Five Foods For Healthy Hair Growth

If any of you reading this are in the midst of ‘short to long’ hair metamorphosis, you’re all too familiar with the long and anxious process of hair growth. We have to get creative, incorporate bobby pins, bandanas and of course hats for those bad hair days.

How do we speed up the process without… *gulp* extensions? Food! Eat your way to long locks by incorporating a few of these staples for healthy hair growth.

1) Sunflower Seeds

One of the best natural snacks: sunflower seeds. Rich in Vitamin E, sunflower seeds stimulate blood circulation that flows directly to the scalp, thus strengthening hair follicles.

2) Sweet Potato

One of the healthiest carbohydrates: sweet potatoes are also best consumed in the fall season. Sweet potatoes are loaded with beta-carotene, which converts to Vitamin A during absorption. For hair to grow in full and strong, a healthy scalp is the starting point. Vitamin A produces natural oils in the scalp to promote glossier and thicker hair growth.

3) Oysters

A, B, C, D, E… Zinc! We can’t forget about the end of the vitamin alphabet. One of the most zinc rich foods comes from the sea: Oysters. Zinc is a mineral that produces hormonal proteins that prevent hair thinning while rebuilding hair follicle cells. More hair follicles equals fuller hair! But, remember moderation; not enough Zinc: hair loss. Too much Zinc: hair loss.

4) Almonds

Almonds are one of my favorite salad ingredients. They are high in biotin, which will make hair grow fast (yes!) and thick. Easily incorporate at least a cup of almonds per day into your diet, with either almond butter toast or adding them raw to any dish.

5) Yellow Bell Pepper

Move over oranges, yellow peppers have at least five times more Vitamin C levels. High doses of Vitamin C will prevent breakage and strengthens hair shaft and follicle. Collagen production also derives from high Vitamin C dosages, which strengthens hair longevity.

When you don't have access to the right salon products, just remember that you have all the right vitamins for hair growth in nutrient-rich food groups.