17 Foods To Eat For Better Hair, Because Locks Need Nutrients

Since your hair is made of protein, getting enough of it in your diet will make sure your hair is looking lush, says BBC Good Food. Without enough protein, your hair may weaken or become brittle and dry. Meat is, of course, a good source of protein, so eating dishes with lean turkey or chicken breast is a great way to promote healthy hair growth.

Blueberries are full of vitamin C, which is one of the most important vitamins for hair growth and strength according to Women's Health. And BBC Good Food adds that vitamin C also helps in the production of collagen, which "strengthens the capillaries that supply the hair shafts." Since blueberries are a great source of vitamin C as well as other antioxidants, add them to everything from smoothies to salads if you want a durable mane.

Another source of protein, eggs also have another thing going for them: biotin. This B vitamin, as US News says, is not only good for hair growth, but nurtures scalp health in general. Not getting enough biotin can cause hair to become brittle. So whether you're a scrambled sister or a fried fanatic, make sure you're getting enough eggs for silky tresses.

Like eggs, almonds are rich in biotin and protein, was well as magnesium, a natural stress-reliever, says ABC News. Since stress contributes to hair loss, keeping those levels low will help you keep a full head of hair.

Omega-3 fatty acids are those "good fats" nutritionists are always referring to, and our bodies can't make them on their own. Foods like salmon are high in omega-3, which keeps hair hydrated, according to Black Hair Planet. It's suggested to eat a fatty fish twice a week to get enough fatty acids.

Sweet potatoes are a good source of vitamin A, which the body needs in order to produce sebum, an oily substance which acts as a natural conditioner in our hairs, according to BBC Good Food.

Tea is not only good for the soul, it's also good for your hair! The antioxidants in tea are general beauty boosters. Not only will drinking the beverage make your hair look fresh, you can also apply it topically as a treatment to add shine, as seen in The Huffington Post.

Iron is one of the most important vitamins for a thick head of hair, since it helps your hair follicles grow, says Health. Lean red meat is a healthy source of iron, and it is also a good source of zinc, another healthy hair promoter. Aim for eating red meat about two times a week in order to reap the benefits for your locks.

For stronger, more durable hair, peel a banana, US News says. Bananas are rich in the mineral silica, which makes your tresses thicker.

Especially for vegetarians, beans are full of iron and protein, making them vital hair-boosting foods.

Leafy greens like spinach are miracle foods for hair health, full of iron, vitamin A, vitamin C, zinc and collagen, says Glamour. You get so many benefits in one food with spinach, so consider adding it to your weekly grocery list.

Greek yogurt gives us calcium and protein, as well as vitamin D and vitamin B5, says Glamour. Vitamin D can help hair growth, but, as Health reminds us, isn't found in many foods naturally. And vitamin B5 is an ingredient in many of the hair products you're already buying, so clearly it's an important vitamin for beautiful hair.

Who doesn't love a good reason to drink beer? ABC News writes that beer is rich in silicon, and perhaps one of the biggest sources of silicon in most diets. Silicon increases circulation in the scalp, which promotes growth and reduces brittleness. So cheers! But be careful not to overdo it — it is recommended that women on average have only one beer per day.

Loaded with vitamins and minerals, broccoli is good for all of you — and your hair is no exception!

Pumpkin is high in vitamin A so, like sweet potatoes, it can help your body produce the natural conditioner sebum. And don't forget to eat the seeds — loaded with protein, iron, magnesium, potassium, biotin, and omega 3 fatty acids, they're everything your hair has been waiting for, says One Green Planet.

Sure, they're most famous for being an aphrodisiac, but oysters have other awesome benefits that help your hair. Full of zinc and selenium, oysters will prevent hair loss and keep hair strong, says Fox News Magazine. Just don't go crazy — they are high in cholesterol, so you've got to limit your intake.

As if you needed another reason to keep a stash of dark chocolate on you at all times, this delicious treat will help keep your hair healthy and fabulous. As Glamour says, it's full of protein, iron and B-vitamins in addition to its many other antioxidants. Yay, chocolate!

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