10 Foods That Make Your Hair Stronger

Longer, healthier hair begins with the right nourishment.

When we eat healthy, we power our bodies, minds, and souls. But there’s an unexpected part of your body that appreciates high-protein foods: your hair! Longer, healthier hair begins with the right nourishment, and your refrigerator may hold the secret to hair growth. With a few home ingredients, your hair will grow faster, longer, and healthier. Whether you’re sporting full-bodied ringlets or pin-straight locks, you can’t go wrong by making these nurturing superfoods part of your weekly hair regime. So what are you waiting for? Switch up your diet and add these 10 foods that make your hair stronger!

1. Salmon

Salmon is swimming in vitamin D and proteins essential to hair growth. It also containing omega-3 fatty acids that promote scalp health, making it easier to grow out your hair. Omega 3s fall under the category of healthy fats your body can’t produce by itself, so you have to reach for foods like oily fish or supplements. These incredible fats promote hair that’s full of body and shine. Try Pan-Seared Salmon with Roasted Vegetables.

2. Yellow Peppers

These vibrant veggies contain more vitamin C than oranges! In fact, they’re actually packed with five and a half times more of the valuable nutrient. Vitamin C helps strengthen hair shafts and follicles to prevent breakage and let those locks flow. Even small C deficiencies can lead to split ends and dry strands. So stock up on these juicy, colorful veggies for longer, healthier hair. Get your daily dose of peppers with our Southwestern Stuffed Peppers.

3. Sweet Potatoes

Dealing with dry, brittle hair? Allow sweet potatoes to swoop to your rescue! Filled with beta-carotene, these sweet treats promote a healthy scalp and hair growth. Stuffed with the powerful antioxidant beta carotene, sweet potatoes use this nutrient to defend against dry and dulling hair. The superfood also triggers glands in your scalp to produce sebum, a natural oil that keeps hair form drying out. At the end of the day, these decadent, candied delights are a no-brainer. After all, when growing anything, you must start at the roots!

Craving a savory sweet potato recipe but stumped on what to make? Send your taste buds soaring by whipping up this Baked Sweet Potatoes with Crispy Kale and Feta recipe!

4. Almonds

A little goes a long way with this snack. Adding just a cup of almonds to your daily diet results in faster-growing and thicker hair due to their high levels of biotin. Why pay for a bottle of biotin when you can enjoy tasty almonds and get the same results? Enjoy your daily almonds and boost your energy with a batch No-Bake Cranberry Almond Energy Balls.

5. Eggs

Eggs are another great source of the biotin. This B vitamin stimulates hair follicles and promotes rapid hair growth. In addition to ingestion, applying a topical hair mask can stimulate hair growth and create shine. As a bonus, biotin also helps strengthen fingernails, and helps prevent brittling and cracking. Squeeze more eggs into your diet by shaking up your prep methods! Learn how to cook the superfood in every way imaginable with Learn to Cook Eggs: 6 Methods Every Chef Must Know. 

6. Greek Yogurt

A great source of nutrients, Greek yogurt contains vitamin D and pantothenic acid for healthier hair growth. Greek yogurt packs a serious protein punch, and protein is an essential building block when it comes to hair growth. The thick, creamy snack can also defend against hair thinning and hair loss, thanks to its vitamin B5, or pantothenic acid. At the end of the day, Greek yogurt does more than just taste great. Help your hair and health by swapping normal yogurt for Greek. Start the day with a Breakfast Yogurt Parfait To-Go.

7. Green Veggies

Dark, leafy green vegetables are high in iron, beta carotene, folate and vitamin C! These incredible nutrients work together to give you a gorgeous mane and healthy scalp. At the same time, greens can help ward off split ends, as they keep your hair moisturized and prevent locks from breaking easily. With so many to choose from, there’s no reason not to keep those hair follicles healthy! Enjoy a Spinach Avocado Smoothie for breakfast and a Risotto with Green Veggies for lunch.

8. Beans

Research shows the magical fruit might have magical hair benefits, too! Legumes are chockfull of protein, which is necessary for optimal hair growth. Meanwhile, beans are rich in iron, zinc, and biotin to also promote length and strength. These components also help the body absorb nutrients for overall effectiveness. So versatile and nutritious, beans make a chewy, fiber-rich addition to soups, salads, and even pasta dishes! Try a bowl of Hearty Crockpot Veggie and Bean Soup.

9. Brown Rice

This grain is high in zinc, which helps the hair growth process. Brown rice boasts a high concentration of fiber, calcium, and iron, making it a perfect go-to when you crave longer, healthier locks. It also has properties which help transfer carbon dioxide in the body, ultimately stimulating cell activity and hair growth. Eating brown rice regularly can also prevent hair loss. On your journey towards a fuller mane, try this mouthwatering Brown Rice, Apple, and Broccoli Salad!

10. Tomatoes

Ripe, juicy tomatoes are linked to glorious locks. How? The nutritious fruits boast an incredible source of antioxidants and lycopene, which help prevent hair damage and loss. In fact, numerous hair care products actually list tomato extract in their ingredients. Thanks to its excellent source of Vitamin A, B, C, and E, the fruit helps replenish dry hair and lock in much-needed moisture. Get the full scoop on what makes tomatoes so terrific by checking out 5 Reasons Why Tomatoes are Tops and enjoy some creamy  Creamy Red Pepper and Tomato Soup .

What’s your favorite natural hair growth method? Let us know! Share your thoughts below.