The condition of your hair can say much about your health.
Washing your hair with the best shampoos or going to the salon is great for your hair. However, the main thing that keeps it shining and healthy is the food you eat.
You should look for the answer in your fridge. Foods packed with vitamins and minerals should be on the menu.
That’s why I would like to share with you what I usually include in my diet plan to keep my hair shiny and healthy.
Keep reading to discover the top 20 foods for shiny and healthy hair!
What Vitamin Makes Hair Shiny?
Your hair is one of the first things people notice about you, so you want it to look its best.
Having shiny, healthy hair can make all the difference in your appearance. So what vitamin makes hair shiny?
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is essential for healthy hair growth.
It helps the scalp produce sebum, which keeps hair follicles lubricated and prevents them from becoming dry and brittle.
Vitamin A also helps cells reproduce quickly, so it promotes a healthy scalp.
B Vitamins
B vitamins are also important for healthy hair.
- Biotin (vitamin B7) strengthens hair shafts and prevents them from breaking.
- Niacin (vitamin B3) increases blood circulation to the scalp, providing nutrients to the follicles and promoting growth.
- Folic Acid (vitamin B9) helps cells reproduce and prevents premature graying.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that plays a vital role in many bodily functions. It is also a powerful antioxidant that can help protect the body against free radicals.
Vitamin C has many benefits for hair, including promoting hair growth, preventing hair loss, and treating dandruff.
It is necessary for the production of collagen, which is a key component of healthy hair.
Collagen helps to keep hair follicles strong and prevents them from breaking. Vitamin C also helps to increase blood flow to the scalp, which promotes hair growth.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps to protect the hair from damage caused by free radicals.
Free radicals are unstable molecules that can cause damage to the cells in the body, including those in the hair follicle.
This type of damage can lead to dry, dull, and brittle hair.
Vitamin E also helps to keep the scalp healthy by promoting circulation and preventing dryness.
When the scalp is healthy, it is less likely to produce excess oil, which can lead to greasy and limp hair.
Vitamin D
In addition to promoting hair growth and preventing hair loss, vitamin D also helps to make your hair stronger and less likely to break.
This is because vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium, which is important for strong bones and teeth—and strong hair!
Iron
Iron is an effective mineral for hair growth.
It helps transport oxygen to the cells and produces energy in the body. It also helps create new hair cells and prevents hair loss.
Zinc
Zinc is an important mineral for hair health. It plays a role in cell growth and wound healing, which are both vital factors for maintaining a healthy scalp.
It also helps to keep the oil glands around the follicles working properly, which can prevent dryness and dandruff.
Keratin
Keratin can help to repair damage to the hair shaft and cuticle. It can also protect the hair from environmental damage and heat styling.
It can make hair appear shinier, smoother, and healthier overall.
20 Foods For Shiny And Healthy Hair
Looking for foods that will give your hair a healthy shine?
Check out these 20 options that are packed with nutrients essential for strong and lustrous locks.
Fatty Fish
To start with, any type of fatty fish is the main food every woman should have in her refrigerator for shiny and healthy hair.
In addition to the fact that large amounts of omega-3 and phosphorus are found in fatty fish, it is also full of vitamins A, D, and E.
It also contains zinc and iodine, so eating fatty fish at least a few times a week will make your hair just stunning!
Nuts
Nuts definitely should be in your diet!
Cashews, almonds, or pistachios are the best nuts for the amount of zinc that they contain. Zinc is very important, its lack can lead to hair loss or fragility.
Adding nuts to your breakfast can show you amazing results, which will be seen in your hair after only a few weeks.
Eggs
Eggs are always indispensable for hair growth.
They are a great source of protein, which makes your hair grow faster.
Moreover, eggs contain lots of vitamins such as A, B12, and B7, which are important not only for your hair but also for your entire body.
Apart from making your hair healthy, eggs also improve the appearance of your skin and condition of your nails.
Dairy Products
Dairy products can be a great source of calcium.
Calcium is necessary to make your hair grow and keep it strong.
Additionally, dairy products are a great source of protein, which is important for the health of our hair. It is also important to mention, dairy products also strengthen our immune system.
Accordingly, yogurt or cottage cheese will be a good snack.
Carrots
Carrots are the main source of vitamin A, thanks to which, apart from having good hair condition, you will also have great vision.
Drinking carrot juice will show you results just in a few months.
Also, you can eat raw carrots, add them to salad, or just make soup with them. This will have many benefits for both hair and your body.
Avocado
If you are struggling with hair loss, then avocado is what you need.
Avocado contains lots of vitamins and antioxidants that will not only make your hair grow faster but also will make it look shiny.
Due to its many benefits, most hair care brands include it as an active ingredient in their products like this shampoo and deep conditioner.
Chia Seeds
Chia is a great source of omega-3 acids, protein, and antioxidants.
Chia seeds can be added to anything, starting with soups and ending with cocktails and puddings.
Apart from the benefits for your hair, chia seeds prevent a variety of diseases and strengthen blood vessels.
These tiny seeds should be a must in your diet!
Berries
Berries contain vitamin C, which can be helpful in the production of collagen, preventing hair fragility and loss.
You can make berry smoothies, and desserts from berries or just eat them like they are.
Also, strawberries, gooseberries, blueberries, and cherries have a lot of beneficial effects on hair growth.
Kiwi
Kiwi can boost elastin production.
Shine, restore damage, and make your hair silky by including it in your diet.
Also, vitamins C and E, which are found in Kiwis, can improve blood circulation and make your hair grow. That’s why kiwi is often added to shampoos and conditioners.
Sweet potatoes
Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant that can help keep your hair healthy and shiny.
Beta-carotene is converted to vitamin A in the body, which is important for maintaining healthy hair follicles.
Sweet potatoes are also a good source of biotin, a water-soluble vitamin that is essential for healthy hair growth.
In addition to their many health benefits, sweet potatoes are also delicious and versatile food.
They can be baked, roasted, mashed, or used in soups and stews.
Sweet potatoes are a great way to add extra nutrition to your diet.
So next time you’re looking for a healthy snack or side dish, reach for a sweet potato!
Bananas
Bananas are an excellent source of nutrition for shiny and healthy hair.
They contain high levels of vitamins A, C, and E, as well as potassium, zinc, and natural oils.
All of these nutrients work together to nourish the scalp and hair follicles, resulting in strong and healthy hair.
They are also great natural conditioners. The vitamins and minerals in bananas help to hydrate the hair shafts, making them soft and shiny.
Bananas can also be used as a natural detangler. Simply mash up a banana and massage it into your wet hair before shampooing.
Mushrooms
Mushrooms are a great source of protein, which is essential for strong and healthy hair.
They also contain B vitamins, which are important for hair growth.
Additionally, mushrooms are rich in antioxidants and minerals like selenium and zinc, which can help protect the scalp and hair from damage.
So, if you’re looking for shiny and healthy hair, make sure to include mushrooms in your diet!
Lemon
Lemons are rich in Vitamin C, which helps to boost collagen production which is the main structural protein in the skin and hair.
Vitamin C also helps to protect the hair from damage caused by free radicals, which are molecules that can damage cells and cause premature aging.
They also contain citric acid, which can help to exfoliate the scalp and remove buildup that can lead to dull hair.
Green Tea
Green tea can help to improve the quality of your hair by providing it with essential nutrients.
Rich in antioxidants, it can help protect your hair against damage caused by free radicals.
Green tea also contains a variety of vitamins and minerals that are essential for healthy hair growth.
In addition to its nutrient content, green tea also has anti-inflammatory properties that can benefit your scalp health.
Scalp inflammation is a common problem that can lead to a variety of problems, including dandruff, dryness, and itchiness.
Whole Grains
Whole grains are an excellent source of biotin, which is a water-soluble vitamin that helps with the metabolism of fatty acids and amino acids, both of which are essential for healthy hair.
Biotin deficiencies have been linked to hair loss, so incorporating whole grains into your diet is a great way to ensure shiny and healthy hair.
Whole grains are also a good source of zinc, another nutrient that is essential for healthy hair.
Zinc helps with cell growth and repair, and can help prevent hair loss.
Like biotin, zinc deficiencies have also been linked to hair loss.
So if you’re looking for shiny and healthy hair, be sure to include plenty of whole grains in your diet!
Dark Chocolate
Okay, I know what you’re thinking. Chocolate? For my hair? But trust me, dark chocolate is one of the best foods for shiny and healthy hair.
Dark chocolate is packed with antioxidants, which help to protect your hair from damage.
It also contains essential fatty acids, which help to keep your hair moisturized and looking lustrous.
Plus, it’s delicious! What more could you ask for?
So next time you’re looking for a snack that will do double duty for your health and your beauty routine, reach for some dark chocolate!
Lentils
Lentils are a powerhouse when it comes to hair care.
They are packed with biotin, which is essential for healthy hair growth, and iron, which helps to prevent hair loss.
Lentils also contain high levels of protein, which is essential for strong and healthy hair.
Spinach
Spinach is a leafy green vegetable that is packed with nutrients. It is a good source of iron, beta-carotene, and vitamins A, C, and E.
These nutrients are important for maintaining healthy hair.
Eating spinach can help improve the appearance of your hair. It can make your hair shinier and healthier looking.
The beta-carotene in spinach helps protect your hair from damage caused by UV rays.
The vitamin C in spinach helps to boost collagen production, which helps to keep your hair strong and healthy.
Including spinach in your diet is a simple way to get these important nutrients into your body.
You can add it to salads, smoothies, or stir-fries. You can also cook it lightly and eat it as a side dish.
Pumpkins
Pumpkins are not only for Halloween decoration but also for shiny and healthy hair!
This orange fruit is packed with beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A in the body.
Vitamin A is essential for sebum production, which keeps hair moisturized and looking lustrous.
Pumpkins are also rich in antioxidants like vitamins C and E. These nutrients help to protect the scalp and hair follicles from damage caused by free radicals.
Free radicals can cause inflammation, which can lead to hair loss.
Antioxidants help to neutralize free radicals and prevent them from causing damage.
In addition to being a great source of nutrients for healthy hair, pumpkins are also low in calories and fat.
This makes them an excellent food choice for people who are trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is not only a delicious spice to add to recipes, but it also has many benefits for your hair!
This powerhouse ingredient can make your hair shinier and healthier with regular use.
Cinnamon has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which can help to soothe the scalp and clear away any buildup that could be causing hair problems.
It also stimulates circulation, giving your follicles the nutrients they need to produce healthy new hair.
Foods For Shiny Healthy Hair – Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re looking for ways to improve the health and appearance of your hair, you may have heard that what you eat can make a difference.
But with so many conflicting dietary recommendations out there, it can be hard to know what to eat for shiny, healthy hair.
Here are some frequently asked questions about food and hair health to help clear things up.
What Naturally Makes Hair Shiny?
Most people think that the only way to get shiny hair is by using products full of chemicals. However, there are a few ways to get shiny hair naturally.
To start, get a trim. This may seem counterintuitive, but getting rid of split ends will make your hair look healthier overall. Also, make sure you are using a conditioner that works for your hair type.
Applying high-quality conditioner that is formulated with vitamin E and Biotin like this one from the middle of your hair shaft to the ends will help seal in moisture and keep your strands looking smooth.
Finally, giving your hair some TLC by eating a healthy diet and getting enough water will also help make your hair look its best.
By following these simple tips, you can achieve shiny, healthy-looking hair naturally!
What Fruit Makes Your Hair Shiny?
There are many benefits to eating fruit, including making your hair shiny.
The vitamins and minerals in fruit can help to improve the health of your scalp and hair follicles, resulting in shinier hair.
- Bananas: The potassium in bananas can help to make your hair softer and shinier.
- Avocados: The fatty acids in avocados can help to moisturize your hair and make it shinier
- Kiwis: The vitamin C in kiwis can help to promote collagen production, which can help to make your hair stronger and shinier.
What Drinks Make Your Hair Shiny?
If you’re looking to give your hair a little extra shine, you may want to consider adding some of these drinks to your diet.
Green Tea
Green tea is loaded with antioxidants, which can help to fight damage-causing free radicals.
Free radicals can cause oxidative stress, which can lead to dull and lackluster hair.
Lemon Water
Lemon water is also a great option for giving your hair a boost of shine.
The acidic nature of lemon juice can help to remove buildup from the scalp, allowing your natural oils to better nourish your strands.
Cranberry Juice
Finally, consider adding some cranberry juice to your diet. Cranberries are rich in vitamin C, which is essential for collagen production.
Collagen helps keep hair strong and healthy, and can also promote shine.
Does Drinking Lots of Water Make Your Hair Shiny?
It’s a common belief that drinking lots of water will make your hair shiny, but is there any truth to it?
Your body is made up of mostly water, so it makes sense that keeping it hydrated would result in shinier, healthier-looking locks.
Drinking the recommended eight glasses of water a day can help improve the condition of your hair and skin, giving you a noticeable difference in just a few weeks.
If you’re looking for an easy way to get shinier hair, start by increasing your water intake. You’ll not only improve the health of your hair but also your skin and overall health.
What Oils Help Hair Shine?
There are a few oils that can help your hair shine.
- Coconut oil can help your hair by adding moisture
- Argan oil can help repair damage and add shine.
- Jojoba oil is a great option for those with oily hair as it can help to regulate sebum production.
The MorrocanOil Store offers products formulated with the natural oils mentioned above, and so far my hair has shown amazing results in terms of shine and texture.
Diet For Shiny Healthy Hair – Conclusion
Following a healthy diet is not only helpful for your overall health but can also improve the condition of your hair.
Eating a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help keep your hair looking shiny and healthy.
So if you’re looking to give your locks a boost, start by incorporating the above mentioned food for shiny and healthy hair.
Do you suffer from hair thinning or visible hair loss? Check out this 3-second ritual that brings back long, luscious hair fast!
