You’ve heard the adage that you are what you eat. What you may not know is that it’s especially true for your hair. Gorgeous hair goes hand in hand with healthy hair, and beyond the products and styling techniques you choose, your diet is the single biggest contributor to great looking hair.

The most important minerals to consume for healthy hair are iron and zinc. This duo helps your hair follicles grow. Lean meat is an obvious choice, but there are also great vegetarian sources. Soybeans and lentils are rich in both minerals too, and when eaten with something rich in vitamin C, they are more easily absorbed.

Protein is also an important component. Precisely how much you should consume depends to a certain extent upon your lifestyle, but 46 grams per day is good target. Again, lean meat and poultry are good choices, and pulses such as lentils and beans as well as nuts are great vegetarian options.

Omega-3 fatty acids are fantastic for giving you silky hair, and cold-water fish such as salmon are especially rich in them. Try to get a couple of servings each week to help keep your hair properly hydrated. For a vegan option, sea vegetables such as kelp and the oils of some nuts and seeds like flax and walnuts will also do the trick.

Biotin is part of the B vitamin group, and it’s important in the process of breaking down protein so that your body can absorb it. It also helps hair grow long and strong. Eggs are a great source. But so are almonds and whole grains such as brown rice, oats and bulgur wheat.

To look and feel your best, do your part at home and the team of professional stylists and aestheticians at  Richard Nicholas Hair Studio will work their magic. We’ve been helping clients tap into a sense of independence since 1971, and we can help you discover your perfect look.

If you have any questions or would like to book an appointment with one of our stylists, give us a call at (215) 567-4790 or visit our salon at 1716 Sansom Street in Philadelphia, PA.