When we think of healthy hair, we don’t typically think of healthy hair follicles, but that’s where it starts
Each follicle is made up of highly active, living cells that form a mini pouch that helps hold hair strands in place and, with blood vessels attached, create a nourishing environment for hair to grow.
Nutrients flow through the blood vessels and supply the hair follicle with the nutrition it needs to fuel growth. There are four distinct phases of the growth cycle:
Growth (anagen). As the name implies, hair strands grow during this phase—the most active phase of the cycle. New hair is formed during this time, and, as the hair follicle is nourished, hair growth can occur. During normal hair growth, about 90 percent of hair follicles are in this phase, which can last two to seven years.
Regression (catagen). After allowing lots of growth, the hair follicle goes through a transitional period where the base of the hair follicle begins to break down and detach from its nourishing blood vessels. This begins to weaken the connection between the hair strand and the hair follicle. One percent of hair follicles are in this stage at any given time, and it lasts about one to two weeks.
Rest (telogen). As time goes by, the base of the hair follicle that began breaking down in the regression phase becomes completely inactive, further weakening the connection between the hair strand and the hair follicle. At any point in the cycle, 9 percent of hair follicles are in this stage, which can last five to six weeks.
Shedding (exogen). Eventually, the hair strand completely detaches from the hair follicle and falls out.
Thousands of hair follicles simultaneously undergoing their own hair growth cycle demands lots of cellular activity and energy, which requires nutrients, especially B vitamins. Here are the key nutrients that support healthy hair:
B vitamins—thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, vitamin B6, biotin, folate, and vitamin B12—play key roles in cell health and activity. They support energy pathways by breaking down macronutrients to produce the energy needed for our cells to function well, like properly growing and dividing during the hair growth cycle.
Iron contributes to energy metabolism in hair follicle cells, too, and may be important for normal hair growth.
Zinc and selenium support the maintenance of normal hair by protecting the body against oxidative stress via the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD).
Vitamin D may play a significant role in supporting healthy hair by regulating hair follicles throughout the hair growth cycle, especially during the growth phase.
Like every other cell in the body, hair follicle cells need antioxidants to protect them from oxidative stress. Vitamins A, C, and E work together to protect these cells from the damaging effects of free radicals so they can function normally.
MINERALS
Minerals are nutrients needed for our body’s health and function. They are solid substances that can be made up of one element or a combination of several elements.
Basic bodily function at the most basic level, is allowing blood to carry oxygen and allowing our eyes to see, but a lack of minerals will start to affect us internally which shows on the outside. Issues like slow or weak hair growth, easily broken nails and breakouts.
Minerals and vitamins are micronutrients needed for your healthy hair growth. They are essential in that they are directly responsible for the health of your hair follicle, and healthy cell turn over.
Minerals that are incredibly helpful for your hair growth are zinc, iron, iodine, and magnesium along with others that we will look at below.
PLANT BASED RECIPES FOR HAIR HEALTH
Many nuts, seeds, legumes, fruits, and vegetables contain vitamins and minerals that can support cell activity, which makes a grain-free granola, black bean scramble, lentil soup, eat your nutrients.
There are no scientifically proven follicle miracles that will make your hair grow. However, by eating a balanced diet and ensuring that you eat the right foods you may see an improvement. If you’re deficient in any of the above vitamins and unable to get the correct amounts through your diet alone, consult your GP, as it might be worth taking a supplement.
HAIR HEALTH
Achieving and maintaining healthy hair can be harder than you think. From diet changes and stress levels to the constant barrage of new products, there are a lot of factors to consider.
Take Care of Your Scalp
The root of any hair problems starts at the scalp, which many people forget to pay extra attention to. While some scalp conditions are due to unhealthy scalp habits such as overuse of dry shampoo or aggressive cleansing, unhealthy scalps are also due to natural sensitivity, and require ingredients and treatment to address appropriately. Maintain a healthy scalp by cleansing regularly, avoiding abrasive cleansers or scrubs, and keeping it protected from damaging environmental sources like pollution, cigarette smoke and ultraviolet light.
Sleep on a Silk or Satin Pillowcase
Silk pillowcases—and even satin pillowcases—can make a huge difference in the health of your hair. Silk is beneficial to the hair because it is a breathable fabric, allowing circulation and preventing the moisture from night sweats from getting trapped at the root of the hair. It also helps to minimize the friction between our hair fibers and cotton fabrics. The texture of the fabric helps to retain natural shine and freshly blown out and styled hair.
Listen to Your Hair
An important thing to remember is that everyone’s hair and scalp is different. Pay attention to how your own hair reacts to products, practices, and haircare routines. Then, adjust accordingly. It’s okay to wash your hair daily. Increased frequency of hair washing does not cause increased hair loss. Everyone’s scalp is different and has different washing needs. If you notice your hair is more dry and damaged, start decreasing your washes as washing hair too frequently might lead to stripping it of its natural oils. Find a balance and do what works for you.
Minimize Stress
When your mind and body are stressed, energy is diverted from making lush, thick hair. When your body is out of whack, it can show in your hair. Stressful events such as delivering a baby, being hospitalized, or dealing with a loss can trigger a type of hair loss called telogen effluvium. But don’t worry, once the stress is decreased and life starts getting back to normal, hair growth typically returns to a healthy state. Get back to healthy.
Establish a Consistent Haircare Routine
Depending on your hair type, you’ll want to choose a gentle, moisturizing routine and stick with it. Look for a shampoo and conditioner tailored to your needs, a leave-in conditioner with heat protection, a protein treatment for every other week, and a deep moisturizing treatment for the weeks “off” of the protein treatment.
When your body is out of whack, it can show in your hair
Protect Your Hair From Heat
After shampooing and conditioning, apply a heat protector on damp hair, it reinforces a protective barrier to prevent breakage and breakage.
It's important to remember it takes time to see results
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