Top nutrients and herbs for healthy hair
A number of herbs and nutrients can play important roles in helping to keep your hair in tip-top shape. As an added bonus, many of them also support the healthy appearance and condition of the skin and nails.
Biotin for hair health
Vitamin B7, also known as biotin, is one of the most important nutrients for supporting the health of the hair. It can be found in foods like eggs, almonds, sweet potato and spinach - so try to include these as a part of a healthy, balanced diet.
If you aren't getting enough from your diet, biotin can even help with reducing hair loss. Bonus, it's also involved in maintaining healthy skin and strong nails.
Zinc supports healthy hair, skin and nails
The well-known mineral zinc is important for strong hair and nails, as well as the health and repair of the skin. Foods that are good sources of zinc to incorporate into the diet include oysters, red meat, chicken, legumes and pepitas (pumpkin seeds).
TOP TIP: Look out for a supplement containing zinc glycinate, a more readily absorbed form of zinc compared with other forms such as zinc sulfate.
Nutrients for collagen formation support
You might have heard of collagen. It's one of the structural building blocks of hair follicles and skin. Although it's becoming a popular ingredient to add to smoothies, taking collagen as a supplement isn't the only way to get it - you actually produce it yourself!
In order to do so, your body needs zinc, which is involved in the formation of collagen with a helping hand from nutrients such as vitamin C and silica.
Dong quai
In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) the hair, skin and nails are all traditionally thought to be nourished by the blood.
The helpful herb dong quai is traditionally used in TCM as a blood tonic that enhances the health of the hair, strengthens the nails and reduces skin dryness for skin health.
Always read the label. Follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist, worsen or change unexpectedly, talk to your health professional. Vitamin and mineral supplements can only be of assistance when dietary intake is inadequate.
Introducing Fusion Hair, Skin & Nails
Fusion Hair, Skin & Nails has been specially formulated to provide key nutrients that support the health of the hair, including zinc and biotin. It also contains dong quai, based on its traditional use as a blood tonic that improves hair health, strengthens the nails and reduces skin dryness to enhance skin health.
Always read the label and follow the directions for use.
Other ways to improve hair health
Here are some more ideas to nourish those luscious locks:
- Ensure your diet is rich in omega-3 fatty acids by eating regular servings of oily fish, nuts and seeds, and make sure you also include plenty of high-quality proteins and fresh fruit and vegetables
- Choose mild shampoos, conditioners and styling products, and avoid bleaching, dyeing or perming your hair
- Avoid exposing your hair to the heat of hair dryers, straighteners, curling irons and rollers, and instead gently dry it with a towel or let it dry naturally
- The ends of your hair are much older than the parts nearer the scalp, and consequently have had greater exposure to the sun, chemicals, hair styling and day-to-day living. Having your hair cut or trimmed regularly will help to keep them in good shape, reducing knots, tangles and split ends
- Be patient! Improving your diet and lifestyle may have significant benefits for your hair, but those changes will only affect new hair growth, which occurs at the rate of just 3 centimetres per month, so it will take time for the healthier strands to grow