The ABCs of Healthy Hair

Winter isn’t always easy on our skin and hair. The combination of the cold weather outside and the dry indoor heat can suck out a lot of much-needed moisture out of our stands. As a result of the extreme temperature, hair becomes more brittle and vulnerable to split ends, which can cause some subpar hair days. It’s not too late to get your hair back to beautiful and the solution might be easier (and tastier) than you think.

According to Los Angeles dermatologist, Jessica Wu, MD, there’s a growing body of research showing that our food choices affect our hair and our complexions, not just our internal organs. Try incorporating vitamins A, B and C into your diet to reap the benefits.

Vitamin A aids in the production of scalp oil, defending against dry locks. “If you’re vitamin A deficient, your hair will likely get dull, dry, and brittle due to lack of lubricating scalp oils,” says Dr. Wu.
Find it in: orange fruits and vegetables (butternut squash, carrots and sweet potatoes)

Vitamin B increases blood flow to your hair follicles, delivering your scalp oxygen and nutrients to stimulate hair growth. “Vitamins are the most important vitamins for hair health, especially Biotin (vitamin B7), which has been shown to grow thicker, stronger hair,” Dr. Wu adds.
Find it in: eggs, milk, guacamole, liver

Vitamin C produces collagen, which is the structural fiber of our hair. An ample dose of C lends flexibility to tresses and prevents breakage. “We produce less collagen over time, so I encourage my patients to eat more foods with Vitamin C as they get older,” says Dr. Wu.
Find it in: citrus fruits, broccoli, cauliflower and Brussels sprout

If cooking fresh foods doesn’t fit into your everyday schedule, try stashing some KIND Pomegranate Blueberry Pistachio + Antioxidants bars ($2) in your car, desk, or bag to get your dose of hair-healthy vitamins. A favorite snack among NewBeauty staffers for their great taste and beauty benefits, one bar provides half of the recommended daily intake of vitamins A and C and includes almonds for a significant source of vitamin B. “The antioxidants will help protect you from free radicals that come from environmental damage (pollution, UV rays, stress),” adds Dr. Wu, who always keeps KIND bars on hand. 

How do you get your vitamins A, B and C?