Certain diets and specific foods may affect hair loss. For example, eating too many simple carbohydrates or fish high in mercury could increase this risk. Nutritious foods, especially those high in micronutrients, such as vitamins B and C, could prevent hair loss and improve hair health.
Iron deficiency (ID) is the world's most common nutritional deficiency and is a well-known cause of hair loss.
Only riboflavin, biotin, folate, and vitamin B12 deficiencies have been associated with hair loss.
“Vitamins are essential for healthy hair growth and may help in preventing hair shedding and thinning,” says Michele Green, M.D., a cosmetic dermatologist in New York. “The best vitamins for hair growth include B vitamins, vitamin D, vitamin E, zinc, biotin and iron.
Excessive hair shedding is common in people who have experienced one the following stressors: Lost 20 pounds or more. Given birth. Experiencing lots of stress (caring for a loved one who is sick, going through a divorce, losing a job)
Sources of Biotin
Foods that contain the most biotin include organ meats, eggs, fish, meat, seeds, nuts, and certain vegetables (such as sweet potatoes) [2,12].
Protein is also critical for keeping your hair healthy, but many people don't get enough. Lean meats like fish and chicken, eggs, and soy products are good sources. Eat one serving every day. Because trace minerals like iron, magnesium, zinc, and biotin also affect hair, it's a good idea to take a daily multivitamin.
Harsh shampoo, hair treatments, styling products, and excessive brushing contribute the most to poor hair health. However, other culprits include: overconsumption of alcohol. low-calorie and crash diets.
While having that cup of coffee a day can help to encourage healthy hair growth, also note that drinking too much can cause hair loss to occur as well. Consuming too much caffeine can stunt the growth of hair during the hair growth cycle. It can work to slow down this process, meaning your hair may not regrow quickly.
Hair Health: Foods That Prevent Hair Fall
Add fruits like oranges, papaya, blueberries, lime and kiwi to your diet. Vitamin C also helps in the production of an essential protein called collagen which strengthens blood vessels that supports the hair shafts.
Here's the hard truth: Little can be done to permanently change the diameter of individual hair strands. Thickening products can do wonders to temporarily plump hair strands, but when it comes down to it, fine hair is genetic and can't be changed.
Sources of Biotin
This includes walnuts, peanuts, cereals, milk, and egg yolks. Other foods that contain this vitamin are whole meal bread, salmon, pork, sardines, mushroom and cauliflower. Fruits that contain biotin include avocados, bananas and raspberries.
Sweet potatoes
Sweet potatoes are full of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and carotenoid antioxidants. They're also one of the best vegetable sources of biotin ( 8 , 11 ).
You can perform a “pull test” on your hair at home. Start with a small area of clean, dry hair, and run your fingers through it, tugging gently once you get to the ends of your hair strands. If more than two or three hairs are left in your hand after each tug, you may be experiencing telogen or anagen effluvium.
Excessive shedding usually stops on its own, especially if it's caused by stress or fever. But your doctor can check for underlying problems like thyroid disorders or nutrient deficiencies. Treating those problems will reverse the hair loss. Treatments can help excessive shedding and alopecia.
FALSE: Cutting your hair only affects the shaft, but not the follicle, which is the part responsible for growth and premature loss. Getting your hair cut may mean you feel like it's falling out less as your split ends will have been removed and your hair will look healthier, but it has no impact on new growth or loss.
Biotin. Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, stimulates the production of keratin to increase follicle growth. Biotin deficiencies tend to be rare, with those diagnosed with Biotinidase Deficiency being the most common.
If you are experiencing thinning or balding, our Bosley experts recommend washing no more than three times a week.
Oats are brimming with hair-loving nutrients such as fibre, zinc, iron, omega-6 fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). All of these come together to stimulate dormant hair follicles and promote hair growth. With regular use, you will notice that your hair appears thicker, longer and stronger.