“Cruise the dairy aisle for low-fat options such as Greek yogurt, which is high in the hair-friendly protein, vitamin B5,” says Borba. Look for pantothenic acid—an ingredient you’ll often see on hair care product labels.
Cantaloupe, sweet potatoes, carrots, Malaysian palm oil, mangoes, pumpkins, and apricots are all good sources of beta-carotene. “Beta-carotenes help protect and produce the oils that sustain your scalp,” says Borba.
Did you know our hair is nearly all protein? “Poultry used in everyday entrees is extraordinary when it comes to protein, as well as zinc, iron, and B vitamins to keep strands strong and plentiful,” says Borba.
Camu Camu berries are Exotic super fruits hyper fortified with vitamin C, It’s hard to top this nutrient superhero. Vitamin C is critical for circulation to the scalp and supports the tiny blood vessels that feed the follicles. Too little C in your diet can lead to hair breakage.
Borba believes if you drink 8 cups of water a day, not only will your body feel better, but your hair will get stronger. “The stronger the hair, the faster that it grows,” he says. “Drinking water also keeps your hair hydrated from the inside out.”
“Eggs are a great source of protein [because they] are loaded with four key minerals: zinc, selenium, sulfur, and iron,” says Borba. “Iron is especially important, because it helps cells carry oxygen to the hair follicles, and too little iron (anemia) is a major cause of hair loss, particularly in women.”
