How To Eat Your Way To Healthy, Strong Hair

Did you maybe bleach your hair one too many times this past year and are now dealing with some seriously lackluster strands? Don't worry, if you start incorporating the best foods to eat for strong hair into your diet, you'll be rocking a healthy head of hair again in no time. Who knew haircare could be so delicious?

P.S. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but there's one hair struggle no diet hack can magically get rid: split ends. If you've already been eating the foods below hoping for stronger hair and not seeing tons of results on your strands, it's because you need a trim! While you can help reduce the appearance of split ends without scissors, getting rid of them for good is ultimately going to require a salon visit.

Even though the foods below can't quell split ends, what they can do is help prevent dried out frizz in the first place. Also, you might see noticeably improved softness, shine, and of course, strength. #WorthIt, am I right? If you try consistently adding these foods to your diet now, you could notice a difference in your hair's health and appearance in a few weeks. I dare you!

1. Strawberries

Prevention pointed out strawberries' vitamin C boosts your body's production of amino acid chains that are essential for strong hair. And, they're currently in season. #Win

2. Flax Seeds

Omega-3 fatty acids are crucial for shiny, healthy hair, and both flax seeds and walnuts are great sources. I like to sprinkle flax seeds on top of yogurt for a nutty crunch.

3. Lentils

Your hair follicles need iron to avoid breaking, and lentils pack a powerful plant-based iron punch. Serve them with a squeeze of lemon or lime so your body can easily absorb the key nutrients.

4. Nuts

BBCGoodFood explained, "Hair is made of protein, [and] ensuring you have enough protein in your diet is crucial for making hair strong and healthy." You can easily sneak in a protein boost by snacking on nuts throughout the day.

5. Eggs

Breakfast lovers rejoice! Your beloved eggs are rich in biotin, a water-soluble B vitamin that hydrates and repairs brittle strands. But, if you're not an egg person, you can also buy biotin supplements at most drug stores.

6. Guava

Another source of brittleness-preventing vitamin C? Guava! According to WebMD, the tasty tropical fruit features "377 milligrams of vitamin C. That's more than four times the minimum daily recommended amount."

7. Sweet Potatoes

For shine, WebMD shared that it's hard to beat sweet potatoes thanks to their high beta carotene content. The site explained, "Your body turns beta carotene into vitamin A. That helps protect against dry, dull hair. It also encourages the glands in your scalp to make an oily fluid called sebum that keeps hair from drying out."

To easily add sweet potatoes to your diet, I recommend cutting them into french fry shapes, tossing with olive oil, and roasting at 325 F for about half an hour for homemade fries.

8. Dark Chocolate

As shared on HairEssentials, dark chocolate is packed with antioxidants and vitamins (include copper, zinc and iron), which "help promote [the] cell renewal process [that] leads to healthy growth and stronger hair follicles." Yes please.

9. Oysters

Zinc is essential for strong, shiny locks, and oysters happen to be packed with the nutrient. Luckily, if oysters aren't your thing, fortified cereals are another great option.

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