We want our hair to grow faster to reach that ideal length, but we just can’t wish it to happen! And we’re tearing our hair out over it (no pun intended!)
Thankfully, our hair can grow faster if we feed our bodies with the right nutrition for it. Byrdie spoke to model and certified nutritionist Alicia Rountree who shared five foods that can help enhance your efforts towards hair growth. The nutritionist said that the foods we eat can help “repair, strengthen, and lengthen our locks”. Well, even if you don’t see visible results, at least you know these foods are packed with vitamins so you’d also be eating healthier!
1. Avocados
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Rich in antioxidants, avocados are also packed with vitamins E and B. These two vitamins are known to help strengthen hair and prevent them from damage. In other words, you’ll see less breakage in your hair, which definitely helps if you are hoping to grow your hair faster.
Try: Put it on a toast for breakfast, add in to a salad for a heartier lunch, or make it into a milkshake if you’re craving a healthy dessert.
2. Carrots
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Carrots can be found in almost any supermarket. This root vegetable contains vitamin C and E, both are essential vitamins that can help boost hair growth and thickening. This means that if you’re suffering from hair thinning or want to prevent it from happening, carrots are going to be your best friend.
Try: Carrots, apples, and ginger make a good combination for a healthy juice that won’t just enhance hair growth but also help with detoxification of the body. Alternatively, fill your pantry with baby carrots, which makes for a healthy and easy snack in between meals.
3. Walnuts
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You may have heard that walnuts are great for boosting brain power, now you can add one more benefit to it: hair nourishment. These delicious nuts are enriched with omega-3s, biotin, protein, copper, and vitamin E. These nutrients are responsible for giving your hair its shine, while protecting your locks from UV damage. We can never say no to healthier-looking hair!
Try: Besides munching on it as a healthier snack option when you’re feeling peckish, those who are better in the kitchen can consider using walnuts to make pies. They also add great texture to salads.
4. Dark chocolates
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We didn’t expect to see this one on the list but we’re definitely not complaining. Our favourite treat is apparently filled with minerals like zinc, copperm, and iron. These boost hair and scalp health by improving blood flow to scalp to encourage hair growth.
Try: We don’t need to tell you how to best enjoy this sweet treat. But we have to remind you to go easy on it if weight management is a concern!
5. Guava leaves
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This might be slightly harder to find, but you can try your luck at markets and organic stores. Guava leaves are rich in vitamin C, which improves the condition of hair loss and also strengthens your tresses.
Try: Boil it with your favourite tea as a soothing beverage. But if the idea of consuming them is weird to you, Rountree recommends boiling them with water then wash your hair and scalp with the mixture when it has cooled down.
Shampoos for hair growth
Want to see more body in your hair? These shampoos may help you achieve more voluminous tresses.
1. Percy & Reed Bountifully Bouncy Volumising Shampoo
Infused with blackcurrant extract, this shampoo is a great cleansing agent that also gives your hair a more voluminous and lively look.
It retails at SGD32 and is available at Sephora.
2. Christophe Robin Cleansing Volumizing Paste
This unique shampoo transforms from clay to foam – and we think it’s genius. The shampoo in clay format helps absorb impurities and oil from scalp, while the foam cleanses them all away.
It also contains rose extracts and Limnanthes extracts, which help densify hair.
It retails at SGD79 and is available at Sephora.
3. Ouai Volume Shampoo
The brand is known for its paraben-free formulas that work wonders on hair. This shampoo is able to give hair more body by replenishing moisture in the strands so they look more lifted.
It retails at SGD42 and is available at Sephora.
4. Patricks SH1 Daily Thickening Shampoo
If your hair breaks easily, and is why its growth is impeded, then this may be the right shampoo for you.
This shampoo strengthens the protein in your locks and swell your hair shaft so your tresses look thicker. Best part? You’ll achieve fuller-looking hair without it feeling weighed down.
It retails at SGD15 and is available at Sephora.
5. Sachajuan Volume Shampoo
This shampoo improves hair volume by rebuilding hair fibre. On top of making your hair look denser, this shampoo also promotes shine.
It retails at SGD36 and is available at Sephora.
