Vitamins and Minerals for Healthy Hair

Styling, curling, brushing, washing, and blow-drying your hair; your hair often goes through a lot, so it's important to care for it as well as possible both inside and out. Say goodbye to split ends, hello to a healthy mane!

Caring for Your Hair from the Inside Out

The first step to beautiful hair is nourishing it from the inside. To ensure your hair is sufficiently nourished, choose foods rich in healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. When your body lacks vitamins, it shows first in your skin, hair, and nails. This is because your body prioritises nutrients for the functions of vital organs. Only then do your skin, hair, and nails receive attention.

When your body lacks vitamins, it shows first in your skin, hair, and nails.

Zinc

Zinc is an important building block for your hair. Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal hair, nails, and skin. Zinc is a mineral and part of many enzymes in the body. It is involved in protein synthesis, tissue growth and renewal, metabolism, and the proper functioning of your immune system.

Food tip: Oysters contain a very high amount of zinc. A medium-sized raw oyster already provides 100% of the daily requirement. Zinc is also found in meat, cheese, grains, nuts, and shellfish such as prawns and mussels.

L-Cysteine

L-Cysteine is an antioxidant and an essential sulphur-containing amino acid. It is an important component of hair, nails, and skin keratin. L-Cysteine is found in eggs, meat, and dairy.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is an antioxidant essential for good health. Your body uses vitamin C to build collagen. Collagen is crucial for a healthy scalp and helps hair growth. Additionally, vitamin C is important for the normal functioning of blood vessels, bones, cartilage, teeth, gums, and skin. It also enhances iron absorption, which is beneficial for hair growth. Vitamin C contributes to the normal functioning of your nervous and immune systems. Good sources of vitamin C include oranges, raspberries, pineapple, and leafy greens.

Biotin

Biotin, also known as vitamin B8, is part of the vitamin B complex. Biotin is also known as vitamin H (hair and skin). Biotin promotes metabolism and contributes to normal hair growth. It keeps hair shiny and strong. Additionally, biotin may prevent greying and certain types of hair loss. It's no wonder it's called the beauty vitamin! Biotin is found in eggs, liver, milk, nuts, and peanuts. Biotin is also available in supplement form.

Supplements

Are you getting enough of the above nutrients, or does your diet or eating habits fall short? Supplements can provide a solution. Skin Hair Nail is a complete formula for skin, hair, and nails!

Caring for Your Hair from the Outside

Wash Your Hair as Little as Possible with Shampoo

It's better not to wash your hair too often. Shampoo removes the protective oil layer on your scalp that nourishes and protects your hair. The less often you wash it, the more your hair will regain its natural shine and volume. When you do wash your hair, use natural shampoo without added chemicals. These can penetrate your body through your scalp or cause irritation. MÁDARA offers excellent natural shampoo and conditioner. Additionally, you can care for your hair ends by occasionally applying coconut oil or argan oil, especially after washing.

TIP! Rinse your hair with cold water after every shower. This closes the hair cuticles, making your hair less vulnerable.

Give Yourself a Scalp Massage Occasionally

Ensure good blood circulation in the scalp. A well-circulated and healthy scalp means healthy hair. Give yourself a gentle scalp massage from time to time. This can be done while washing your hair or simply while relaxing on the sofa watching Netflix.

Give yourself a scalp massage occasionally. This stimulates blood circulation, strengthening your hair.

Avoid the Hairdryer, Straighteners, and Curling Irons as Much as Possible

Not the most fun tip, but it's better to avoid straighteners, curling irons, and hairdryers as much as possible. The heat dries out your hair, leaving it dull and lifeless. Let your hair air dry as much as possible. If you must use the hairdryer, use it on the coldest setting.

TIP! Many hairdryers have a 'cold' button, finish your session with this. This allows the hair cuticles to close, making your hair less vulnerable.

Treat Your Hair to a Pampering Session

Could your locks use a nourishing boost? Pamper them with a natural nourishing mask. Preferably one rich in nutrients that penetrate deep into your hair, nourishing and restoring your locks from the inside and out. Here are a few do-it-yourself nourishing hair mask recipes:

Moisturising Oil Mask

This is the perfect moisturiser for thirsty locks. Ingredients: 2 parts coconut oil and 1 part olive oil. Mix the coconut and olive oil in a bowl. Apply the mixture to your hair, especially the ends. Wrap your hair in a bun on top of your head and cover it with foil. Leave it on for 15 to 30 minutes.

Strengthening Banana Mask

Banana contains potassium, which strengthens and repairs hair without weighing it down. Ingredients: 1 banana (the riper, the better!) and 1 tablespoon of honey. Blend the banana and honey until smooth. Wrap your hair in a bun on top of your head and cover it with foil. Leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes.

Avocado Mask

Avocado is very nourishing for your hair. Egg yolks are full of fats and proteins that naturally revive hair. Ingredients: ½ avocado and 1 egg yolk. Blend the avocado and egg yolk. Apply to your hair, working from the ends to the scalp. Wrap your hair in a bun on top of your head and cover it with foil. Leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes.

Author: Sanne van der Rijt