Dermatologic Diet for Healthy Hair & Scalp

Healthy eating improves the natural color and texture of hair.

Hair transplant surgeries and other procedures are pricey options when it comes to dealing with unhealthy hair and scalp. Luckily there are other options that are fairly inexpensive and will improve a person's overall well being along with their hair and scalp health.

What to Avoid

Dermatologists discourage fad diets as they disrupt the body's intake of essential nutrients. The jolting change in metabolism can affect the quality and volume of hair, as it causes hair thinning and even baldness in extreme cases. Diet changes that encourage a weight loss of 1 to 2 pounds per week are better at maintaining overall health.

Vitamins and Supplements

Many beauty supplements assist hair, skin and nail health.

Biotin is an essential B vitamin that assists with the growth of new hair, and also improves overall skin, nail and hair health. Zinc supplements are recommended by dermatologist Ted Daly as zinc prevents genetic hair loss. Nutritionist Samantha Heller recommends MSM, or methylsulfonylmethane, as skin health supplement for women.

Food and Herbs

Salmon and dark greens will benefit overall health.

Heller also supports a diet with omega fatty 3 acids, as they have anti-inflammatory properties that assist hair health. These oils are found in soy, fish and walnuts. Broccoli, eggs and poultry have iron and vitamin B12 that help hair as a person ages. Increasing the amount of herbs in a diet can be beneficial. Sage tea and psoralea seeds are applied directly to the scalp in Chinese medicine, while ginger and green tea leaves can be consumed as a tea.

References

• Best Diet for Me: Dieting and Hair Loss - The Real Story
• Web MD: Treating Hair Loss Naturally

Resources

• Good Housekeeping: Top 10 Foods for Healthy Hair