You Can Prevent Hair Loss

Your hair says a lot about your general health. If it’s lacklustre, weak or even falling out, don’t fret. You can prevent hair loss with the right foods. Omega 3s, nutritional yeast and antioxidants – along with a host of other ordinary edibles – can provide all of the necessary vitamins and minerals.

Aesthetics aside, hair loss can be worrisome. If yours is beginning to thin, you’ll probably be wondering if there are any real solutions. Whilst it’s true that genetics are a factor, there are still ways to improve the condition and volume of your hair by addressing your overall health. Read on for five fabulous and easy suggestions.

Fight for your right (to a full head of hair)

1. Nurture yourself with nutrition

Look at your diet. Really examine it and be honest. Are you getting enough vitamins and minerals? Your hair and skin will provide the first clues. For instance, an iron deficiency will look manifest itself as weak and brittle hair that is prone to falling out. If you’re lacking zinc, you can expect the same results.

Are you familiar with biotin? It’s a part of the B vitamin family that supports your skin, hair and nails. Without sufficient levels, you’ll see a deterioration in their appearance. But where do you find it and how do you make sure you’re getting enough? It’s fairly easy, as your daily requirement is only 30mgs. Here’s what to eat:

• Avocado contains up to 6mgs of biotin per serving. In this case, that’s one whole avocado. The healthy fats will also be terrific for your tresses.
• Nuts (pecans, Brazils, hazelnuts…take your pick!)
• Omega-3 oils (flaxseed is excellent)
• Brewer’s or nutritional yeast
• Whole grains
• Strawberries
• Brown rice
• Tomatoes
• Bananas
• Peas

Cysteine is another element that should become familiar to you if you want to bolster your barnet. It’s a basic amino acid for hair growth – and it strengthens it, too. Add some simple foods to your menu and you’ll soon see an improvement.

• Soybeans
• Brazil nuts
• Porridge oats or oat bran
• Broccoli

2. Apply apple cider vinegar

If you don’t have a bottle of apple cider vinegar in your kitchen cupboard, it’s time to get with the programme. There are endless ways to use it – from cleaning your house to cleaning yourself! As we’re talking about your hair today, here’s how it’s relevant. Apple cider vinegar (or ACV, as it’s known by the cool kids) promotes circulation, so it will stimulate and oxygenate your scalp. Just add half a cup of vinegar to half a cup of water. Apply the mixture to wet hair, massage for 5 minutes and follow with a warm water rinse. You can treat yourself to this procedure twice a week.

3. Get to know nettles

The first word that you associate with nettle might be ‘nasty’ rather than nurturing. Give it a chance, though. Nettle (yes, stinging nettle) has been used for thousands of years as a medicinal plant. The very properties that  cause it to sting your skin – and turn the air blue – are the same ones that act to stimulate and strengthen the capillaries. You’ll find nettle in loads of shampoos and creams, but an infusion works just as well. To a cup of boiling water, add about five nettle leaves. Let it steep until it’s lukewarm and apply it to damp hair. Let it rest for 20 minutes. Make this a twice-weekly habit and your hair will shine like the stars.

4. Hello, aloe!

We’re sure that you’re already familiar with the aloe vera‘s many virtues for the skin. Did you realise how much it loves your locks? By nourishing your scalp, it repairs follicles and stimulates hair growth. Just squeeze the juice from one an aloe leaf or buy a prepared gel. If you opt for the preparation, make sure that it’s at least 99% pure. Either way, mix the juice or gel with a cup of hot water. Stir to dilute and massage it into damp hair. Let it rest for about twenty minutes, then rinse with warm water and follow with your favourite shampoo. This treatment can be enjoyed twice a week.

5. Go crazy with carrots and coconut milk

Carrots create great hair. So does coconut milk. What if you were to combine them? Imagine the benefits you’ll get from two brilliant sources of vitamin B – which is vital for promoting growth and health. Pop a medium carrot into a blender with a cup of coconut milk. You’ll want to mix them until you get the texture of a smoothie. This is your moisturising elixir!

Apply it to damp hair, bit by bit. Massage it in as you go until you’ve used the entire portion. Leave it for 20 minutes to work its magic. If you’ve got an embarrassing shower or swim cap, now’s the time to employ it. The heat will help to activate it. Time up? Remove your silly hat and rinse with warm water. Follow up with a good shampoo and make this a twice-weekly treatment.

Try as many of these secret weapons as you like. Your locks are going to be the envy of your block.