We all want healthy, shiny hair, but sometimes it can be difficult to achieve. While there are many natural hair care products and treatments, it's important to remember that the key to healthy, shiny hair actually starts from within.
Our diet plays an all-important role in the health of our hair, and the right vitamins can help us get those lustrous locks we desire. So let's dive in and take a look at the five vitamins that hair needs to shine.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is found naturally in many foods like sweet potatoes, carrots, spinach, and kale. This mighty little vitamin is essential for growing healthy cells throughout the body-- including your scalp. And Vitamin A also supports the production of sebum, a natural oil that moisturizes your scalp and helps keep hair from becoming dry and brittle.
B Vitamins
There are B vitamins, including thiamin (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pantothenic acid (B5), pyridoxine (B6), biotin (B7), folate or 'folic acid' (B9), and cyanocobalamin (B12). This hard-working group of vitamins supports functions throughout your body. They also nourish hair follicles and promote a healthy scalp to support hair growth. Foods rich in B vitamins include leafy green vegetables, chickpeas, eggs, almonds, avocados, and sweet potatoes.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an antioxidant known for supporting the immune system. But Vitamin C also helps your body absorb iron, which is vital for healthy hair growth. And it helps protect hair from damage caused by those havoc-wreaking free radicals. Getting Vitamin C into your diet is easy, as it's present in some of the yummiest fruits and vegetables like strawberries, kiwis, oranges, tomatoes, and bell peppers.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is essential for overall health, but did you know it also plays a vital role in keeping your hair healthy? It supports a healthy scalp and helps stimulate and regulate hair cell growth. The best source of vitamin D is sunlight, but it is also found in foods like egg yolks, fish, and mushrooms.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E supports healthy blood circulation throughout your body-- head to toe. And healthy blood circulation in your scalp is essential for healthy hair growth. As a natural antioxidant, vitamin E also helps protect your hair from free radicals. To get more vitamin E in your diet, add more nuts, seeds, and leafy green vegetables to your meals.
These five vitamins are essential to healthy hair-- and healthy hair shines! If you want shiny hair, a well-balanced diet that includes these vitamins is a good place to start. And if your hair is really dull, dry, and prone to breakage, you might want to try a DIY hair mask as well.