how stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline cause inflammation.
So what is the solution?
This is where we step in. Back in 2017, my wife Laura Tudor experienced severe hair loss after a bout of intense stress. As a hairstylist for nearly 20 years, I have seen my fair share of clients go through hair loss for a variety of reasons but nothing prepared me for seeing my own wife suffer and how helpless I felt. This is where the CENTRED story began A journey that involved lots of self-care, unlearning old patterns of thinking such as "I need to sacrifice my health in order to be successful" and some serious, serious research. In fact we are still researching today! We became fascinated with health and wellbeing and getting to the root cause of how stress could affect hair so much.
This is why we developed our collection alongside our 360 holistic approach to hair health, most importantly, starting with the inside, nutrition as the foundation for strong healthy hair.
So what is the best vitamin for hair growth
Hair growth is a complex process that requires a delicate balance of nutrients to thrive and there is no one vitamin or mineral for that matter that can single handedly claim to be best for hair growth. Instead, a combination of vitamins and minerals play a key role in supporting the process. Vitamin A, C, E, and biotin are known to enhance hair health, promoting strength and shine along with silica and other minerals like iron and zinc that also contribute to a healthy scalp, the foundation for strong, resilient hair.
Eat your way to healthy hair
The best way to give your hair all the right nutrients is to eat a healthy varied diet of whole foods consistently. In this modern age, we know that isn’t always easy and that is why we created our award winning and effective hair growth supplements, as a supplement for busy lives and to give your body a blend of targeted nutrients, herbal extracts each morning that help to nourish and feed your hair follicles from the inside out.
First though, let’s look at the ideal diet for healthy hair so you know what you can be aiming for from foods:
Protein: Hair is primarily made of protein, so it's crucial to include an adequate amount in your diet. Good sources include lean meats, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy products, legumes, and plant-based protein sources like tofu and tempeh.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: These healthy fats nourish the hair and support a healthy scalp. Include fatty fish (salmon, mackerel), flaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts, and hemp seeds in your diet.
Iron: Iron is essential for hair growth, and a deficiency can lead to hair loss. Incorporate iron-rich foods such as lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, lentils, tofu, and fortified cereals.
Vitamins A and C: These vitamins play a role in the production of sebum, which helps keep the scalp moisturised. Foods rich in vitamin A include sweet potatoes, carrots, spinach, and kale. Vitamin C is found in citrus fruits, strawberries, bell peppers, and broccoli.
Vitamin E: This antioxidant helps protect hair cells from damage. Include foods like almonds, sunflower seeds, spinach, and avocados in your diet.
Biotin: Biotin is a B-vitamin that is essential for hair health. Good sources include eggs, nuts, seeds, and sweet potatoes.
Zinc: Zinc supports the hair growth and repair cycle. Foods rich in zinc include oysters, beef, pumpkin seeds, and lentils.
Selenium: Selenium is involved in the production of the thyroid hormone, which regulates hair growth. Brazil nuts, sunflower seeds, fish, and turkey are good sources.
Silica: Found in vegetables such as cucumbers, bell peppers, and tomatoes, silica contributes to hair strength and elasticity.
Water: Staying hydrated is vital for overall health, including the health of your hair. Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Supplements blends That Work Wonders
Not all supplements are created equal, and finding the right blend is essential for optimal results. Nutritionists recommend looking for supplements that combine a variety of vitamins and minerals to address different aspects of hair health. A blend that includes biotin for strength, vitamin E for antioxidant support, and iron for healthy blood flow can be particularly beneficial.
Say hello to edible haircare
Tender Love & Hair is our nutritionist approved multivitamin hair growth supplement containing a powerful blend of vitamins, minerals, herbal extracts and amino acids for supporting the body's ability to produce the healthiest, strongest and luscious hair it can.
Concerned about menopausal hair shedding? Read this article - How to protect hair during menopause
Expert Insights
We reached out to nutritionist Dr. Sarah Miller, who emphasised the importance of a holistic approach to hair health. She stated, "While supplements can provide a boost, it's crucial not to overlook the significance of a balanced diet. A nutrient-rich diet supports overall health, which directly influences the vitality of your hair."
Maintaining Healthy Hair: Beyond Supplements
In addition to incorporating supplements into your routine, there are several lifestyle habits that contribute to the overall health of your hair. Adequate hydration, regular exercise, and managing stress levels are factors that shouldn't be underestimated. Hair is a reflection of your internal well-being, and a holistic approach is key to unlocking its full potential. Try scalp massage for improving hair growth, I'll talk more about in just a mo.
What to expect when taking hair growth supplements
It's important to remember that taking hair growth supplements is not a magic cure, and patience is key. Results can and do tend to vary from person to person, but so many of our customers report increased hair strength, reduced breakage, and improved texture after consistent use. It's important to set realistic expectations and understand that supplements work in conjunction with a healthy lifestyle and a holistic haircare routine. Our supplements work best when taken daily alongside regular scalp treatments using our hero En-Root Scalp Oil with Rosemary Oil (Leaf Extract). Twice weekly applications of En-Root Scalp Oil followed by 3-5 minutes of scalp massage is one of the best ways to nourish your hair follicles, ensuring they are receiving a healthy supply of oxygen and nutrient rich blood flow, a vital component of healthy hair. Not only is Rosemary oil amazing for stimulating blood flow and thus healthy hair growth but it is also anti-inflammatory, helping to sooth and calm scalp irritation and create the ideal base for strong roots.
Final thoughts
To wrap this article up I thought I'd leave you with a few final thoughts. Investing in your hair health goes beyond mere aesthetics; it's a testament to your overall well-being. Hair growth supplements, when combined with a nutrient-rich diet and healthy lifestyle choices, can unlock the secret to most luscious mane yet! Remember, the journey to healthy hair is a holistic one – nourish your body, embrace the process, and watch your tresses transform.
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