by Phyllis Logie

Created on: April 22, 2010

Both men and women have always regarded their hair as their crowning glory.  It is for this reason today, that millions of dollars are spent each year on hair beautifying products by both sexes, in an effort to keep their hair in the best possible condition. It is an essential part of our outward appearance which could affect the way others perceive and make judgements about us.

To achieve healthy hair growth, certain essential nutrients and vitamins play a central role. However, there are numerous other factors which can heavily impact in a negative way on the condition of our hair.  Stress, air-borne toxins; excessive exposure to the sun, cigarette smoke and smoking, excessive alcohol consumption and lack of adequate sleep can all result in dull, brittle and lifeless hair, that can ultimately slow the rate of growth and overall appearance of the hair.

If the body is in good health, human hair grows at the rate of .35mm per day.  However, the growth cycle can be maximised and enhanced by a healthy diet loaded with the right blend of vitamins which include whole grains, fresh fruits, brewers yeast, eggs, fish, turkey and milk.

However, often our busy modern life style does not always allow for healthy eating, in which case our diets can be supported with the taking of a blend of amino acids and vitamin supplements. The most important of which are the B vitamins:

1. Vitamin B-6, otherwise known as biotin

 2. Lositol, pivotal in preventing hair loss and retarding premature greying

 3. Folic acid, together with vitamin B-3 helps to promote circulation to the scalp.

 4. Vitamin E has recently begun to emerge through research as being one of the most beneficial vitamins in the fight against hair loss. It has antioxidants which stimulate the scalp by increasing the blood flow, making hair stronger and altogether healthier.  The intake of vitamin E can be increased naturally by increasing the amount of green leafy vegetables eaten on a daily basis.

 5.  Vitamin A also plays a role in the strengthening of the hair follicle and it also helps to lubricate the roots of the hair.  Foods high in vitamin A are those red, yellow, and orange in colour, vegetables, liver and eggs.  However, if your diet is sufficiently high in vitamin A, then additional supplements should be taken with caution, because vitamin A has a tendency to build up within the body. 

 6. Lastly, Vitamin C is also considered as essential for healthy hair and foods rich in vitamin C include, all the citrus fruits, kiwi fruit, strawberries, pineapples, tomatoes, green and red peppers.

Certain minerals are also believed to be beneficial to healthy hair growth such as magnesium, sulphur, Zinc and silica.  Flaxseed oils and beta-carotene 10.000 to 15,000 IU are also important constituents in a well-balanced diet.

Smoking is detrimental to the overall healthy appearance of the hair; therefore it is yet another good reason why it should be stopped.  It causes the capillaries which transport blood to the scalp to contract and as a result less blood is carried to the scalp to promote healthy hair growth.

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