Hair needs more than just external treatments to be healthy and beautiful. Nutrition plays a crucial role. In addition to vitamins and minerals, protein is essential for shiny, strong strands.
Because meat is a key source of protein, vegetarians must make sure they are getting sufficient amounts in other ways. Most important for hair health are amino-acid-rich “complete proteins,” which can be found in dairy foods like yogurt and milk. Although nutritious and helpful, most vegetables are not adequate sources of complete proteins; nor are multivitamins.
Even if you are not a vegetarian or vegan, dieting can cause you to omit protein sources that can give you your best possible hair. Talk to a dermatologist, nutritionist or dietitian about sources of complete protein that fit into your personal dietary goals and limitations.