The Healthy Hair Diet

Is your hair behaving badly?

By Liz Ritter, Executive Editor · Mar 25, 2014

Is your hair behaving badly? Slather your strands with all the potions and promises you want in an attempt to make it better, but it might be your diet that’s to blame. If you aren’t getting the right nutrients, good hair is not going to be in your future; fix it fast by incorporating these foods.

1 / 8

FLAW: Thinning Hair

FIX: According to New York dermatologist Jody Levine, MD, multivitamins containing biotin, silica and l-cysteine work to decrease hair loss and promote fuller and thicker hair growth. Not much of a vitamin-taker? She also suggests eating eggs. “They contain sulfur, which helps hair follicles grow, promotes hair growth and improves blood circulation to the scalp. Plus, they contain biotin and B12—two important vitamins for overall healthy hair.”

2 / 8

FLAW: Slow-Growing Hair

FIX: Greek yogurt isn’t going to magically grow your hair overnight, but it does contain calcium, a mineral that plays a major role in growing gorgeous locks. “A Greek yogurt parfait with fruit and ground flaxseeds is a perfect snack for beautiful hair and skin,” says celebrity nutritionist Christine Avanti.

3 / 8

FLAW: Breakage

FIX: Bean sprouts; they contain silica, which not only works to promote healthy hair, but to also specifically prevent breakage, according to Dr. Levine.

4 / 8

FLAW: Dandruff

FIX: Sweet potatoes. According to Dr. Levine, they contain the antioxidant beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A in your body. “This protects the oils in your scalp and prevents dandruff,” she says.

5 / 8

FLAW: Dry Scalp

FIX: Oysters. The slimy stuff is rich in zinc as well as protein. “A lack of zinc can lead to hair loss as well as a dry, flaky scalp,” Dr. Levine says. (An added bonus: Oysters are also thought to play a major role in skin renewal and repair.) In addition, salmon contains protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B12 and iron, which are all important for a healthy scalp.

6 / 8

FLAW: Dry Strands

FIX: Walnuts. They are the only nuts that contain a significant amount of omega-3 fatty acids, plus they’re rich in biotin and vitamin E.

7 / 8

FLAW: Dry Scalp + Dry Strands

FIX: For those suffering from the dryness duo, again, omega-3 fatty acids are in order. “They are essential for beautiful hair,” says Avanti. “People who do not get enough omega-3s might suffer from a dry scalp, which, in turn, causes dry, brittle hair.” Worried you aren’t getting enough? Avanti recommends one to two tablespoons of ground flaxseed per day—especially if you are a vegetarian.

8 / 8

FLAW: Lack of shine

FIX: Broccoli, kale and spinach are great for gorgeous locks in general, as they are excellent sources of vitamins A and C, both of which are needed to produce an oily substance secreted by your hair follicles called sebum. “It’s basically your body’s natural hair conditioner that adds shine and strength,” says Avanti.