Nutrition and Hair: The Secrets To Hair Growth.

Obtaining long and beautiful healthy hair does not only require a hair care regimen such as weekly wash, the moisturization process, protective styles, and hair care products. No matter how radical you are with your weekly hair care regimes, hair growth will not emerge rapidly without proper nutrition. 


Nutrition is a branch of health science that studies the effect of nutrients on the body. Evidence based research discovered the role of certain nutrients in hair growth. These nutrients include: vitamins, protein, and water.

Nutrients That Promote Crown Growth.

Vitamins

Vitamins are micro-nutrients that have various important functions in the body. When it comes to our crown, vitamins are pioneers for crown growth.

Vitamin A, E, C, and D: these vitamins act as antioxidants. Anti-oxidants prevent oxidation, a condition that damages the cells in our body. Apart from preventing oxidation, vitamin A have other functions that promote a healthy scalp full of long, beautiful hair. Vitamin A has chemical properties that induces cell synthesis. Cell synthesis is a process in where new cell are produced, including hair cells. New hair cells give rise to new hair.

Vitamin A also aids in skin maintenance by inducing the production of sebum. Sebum is a substance composed of oil and mucus. Its duty is to keep our skin, in this case the skin on our head (scalp) lubricated to prevent dryness. A dry scalp can create a harsh environment that is damaging to our crown.

B Vitamins: There are many types of Vitamin B. The B vitamins that help in hair growth are  Riboflavin (B2), Niacin (B3), Biotin, Folate, and Cobalamin (B-12). Riboflavin, Niacin, Folate and Cobalamin aids in erythropoiesis (red blood cell production). Red blood cells are important because it contains oxygen. Oxygen is vital because the cells uses it to catabolize carbohydrates to yield energy. Without oxygen our body would not be able to convert carbohydrates into energy which keeps our cells alive.

Biotin aids in the production of collagen and keratin. Both proteins are structural proteins that maintains the strength of our crown and protect it from harmful substances. Collagen also plays a role in the renewal of cells when old or damgaged cells become of no use.

Protein and Water

Proteins maintains and repair the cells and tissues in our body. In relation to hair, it helps maintain the cells that give rise to hair, and repair the cells that are damaged. Protein also helps the body to produce collagen and keratin which is fundamental to the hair structure. Weak or low counts of keratin makes your crown prone to breakage.

Water hydrates the scalp keeping it smooth and healthy. A hydrated scalp results in hydrated hair. If you suffer from dry hair, water deficiency could be the reason. Drink at least  eight glasses of water each day to maintain a healthy scalp.

Now you know the secrets to obtaining healthy and long hair. Consume foods rich in these nutrients to sustain the health of your crown. Below is a chart that lists food sources for each nutrients mentioned in this article.

Wellness Advice 

Lower Stress. Stress is proven by the American Academy of Dermatology to cause hair loss. Exercise more often to lower the stress caused by different circumstances.

Do not rush the process. Hair growth takes a long time and will not come right away. You may see results two months after you start eating healthy, but tremendous results need about six months to a year to appear. Have patience and do not rush.

Credibility: This post was written by Onyinyechi Anyanwu who holds a bachelor degree in Nutrition and Dietetics.