• Vitamin D

Vitamin D plays a major role in hair production and may also help create new hair follicles. Your body produces vitamin D when exposed to sun rays. It is also available in salmon, cod liver oil, mushrooms, and certain fortified foods.

• Vitamin E

Vitamin E has antioxidant properties that protect against oxidative stress. In one study, patients with alopecia (patchy hair loss) experienced a 34.5% increase in hair growth after vitamin E supplementation . Avocado, sunflower seeds, almonds, spinach, broccoli, wheat germ, and hazelnuts are rich in vitamin E.

• Iron

Foods with iron are essential for supporting healthy hair growth. Iron helps red blood cells to carry oxygen to body cells. Iron-deficiency anemia is a particularly common cause of hair loss in many women. Dietary sources of iron include clams, oysters, eggs, lentils, red meat, and spinach.

• Vitamin C

Vitamin C supports collagen production in the body, which is involved in the structural makeup of your hair. Oranges, guava, blackcurrants, broccoli, papaya, strawberries, blueberries, sweet pepper, kiwi, tangerines, and sweet potato are rich vitamin C sources.

• Omega-3 fatty acids

Omega-3 fatty acids play a major role in hair growth. They also keep your scalp and hair hydrated. Fatty fish like salmon, trout, herring, sardines, and mackerel, as well as flaxseeds, avocado, chia seeds, oats, walnuts, and pumpkin seeds, are rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids.

• Biotin

Biotin is a water-soluble B vitamin that supports hair growth. Dietary sources of biotin include liver, egg yolk, yeast, and whole grains.

• Zinc

Zinc is a trace mineral that helps in hair growth and repair. Zinc deficiency can lead to a dry, flaky scalp. Excess zinc intake may also cause hair loss. Whole grains, oysters, spinach, fortified cereals, lentils, eggs, and pumpkin seeds are rich sources of zinc.

• Niacin

This B-vitamin may also play a role in hair growth. Anecdotal evidence suggests that it supports moisture balance for a healthy scalp. Dietary sources of this vitamin include eggs, nuts, mushrooms, tuna, and beef.

We saw foods that can boost your hair growth. There also are certain foods that may negatively affect your hair growth. Check them out in the following section.

Foods You Should Avoid For Healthy Hair Growth

• Alcohol

Consumption of alcohol decreases the levels of zinc in the body, leading to zinc deficiency. This may lead to hair loss.

• Sugar

Moderate consumption of sugar does not necessarily cause hair loss. However, excess intake through cakes, white bread and pasta, pastries, and other refined starches may lead to hair loss. Further studies are warranted in this regard.

You may not know this, but there is a high chance that you are unleashing a world of damage on your hair while brushing and drying it. Here are a few things you need to keep in mind once you step out of the shower:

Use A Microfiber Towel

Pre-dry your hair with a microfiber towel once you step out of the shower. Avoid using a terrycloth towel as it can tangle your hair too much, increase frizz, and cause it to break.

Avoid Blow Drying

The heat from blow dryers damages your hair just as much as heat styling tools do. It is best to apply a leave-in conditioner all over your damp hair and let it air-dry.

Blow dry only after your hair is partially dry: If you absolutely cannot stop using a blow dryer, make this one simple adjustment. Blow dry your hair once it is 70% dry. This gives time for your hair cuticles to close up and will reduce the heat damage.

Tips For Styling Your Hair

There are just a couple of things you need to keep in mind when styling your hair. These include:

Use Soft Hair Elastics

Only use soft hair elastics when tying up your hair. Avoid using rubber bands and the hair elastics that have a metal clasp in the middle as they can tug on your hair and cause breakage.

Don’t Tie Your Hair Up Tightly

Don’t tie your hair up in very tight braids, buns, or ponytails as it can damage your hair and hair follicles and cause hair fall. It can also give you a raging headache.