Good hair starts on the inside. These 20 foods can help you grow luscious, healthy locks.
1 of 20
Eggs
Shutterstock
Biotin and protein are essential for healthy hair, and both can be found in eggs. Starting your day with an omelet or scrambled eggs will promote healthy hair, as will a hard-boiled egg or two as a snack throughout the day.
2 of 20
Avocados
Shutterstock
Don’t feel bad about paying extra for avocados. You’re really paying extra for great hair. Avocados have healthy fats and vitamin E, and both are going to serve your scalp well. Avocados are cheaper than high end shampoo, right?
3 of 20
Yogurt
Yogurt
Shutterstock
Anyone who grew up in the ‘90s or ‘00s will remember the push for kids to eat yogurt. Turns out that those marketing executives were onto something. Yogurt has lots of protein and calcium, and both are great for your hair.
4 of 20
Nuts
Shutterstock
Nuts have all kinds of nutrients in them that are good for healthy hair, including zinc and vitamins E and B. Have a handful of mixed nuts with your breakfast or incorporate them into your snacks throughout the day.
5 of 20
Seeds
Shutterstock
If you have yet to get in on the seed craze, consider joining. Thanks to their vitamins and nutrients, eating seeds has all sorts of benefits for your hair. Flaxseeds and chia seeds are just two good options for seeds you can try.
6 of 20
Sweet potatoes
Shutterstock
Stop eating those French fries and start substituting sweet potatoes. Okay, if you want to eat French fries, don’t feel bad about it. But consider having sweet potatoes now and again for the health of your hair. They’ve got lots of beta-carotene, which is good for your tresses.
7 of 20
Berries
Shutterstock
Berries have lots of antioxidants, and they’ve been shown to help produce collagen in the body, and both are great for healthy hair. Add berries to your yogurt, smoothies, oatmeal, and more for a little extra hair health in your diet.
8 of 20
Bell peppers
Shutterstock
Bell peppers are delicious and full of vitamins C and A, both of which are great for your scalp. If you’re looking for ways to eat more peppers, add them into pasta sauces, use them as vessels for your favorite dips, or have a fajita night.
9 of 20
Fatty fish
Shutterstock
There are loads of reasons to eat fatty fish, one of them being the health of your hair, thanks to the omega-3 fatty acids and protein. Common fatty fishes include salmon, tuna, sardines, and anchovies, all of which can often be found at most grocery stores.
10 of 20
Meat
Shutterstock
A little unspecific, but meat is great for healthy hair because it has loads of protein and iron. But the unspecificity is good — eater's choice. If you want to eat chicken, eat chicken. If you want to eat steak, eat steak. Keep a balanced diet of meat and know that any and all of it will provide you with protein and iron.
11 of 20
Soybeans
Shutterstock
If you’re a vegan or vegetarian, or if you’re just trying to cut back on meat, it doesn’t have to negatively impact your hair. There are still plenty of ways to get protein, like through soybeans. Soybeans also contain spermidine, which has been shown to promote hair growth.
12 of 20
Oysters
Shutterstock
Oysters are another food from the sea that can give your hair a much-needed boost. Oysters have loads of zinc, so even one or two of them can be beneficial to your hair. Find them on the raw bar. Make some oyster stew. There are loads of ways to enjoy oysters.
13 of 20
Beans
Shutterstock
Beans are another wonderful source of protein, and they’ve got zinc, iron, biotin, and folate. Beans are great for your hair, and they are very easy to incorporate into your diet. They can be eaten as sides or protein substitutions, and they can be snuck into soups, stews, casseroles, and even some desserts.
14 of 20
Lentils
Shutterstock
Beans aren’t the only legume you can eat if you want good hair. Lentils will do the trick, too. Luckily, lentils are just as versatile as beans, so if you want to incorporate them into your diet, it won’t be difficult.
15 of 20
Carrots
Shutterstock
You often hear about carrots for eye health, but did you know that they’re also great for your hair? Carrots have lots of beta-carotene, and you want that in your body if you want healthy hair.
16 of 20
Oats
Shutterstock
You might be sick of hearing about ways to eat more oats, but consider your hair health the next time you see a recipe for overnight oats. Oats are packed with nutrients that are great for your scalp.
17 of 20
Citrus fruits
Shutterstock
Vitamin C isn’t just a one-hit wonder band. It’s also a nutrient that can promote healthy hair. And no group of foods is better known for its vitamin C than citrus fruits.
18 of 20
Leafy greens
Shutterstock
Get in those leafy greens, whether through a salad, a smoothie, a sandwich, or a soup. Leafy greens like spinach, kale, arugula, and more are chock-full of vitamins and nutrients that can promote hair growth.
19 of 20
Cauliflower
Shutterstock
Cauliflower has lots of healthy hair nutrients, such as biotin, folate, and antioxidants. Whether you want to use it as a substitute for some foods or to have it as a side, incorporating cauliflower into your diet will be great for your hair.
20 of 20
Water
Shutterstock
Not food, but make sure you’re drinking plenty of water if you want healthy hair. Water impacts every aspect of your body’s functioning, and that includes hair growth. Stay hydrated and you’ll see the effect it has on your locks.
Acacia Deadrick is a South Dakota-based writer who has written for sites such as Nicki Swift, The List, and Glam. She loves music and all things pop culture, and she can be found watching TV, completing a crossword puzzle, or reading in her spare time.