Whatever the nature of your hair and the reasons for which you are losing it, a hair check-up is essential. This in-depth analysis will make it possible to make an extremely precise diagnosis of the health of your hair, your scalp as well as the follicular roots (bulbs) and to establish a truly effective treatment protocol.
Take stock
A professional can determine the nature of your scalp, oily or dry, the presence or absence of dandruff, irritation or redness.
Thanks to a few hairs taken, the professional also determines the phase in which your hair is: growth, rest or fall. Your hair assessment can be established quickly and painlessly.
Something has changed in your hair, you can feel it and it shows. Don’t wait until it’s too late… Consult a specialist without delay if you feel that one of these factors has damaged or modified your hair:
- The limestone of the water (fortunately in Polynesia the water is very low in limestone)
- Harsh coloring or bleaching
- Inappropriate or too frequent straightening or straightening.
- Swimming pool chlorine
- Intensive drying or at too high a temperature
- Your scalp is more sensitive
Your hair has become:
Dry, rough, shiny, split ends… the appearance of your hair says a lot about your state of health. It can reveal diabetes, hormonal insufficiency, allergy, deficiencies…
Your scalp shows redness, itching, dandruff… these symptoms require a consultation with your doctor.
Hair loss: hormonal insufficiency or disorder, diabetes, etc.
You lose a lot of hair on the brush or on the pillow, throughout the year (more than 60 per day). Most often, the hair that falls out is replaced by others, just as numerous. But pathological factors can also be involved: vitamin deficiencies, diabetes, hormonal imbalance. Stress and overwork can trigger hair loss. Indeed, we can observe a hair loss after a bereavement, a divorce or an overload of work etc…
Itchy scalp: allergy, eczema
Your scalp shows redness, dandruff and you scratch your scalp… your scalp may require medical treatment that will be provided by a dermatologist.
Dandruff: temporary stress
You regularly find dandruff on your shoulders (dry dandruff) or in your hair (oily dandruff). If you suddenly notice an abundance for no obvious reason, temporary stress may be the cause. Don’t worry, this is easily reversible by removing or limiting the source of stress.
Dander: psoriasis, dermatitis
Your scalp peels and loses large dandruff. You may also feel itchy. What these symptoms reveal about your health: Psoriasis, eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, mycotic or bacterial infection… A consultation with your dermatologist is essential.
Alopecia areata: internal diseases
You are losing your hair in patches and your scalp has “holes”. Alopecia areata can manifest itself in periods between which the hair can grow back. What alopecia areata reveals about your health: The origins of this disease are not well defined. It can be influenced by a hereditary disorder, stress, hormonal imbalance.
Split ends: nutritional deficiencies?
When your hair is damaged it tends to split in two, whether long or short. Hair can also become coarse and brittle. What split ends reveal about your health: split ends can be caused by exposure to heat: sun, hair dryer… but also an unbalanced diet leading to deficiencies.
Oily hair: hormonal imbalance?
The secretion of large quantities of sebum, which greases the hair, especially its roots. What oily hair reveals about your health: stress or hormonal changes, a diet too rich in “bad” fats can also be responsible.
10 foods to eat for healthy hair
Whether it’s out of a desire to take care of yourself, to restore shine to your hair or to avoid losing it, all the excuses are good to nourish your hair.
The scalp needs nutrients in the right doses to ensure hair health and growth. In some cases, hair loss (called alopecia) may be due to nutritional deficiencies. Take note, however, that it is normal to lose between 50 and 100 hairs a day… Stock up on the foods listed below to have a great head and be a hit with your hairdresser!
1. Fish
For golden hair (or silver or bronze, depending on your profile…), proteins must be prioritized. Fish and meat contain amino acids like methionine and cystine which are precursors to keratin. The latter is the main component of the hair and improves its structure.
All white fish (like cod and snapper) are lower in fat and usually higher in protein, and are good for the line. Athletes, vegetarians and adherents to strict diets may come to lack protein.
For a head from hell, make sure you get enough protein every day, which is the equivalent of at least 1.2 grams of protein and no more than 1.8 grams per kilogram of weight per day if you are active, vegetarian or on a diet, or otherwise at least 1 gram per kilo of weight per day if you are sedentary or carnivorous.
2. Wheat germ and other cereals
Beyond the precious proteins, scientific opinion seems to say that B vitamins are used to support hair growth and contribute to hair beauty. The vitamins in this complex can regulate sebum secretion in the scalp, in addition to stimulating blood circulation in the hair roots, strengthening the roots and enhancing the shine of the mane.
Although wheat germ is an ingredient rich in B vitamins, it is also important to vary the sources of cereals to obtain the range of vitamins in this group (from B1 to B12). Remember to treat yourself to muesli, oatmeal, couscous, wholemeal bread, etc. To supply the body with these unique vitamins, eat 4-5 servings of whole grain products daily. In addition to giving a dream head, whole grains offer fiber that promotes digestion and contributes to satiety.
3. Colorful vegetables and fruits
Let’s also think of vitamin C (ascorbic acid), an antioxidant with flavonoids that protects the follicles and reduces hair loss. We find it in shampoos and hair treatments, but nothing beats the fresh version of vegetable products on the plate. It’s obviously better with a fork and so you’ll kill two birds with one stone!
Smokers and active people have increased vitamin C needs, since it is fragile and metabolized with the oxidative stress caused by tobacco and energy expenditure. There are currently no recommendations for daily values of vitamin C, but you can get away with it by planning a minimum of 5 servings of vegetables and fruit every day.
4. Whole eggs
Egg yolks are an ancestral remedy to beautify the mane. Not just for putting on hair, they can please your taste buds! Their vitamin A content ensures the regeneration of the tissues of the scalp. Stock up on coconuts, carrots, spinach, and dairy products for plenty of vitamin A. However, this vitamin is a bit finicky, requiring dietary fat to be optimally absorbed by the body. Vitamin A requirements increase from adolescence and particularly during breastfeeding. Even though vitamin A deficiencies are rather rare in developed countries, take the opportunity to take enough to pamper your hair.
5. Cocoa and dark chocolate
Another essential nutrient for hair health is iron, which increases hemoglobin levels to oxygenate the hair. This mineral plays a fundamental role in the regrowth process. A nice surprise: cocoa and its derivatives provide a good dose while satisfying your cravings, as long as you are reasonable in the quantities. Just a few bites can meet part of the iron requirement. Wild meats, kidney beans, oats and quinoa are also other sources of iron. Women with heavy periods, endurance athletes, pregnant women and light eaters are more at risk of depleting their iron reserves… be careful!
6. Lentils and legumes of this world
These vegetarian alternatives represent a nutritional “jackpot” with their share of protein, B vitamins and zinc. The latter is used to make the styling shine, stimulate hair growth and prevent hair loss. You’ll love the fact that legumes are affordable and convenient in the kitchen. Lentils deserve a special mention, being the lowest calorie of the group. Especially since Health Canada recommends replacing half of meat and poultry with meat substitutes, for heart health and variety. You would obviously be crazy to do without it! A portion of lentils or other beans corresponds to half a cup (125 milliliters), it is quickly prepared… and devoured!
7. Linseed, olive and company oils
When talking about good fats, vegetable oils come to mind. Allies of heart health, they also contribute to hair health… by providing essential fatty acids (omega-3s) which improve hair texture. In addition to their use in hairdressing in cosmetic products, oils are perfect for recipes and to enhance the shine of your hair. Store them in the refrigerator to maintain their taste and nutritional properties. Just pour it into your vinaigrettes and marinades, or simply with a teaspoon… for your greatest good.
8. Almonds and walnuts of all types
That’s not all… Vitamin E would promote hair growth by supporting blood circulation nourishing the scalp. It guarantees beautiful hair in addition to being anti-inflammatory and cardio-protective. Stock up on almonds, hazelnuts and other nuts of your selection to enrich your menu. Unfortunately, the typical North American grocery store has a shortage of vitamin E. Add nuts to your cold cereal in the morning, to your salads at meals and at snack time. Forget the supplements and bet on the vitamin delights that are edible.
9. Oysters, not just aphrodisiacs?
Once again, oysters are in the spotlight… but for a reason other than seduction. These molluscs are rich in zinc, a trace element that supports the immune system and strengthens the hair fiber to make hair less fragile. For those who are less fond of oysters, seafood (clams, scallops, etc.) is an interesting option. You should know that vegetarians are more at risk of presenting zinc deficiencies, because it is mainly found in animal products.
10. Algae, yes?!
You read that right, don’t adjust your computer screens! Seaweed (kelp, kombu, wakame, dulse and nori as they are nicknamed) are a veritable nutritional gold mine with their content of vitamins A, B and C and zinc. These marine wonders therefore support hair growth, in addition to being low in calories… so no worries or compromises. They are still unknown in the West; tame it in the form of sushi, salad or condiments to familiarize yourself with their taste.