Your Hair is What You Eat

We are all familiar with the saying, “you are what you eat,” and our familiarity with this phrase derives from our understanding that how we look on the outside is affected by what we are putting inside of our bodies. This concept of “beauty from the inside out” is also applied to our hair. The most fundamental contributor to hair’s appearance is nutrition. Hair building vitamins and nutrients absorbed in the blood have more of an influence on how our hair grows, looks and feels than any product we put on top of our hair.

Although hair is dead, it is one of the fastest growing tissues in the body made from the food we eat. The generation of hair tissues is a continuous process that is more efficient when the tissues are provided with the necessary proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins and mineral. Our hair is primarily made of protein, but every vitamin and mineral facilitates a function in the body. The specific nutrients beneficial in improving the health, vitality and appearance of our hair are:

Vitamin A- prevents drying of the hair but excessive amounts can cause hair loss

Vitamin B- promotes healthy hair and skin

Vitamin C- helps in the growth and repair of cells; prevents skin damage and promotes healing

Vitamin E- improves blood circulation

Essential Fatty Acids (EFA’s)- helps relieve itching and inflammation

Selenium- controls dry scalp

Iron- creates richer blood and carries oxygen to the cells

Zinc- important for the replication, growth and repair of cells


Don’t underestimate the power of a healthy lifestyle and its influence on the growth and appearance of your hair. Take care of your body and your hair will flourish.



Here are a few healthy food options your hair will enjoy:

- Yellow, red and green vegetables
- Whole grains
- Brown rice
- Beans
- Oatmeal
- Nuts
- Eggs
- Avocado
- Soy beans
- Bananas
- Lean proteins
- Fish

EAT UP!

--Dr. Kari Williams, IIT, TECT
Guest Blogger

About the author: Dr. Kari Williams, IIT, TECT

B.A., University of California, Berkeley; M.A., International Institute of Trichology; PhD., Elan Center for Trichology; Licensed barber, professional hair designer & stylist, natural hair care specialist, trainer, educator and consultant on proper hair care, maintenance, styling and design, hair care products consultant, Board Certified Trichologist, Co-founder & President of AnnCarol Hair Collection & Hair Care Products, and Founder, CEO & President of Mahogany Hair Revolution Salon & Trichology Clinic.

For more information please visit www.mahoganyrevolution.com