Are Your Hair & Nails Hungry?

Your mother was right: beauty is on the inside.  What we're taking from that message: beauty on the inside means luscious locks and strong nails on the outside.  Once again, it all comes down to diet.  The catch: changing your diet now means that you will see permanent changes in your hair in about 3 to 6 months (a little less for nails).  Hair strands are dead - it's the living follicle that can be fixed to produce healthier tresses (at about 1/4-1/2 an inch per month), so give it some time to heal, and reap full-body benefits of a nutritious life during the process.  


Quick Lesson: Your hair and nails share a common building block - the protein keratin.  Therefore, the consumption of lean animal and plant protein is a necessity for healthy growth of both.  Other nutrients such as zinc, iron, omega-3's, and more play an important role in silky hair and mani/pedi ready nails.  These are the most important nutrients and the powerhouse foods you should eat to obtain them:

• Protein - contains amino acids, which help repair cells and make new ones (aka hair follicles and nail growth).  Eat skinless chicken breast, turkey, tuna, eggs, lentils, beans, and nuts.
• Iron - stimulates hair turnover and replacement.  Low iron diets have been linked to pale skin and brittle nails.  Eat lean read meat, beef or chicken liver, beans, dried fruit (unsweetened), and dark green leafy vegetables (spinach, kale, swiss chard, etc.)
• Zinc - an antioxidant with hair-boosting powers.  Eat whole grains, low-fat dairy products, nuts (walnuts, almonds, cashews, and pecans), and oysters.
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids - hydration for follicles.  Eat salmon, walnuts, soy, flaxseed, and olive oil.
• Antioxidants - protect against cell damage.  Eat blue and blackberries, dark chocolate (at least 70% cacao), dark green leafy vegetables, and green tea.
• Vitamins B6, B12, and biotin: help protect your hair's cuticle (outer layer).  Eat eggs, salmon, bananas, and spinach.          

If you don't eat these foods already, start now for strong and healthy hair and nails. The key to healthy EVERYTHING is a well-balanced diet containing lean protein, whole grains, calcium-rich foods, essential fatty acids, fruits, vegetables, and lots of water!  


Quick fixes: Try Solar Oil on your finger and toenails.  Apply as often as you'd like (it does make your nails oily, so be careful to let it dry before touching things).  Sally's Beauty Supply, Meijer, and most pharmacies will carry Solar Oil (check your local salons!).


Experts' Top Hair Care Picks:  L'Oreal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Color Care System Moisture Shampoo, Kerastase Nutritive Lait Vital Conditioner, L'Oreal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray ExtraStrong Hold, and Tresemme Fresh Start No-Frizz Creme (Source: WH Magazine). 

Fidelity - Regina Spektor