No frizzy curls, no fly-a-way strands, no bed head…no more bad hair days? Is it possible? Ok, I’m not a miracle worker, I can’t promise all that, but I can promise you that there is a way to eat that will help your hair to grow stronger and healthier and look gorgeous. Now granted if you were born with fine, thin hair, you'll never have ultra-thick tresses – no matter what you eat – but a well-balanced diet that includes plenty of growth-promoting protein and other key nutrients can make a substantial difference in the texture, appearance and the potential gorgeousness of your hair.

First the bad news: your hair is at its thickest and most luxurious when you are in your early 20s. You remember your 20s; it was when you were bleaching/dying and putting your hair through the wringer with one invasive process after another (maybe that was just me?). Well, as you get older, the number of hairs on your scalp declines as part of the natural aging process and your hair thins out. Age also affects your hair’s shine as hormones and other daily stresses take their toll. But here’s the silver lining, you can change your diet to ensure you are getting all the hair health nutrients your body needs resulting in a gorgeous head of hair. It is important to note that while you can buy a myriad of over the counter topical products that promise all sorts of hair “miracles,” the reality is, your hair is fed by your scalp which is fed by what you put into your body, not on top. So, save your money at the salon and hit the market instead.


Good hair nutrition begins with getting enough protein, which is the building block of your hair. Then you need complex carbohydrates to help assemble the proteins for hair growth and essential fatty acids for shine. Other important vitamins and minerals include B complex, folic acid, B12, and zinc. I know what you’re thinking, you’re busy so why can’t you just pop a pill and be done with it? Real nutrition (and real results) comes from real food. It’s that simple. So, let’s get out your grocery list:

Gorgeous Hair Food #1: Salmon

Salmon is loaded with the health-promoting omega-3 fatty acids, high-quality protein as well as vitamin B-12 and iron: it’s a hair wonder food. If you don’t eat fish, substitute with ground flaxseed (which can be sprinkled on cereal or salads) for some plant-based omega-3 fats.

Gorgeous Hair Food #2: Dark Green Vegetables

Spinach, broccoli, kale, Swiss chard, they are all excellent sources of vitamins A and C, which your body needs to produce sebum. Sebum is an oily substance secreted by your hair follicles to condition your hair and protect it from drying out. It’s your body’s natural deep conditioner.

Gorgeous Hair Food #3: Eggs

Eggs are one of the best protein sources you can find. They also contain biotin and vitamin B-12, which are important beauty nutrients.

Gorgeous Hair Food #4: Low-Fat Dairy Products

Low-fat dairy products like skim milk and yogurt are great sources of calcium, an important mineral for hair growth. They also contain whey and casein, two high-quality protein sources. If you are vegan or don’t eat dairy for whatever reason you can still get all the protein you need from soy based products and from beans, nuts, lentils and seeds. Fortified bread and cereals can help you meet your hair’s calcium needs.

Gorgeous Hair Food #5: Essential Fatty Acids

Nut, especially walnuts and almonds contain those all-important omega-3 fatty acids. The nice thing about nuts is that you can just throw a bunch in your bag and be on your way. Other good fats include olive oil and coconut oil.

Gorgeous Hair Food #6: Water

Water, the go-to item for almost every health list plays a big part in hair health as well. Drinking plenty of water hydrates your scalp and follicles and ensures the blood is circulating well to feed the hair with all the vital nutrients you’re now eating.

Gorgeous hair comes from being healthy inside and out. Most people put great effort and money into what they put on their hair but completely ignore the products that go into making your hair. By eating a well-balanced diet with plenty of good quality protein, essential fatty-acids and drinking plenty of water you will not only improve your overall healthy but you will help grow a gorgeous head of hair. While it won’t happen overnight, over time healthy eating will lead to lovely, luminous locks.

“…Long beautiful hair, Shining, gleaming, Streaming, flaxen, waxen…”
--from the musical Hair

Up next…Quick, Healthy and Stress-free Summer Eats