When we think about nutrition, we often forget about the hair.
When we think of nutrition, the hair is not something that quickly comes to mind. Images of caring for the body, eating right for our health, is closer to the mark. The hair needs special treatment too, just like the rest of our body does.
The average human head carries over 100,000 hairs. Most of us lose 25 to 250 hairs a day. That's not a lot considering the amount we have. The average life span of a strand of hair is two to six years. For this reason, it is essential that we take proper care of our hair.
There are several aspects to hair care and hair nutrition. What you eat, what you put on your hair, and how you treat your hair, all play important roles in how your hair looks. Do you have dull, lifeless, drab hair? Chances are if you do, you're missing nutrients your hair is crying out for.
The worst thing for your hair is a hot blow dryer, yet that is the one thing that most people do to damage their hair. Take an extra few minutes to wash your hair, and allow extra time for your hair to dry naturally. This will save on split ends, not to mention saving the hair the damaging effects of very hot air drying your hair and scalp out. If you absolutely must blow dry your hair, wait until the hair is almost dry, then blow dry on the lowest, coolest setting.
Another way we damage our hair is overly washing it. Our hair is meant to have natural oils. It is not necessary to wash your hair everyday unless you are out in the heat and grime. When we wash our hair too often, we wash away those natural oils that our hair needs. Two to three times a week, or every other day is more than enough. Also, it is not necessary to buy high priced shampoos. Inexpensive shampoos work just as well. Use conditioner on you hair after each shampoo. This makes for a much easier combing, causing less tangles and breakage of hair strands.
What we eat is as important to our hair as it is to the rest of our body. If you want your hair to look it's best, you've got to feed your body the vitamins and minerals your hair needs to be strong and healthy. To keep your hair (and body) looking and feeling its best, incorporate a healthy diet into your daily routine. Taking vitamin supplements is also an excellent way to enhance your health.
Eating foods rich in Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid), Vitamin B8 (Biotin), Folic Acid, Para Amino Benzoic Acid, Silica, Calcium, Zinc, and iron, to name a few, helps prevent or reduce hair loss, helps replace dull hair with shiny hair, and helps maintain overall healthy hair.
Leafy, green vegetables are good sources of mineral sources. Silica can be obtained from raw oats. Iron is found in dried fruits and meats. The B Vitamins can be found in foods such as cow's liver and wheat germ. Iron is found in raisins, eggs, liver, and whole grain cereals. Silica is found on the skins of potatoes and cucumbers, and in bean sprouts.
Remember that if you want your hair to look great, pamper it, care for it, and feed it properly. Your hair will love you for it.
Copyright 2002 by Cindy Thomas
About the Author
Cindy Thomas is the editor of AuthorMania.com, http://www.authormania.com and FrugalSimplicity.com, http://www.frugalsimplicity.com. Thomas is the author of Freelance Writing Markets and Greeting Card Markets, both available on AuthorMania.com