Can diet affect hair? In this article, you’ll discover how your diet can affect your hair health. Take this as a friendly guide to healthier hair, with tips on building a diet for better hair.

5 Ways Diet Can Affect Your Hair

Great hair is an excellent aesthetic addition to your overall appearance and a marker of good health. Here are five ways a poor diet can affect hair.

1. Hair Breakage and Brittleness

Many factors could cause hair breakages, such as excessive heat, stress, aggressive brushing, friction, and dryness. 

Research has linked high dairy and sugar consumption to hair breakage and weak strands. Excessive sugar consumption can cause poor blood circulation to the hair follicles. Follicles that don’t receive enough blood will be undernourished, ultimately leading to unhealthy hair strands that break easily. 

If you’re unsure if your hair is just shedding or breaking, it might be helpful to know the difference. 

While shedding is a natural part of the hair cycle, breakage describes the premature shedding of hair strands. Breakage occurs when the hair strands are so thin and weak that the cuticles break off.

2. Split Ends

A diet deficient in proteins can lead to split ends. Hair consists of roughly 88% protein, mostly a protein called keratin. If you don’t consume enough protein sources, your body will produce brittle hair prone to developing split ends and breaking off.

3. Hair Loss

Refined carbs and sugary beverages taste great and are hard to resist. Unfortunately, they are one of the many causes of hair loss. 

Foods like white bread, pasta, cake, pizza, and carbonated drinks can weaken your scalp’s hair maintenance functions. The increased sugar in your body can hamper blood circulation to the hair follicles and reduce your defenses to stress – stress can induce hair fall. 

Seafood like swordfish, mackerel, and tuna are also a leading cause of hair fall or loss. A low-iron diet will also lead to hair loss as iron helps boost blood circulation and transports oxygen to hair follicles. 

Legumes, leafy greens, and chickpeas are good foods to tackle hair loss.

4. Dull and Limp Hair

With a high-grease diet, your scalp’s sebum production will increase, leaving your hair looking limp. As grease settles in your hair follicles and covers your hair shaft, it’s much harder for your hair to grow. While you could combat this with a good cleansing shampoo, it’ll be much easier to get rid of greasy, limp hair by adjusting your diet.

Low-protein diets are usually the culprit for limp, dull hair as a lack of protein will translate to a lack of keratin – the major protein component in hair, skin, and nails. Low-fat diets can also cause dull hair because of low essential fatty acids in the body. These essential fatty acids are vital for proper hair growth and maintenance.

Aging can also cause hair to become weaker and look dull. You can build an anti-aging diet to help your hair stay healthy and lustrous.

5. Dandruff

Excess sugar in your diet can cause dandruff. It can reduce blood flow to the scalp, resulting in minimal to severe scalp inflammation and itching. 

Diet Components and Nutrients for Healthy Hair

Now that you know how important it is to have a diet designed to aid your hair health, it’s also worth knowing how to build a great diet. Important components to include in your hair-targeted diet include:

1. Zinc

Zinc helps to improve the growth of hair tissue and speeds up tissue repair. A diet with sufficient zinc will also contribute to keeping your hair follicles healthy and your oil glands regulated. You can get your diet zinc from oysters, milk products, whole grains, red meat, poultry, baked beans, and chickpeas.

2. Vitamin C

You can get Vitamin C from whole grains, milk products, red meat (in moderation), baked beans, chickpeas, lobster, and instant oatmeal. Vitamin C helps with tissue growth and repair while contributing to the proper maintenance of your hair follicles. 

3. Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids provide essential proteins for hair structure and prevent scalp and follicle inflammation. When consumed in the right amounts, these fatty acids also help promote blood flow to the scalp, prevent hair loss, and promote thickness. 

You can get omega-3 fatty acids in the right amount from salmon, herring, sardines, walnuts, seeds (flaxseeds, chia seeds), canola oil, soybean oil, eggs, yogurt, and milk. 

4. Biotin

If you’re looking for a super nutrient that can strengthen your hair with keratin production, Biotin is just what you need. This vitamin also adds shine to the hair and prevents flaking and itchiness. Common biotin sources include cauliflower, organ meats (liver, kidney), soybeans, bananas, eggs, fish, meat, seeds, and nuts.  

5. Proteins

Having protein in your diet is a no-brainer for many reasons. As the building blocks for your body’s most basic functions, proteins also play a vital role in hair keratin production, preventing frizz, breakage and split ends and keeping your hair glossy and thick. You can find sufficient protein in eggs, berries, shrimp, fatty fish, tofu, legumes, nuts and cottage cheese

6. Iron

Diet iron helps boost blood flow to the scalp as it is one of the key materials that the body uses to make hemoglobin – the oxygen-carrying protein. With increased blood flow comes increased nutrients and oxygen. This results in faster hair growth and reduced breakage. Lean beef, clams, turkey, shrimp, egg yolks, tofu, mustard greens, kale, broccoli, asparagus, spinach, soybeans, and starchy beans are excellent iron sources.

7. Vitamin B6

Also called Pyridoxine, Vitamin B6 is an essential diet component that improves protein metabolism and contributes to healthy hair protein structure. Food sources include pork, organ meats, potatoes, fish, poultry, meat, oats, bananas, and soya beans.

8. Folate

Folic acid or folate is a B vitamin that helps with hair growth and volume and prevents premature breakage and graying. Some good folate sources are Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, leafy greens, chickpeas, kidney beans, and avocados.

9. Beta Carotene

Beta Carotene’s importance in healthy hair cannot be overemphasized. This nutrient plays a crucial role in aiding hair cell growth as its directly involved in the production of Vitamin A. Sweet potatoes, spinach, red cabbage, butternut squash, and carrots are good Beta Carotene sources.

Foods to Avoid for Better Hair

1. Excess dairy can cause hair loss by increasing the level of fat and testosterone in the body. It may also result in dandruff and other similar conditions such as psoriasis.

2. Sugar in food and drinks damages hair follicles and may accelerate hair loss by causing scalp inflammation. Scalp inflammation could lead to conditions like dandruff. 

3. Greasy fast food leads to excessive stimulation of the oil glands in your scalp, leading to an overproduction of oil. This gives you greasy-looking hair and a sebum build-up over time – another precursor of dandruff.

4. Alcohol may cause extreme dehydration, drying out your follicles and making your hair brittle and thin. 

5. High-mercury fish like tuna and swordfish can wreck your hair! Excess mercury in your diet disrupts protein metabolism.  

6. Raw egg whites consumed in excess can lead to a biotin deficiency as raw egg white contains protein avidin that binds to biotin and can’t be digested. Biotin remains bound, resulting in severe dermatitis (scalp inflammation) and hair loss.

Tips for Healthy Hair

1. Increase Water Intake

Water energizes your hair and promotes hair growth and a healthy hair structure. Water also keeps your hair hydrated and prevents breakage or split ends.

2. Wash Your Hair Regularly

Clean hair is healthy hair. How often your hair requires washes will vary depending on your hair type and texture. Ensure that you use a clarifying shampoo as often as your hair needs.

3. Condition Frequently

Conditioner helps your hair stay soft, moisturized, and beautiful. Most shampoos strip your hair of moisture and its natural oils. Follow up shampooing with a good moisturizing conditioner.

4. Introduce Oils Into Your Hair Care Regimen

Oils like castor oil, jojoba oil, olive oil, rosemary oil, and tea tree oil help to protect your hair and promote growth. They can also help seal in moisture and prevent hair breakage. There are many hair-friendly oils to incorporate into your hair care regimen to treat inflammation and dandruff.

6. Trim Your Hair Regularly

“Dusting your ends” can help eliminate unhealthy split ends and make room for new, healthier growth. How frequently you do it is up to you, but you can adopt a trimming cycle at least twice yearly.

Summary

The bottom line is whatever you eat will affect your appearance, from your hair to your skin and nails. When your diet is packed with unhealthy foods, you will likely experience many hair problems. Eating the right food with the right components can turn your hair from dull, damaged, and thin to full, lustrous, and shiny. 

Many hair care products do not protect or maintain hair health. It is worse if you are one of the many people with sensitive or dry scalp and searching for the ideal shampoo for sensitive scalp. Well, you are in luck as we would be exploring hypoallergenic (formulas for sensitive scalp) shampoos for men and women that nourish and protect your scalp.

Here are some of the best sensitive skin shampoos on the market:

1. Briogeo Hypoallergenic Shampoo
2. Jason Fragrance-free Shampoo
3. Klorane Oat-milk Dry Shampoo
4. Biotera Hypoallergenic Ultra-gentle Shampoo
5. Free and Clear Sensitive Skin Shampoo
6. Aveeno Skin Relief Shampoo
7. DHS Clear Shampoo
8. Sebamed Everyday Shampoo
9. Puracy Natural Daily Shampoo
10. Cleure Hypoallergenic Volumizing Shampoo

10 of the Best Shampoo for Sensitive Scalp on the Market

1. Briogeo Hypoallergenic Shampoo

This fragrance-free Briogeo formula is a perfect choice for individuals with sensitive scalps. This shampoo stands out from various normal ones because it contains naturally derived ingredients that ideally protect the scalp. With mostly aloe leaf juice, oat milk, and green tea extracts, this formula minimizes irritation while fixing dry and damaged hair equally. 

This hypoallergenic shampoo is free of harsh sulfates, phthalates, silicone, and parabens. People with dry scalps tend to experience irritation due to this product. This dermatologist-approved shampoo is vitamin-rich and nourishes your scalp and hair.

2. Jason Fragrance-Free Shampoo

The Jason Fragrance-Free Shampoo is a hypoallergenic shampoo excellent for those with fragrance sensitivity. This 32-ounce bottle of goodness contains aloe vera, vitamin B5, and panthenol – to soothe irritation, sage, and some hydrating minerals. Tailored for men, the Jason-fragrance is an all-rounder as it works the same for colored hair and all texture types.

It is relatively cheap yet, rivals other shampoos within the same price range. Other cheap shampoos contain chemicals that can irritate sensitive scalps like parabens, sulfates, and phthalates; however, this formula contains none. Enjoy a healthy scalp and shiny, lush hair with the Jason fragrance-free shampoo.

3. Klorane Oat-milk Dry Shampoo

This formula contains about 87% naturally derived ingredients that keep the hair richly nourished and the scalp safe and hydrated. While also working to repair damaged hair, this hypoallergenic shampoo maintains the balance of the scalp. It achieves this without sulfates, silicone, parabens, artificial dye, and fragrance which cause reactions to sensitive skin. 

As a result, Körane oat-milk dry shampoo is a gentle mixture suitable for all hair types and perfect for sensitive scalps. This shampoo is a go-to for people who are not big lather fans.

4. Biotera Hypoallergenic Ultra-gentle Shampoo

Biotera’s dermatologist-approved ultra-gentle shampoo works well for those who get allergic reactions. There are no artificial dyes, gluten, or parabens but chamomile to soothe dry scalps. 

Unlike some other shampoos, this formula works well for natural and relaxed hair and equally protects colored hair. The  Biotera hypoallergenic ultra-gentle shampoo builds up an adequate amount of lather if you love lather. 

5. Free and Clear Sensitive Skin Shampoo

If using other shampoos makes you experience scalp sensitivity, then it is time to try out the free and clear shampoo. This formula avoids preservatives, artificial dyes, lanolin, sulfates, parabens, etc. This pH-balanced shampoo features natural ingredients and is rich in vitamins. 

The free and clear shampoo helps detangle long hair, nourish the scalp, and perfect dandruff. It is the go-to choice for people with various sensitivities and works the same regardless of the hair type, working perfectly with colored hair. 

6. Aveeno Skin Relief Shampoo

While formulated for babies, this hypoallergenic formula does wonders for adults too. When applied, Aveeno shampoo works instantly to fix dry or itchy scalps and keeps hair safe and healthy. This shampoo features oat kernel extract known for its nourishing feature. 

This pH-balanced shampoo is free from phthalates, sulfates, and dye and made from natural ingredients. It is a largely fragrance-free and builds up significant lather when applied. It is a top pick hypoallergenic shampoo that goes easy on your scalp. 

7. DHS Clear Shampoo

The DHS Clear Shampoo has no fragrances in the mix but features trace amounts of sodium lareth sulfate while still protecting the scalp and ensuring your hair stays healthy. Its unique formula works magic for both adults and babies, soothing and maintaining the scalp’s pH level. 

It can also be used on dry, damaged hair due to its rejuvenating, conditioning effect that helps to soften dry, damaged hair. 

8. Sebamed Everyday Shampoo

Sebamed is a brand that has become a household name for their affordable, everyday, sensitive scalp solutions made evident in the popularity of their bottle of shampoo. This shampoo is formulated is free from artificial dye, sulfate or alkali and made with only natural ingredients that protect the scalp while cleaning and enriching your hair with essential nutrients and vitamins. 

The Sebamed everyday shampoo can be used by either gender, it is fragrance-free and gives the same perfect result regardless of the hair type. 

9. Puracy Natural Daily Shampoo

The Puracy shampoo is a hypoallergenic shampoo that goes easy on your scalp and nourishes your hair. Rich in Vitamin E and B5, sulfate-free coconut extracts, this shampoo is perfect for treating dandruff and other hair/scalp infections. The shampoo features olive oil, citrus, and a minty scent that makes for thorough cleaning regardless of the hair type. 

You want to use the shampoo daily for the most optimal results, as its intelligent engineering helps you remove excess oils produced by your sebaceous glands. 

10. Cleure Hypoallergenic Volumizing Shampoo

The Cleure shampoo is FDA approved and is guaranteed to nourish your scalp and hair with the natural ingredients in its composition. The result is a shampoo that is designed to attack all scalp infections, soothe the scalp, and promote hair growth with colored and non colored hair, regardless of the hair type. 

This fragrance and gluten-free shampoo is free from sulfate, paraben, and other harsh chemicals found in regular shampoos, balancing your scalp pH leaving your hair silky smooth all day. 

Conclusion

There you have it, the best shampoos for sensitive skin you will find on the market. The above listed shampoos were selected with affordability and usability in mind. You are guaranteed to find one that’s perfect for colored, non-colored hair, either gender, and for kids. Happy shopping!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the symptoms of a sensitive scalp?

Symptoms of a sensitive scalp include but are not limited to the following: 

• Redness of skin
• Itchiness in your scalp
• General pain in the scalp
• Persistent itching or burning sensation

You might have a hypersensitive or hyperreactive scalp if the symptoms above are very severe.

Can we apply shampoo directly to hair?

One common question is the can skincare products cause hairloss question’ and the answer is yes, depending on the application. This includes hair care products like shampoos and conditioners. If you leave them on too long or apply them in an uneven concentration could cause your hair to fall out. A simple solution is to mix the shampoo with water beore applying on your hair, this way the concentration is controlled and you use less shampoo. 

How long should you leave shampoo in your hair?

You should wait for at least five minutes after massaging your hair with the shampoo before you rinse it out. If you are washing your hair with dandruff shampoo, you should let it sit in your hair, rinse it off, then apply regular shampoo, wait five minutes then rinse out with water. 

Should we apply anything after shampoo?

After applying your shampoo, the nest step is to add conditioner and then comb your hair gently. This would straighten your hair and allow it to be easier managed when it gets dry. 

People who struggle with hair loss spend hours on the internet or in and out of experts’ armchairs searching for a solution. Many things could cause hair loss and hair thinning. From poor diet to hormonal imbalances and toxic products, it’s challenging to find the actual cause. Lately, people suspect that losing hair might result from the skincare products you use. So, can skin care products cause hair loss? 

Keep reading to find out.

Truth vs. Fiction

Every scalp is unique. No two people can have the same skin composition, and it’s important to note that each person will have a unique experience with the same skincare product. 

One incident that claims skincare products cause hair loss was a shocking allegation against a popular skincare ingredient a few years ago. None other than the critically acclaimed acne annihilator, retinoid.

It refers to a class of chemicals derived from vitamin A, similar in structure and function, available in various forms, including retinol, retinal, and retinyl esters. They can be natural or manufactured.

Because of their beneficial effects on the skin and appearance, retinoids are a common active ingredient in many dermatological treatments and cosmetics. We have seen an exponential rise in using retinoids worldwide in recent years. Since becoming famous for helping with prevalent skin conditions like acne and pigmentary disorder, retinoid has become a hot seller in the skincare and beauty industry.

So, What Went Wrong?

In 2017, a Reddit user posted a critical review about a famous retinoid product, Tretinoin. According to the post, they noticed severe shedding while using the product. Several other users on the platform soon backed this claim, admitting that they saw significant hair loss after using the retinoid product. 

What do experts think?

Experts have looked into this, and while there’s very little science to back this up directly, they have found something worth noting.

Retinoid purportedly aids hair growth by keeping the scalp moisturized and healthy. However, when used excessively, whether through your diet or topically over a long period, it could cause hair brittleness and hair loss, including in the eyebrows. 

While this isn’t a direct link, this is the closest that skincare experts have come to linking skincare products to hair loss. 

It is crucial to note that the lack of conclusive evidence is not evidence in itself, and you should remain cautious when creating a skincare regimen. The solution most times to avoiding tricky situations with your skin is keeping it simple, the correct type of moisturizer and facial exercises, to name a few. 

What About Hair Care Products?

The hair products you apply are even likelier to influence your hair, positively or negatively. Many hair care brands tout their products to solve many hair problems that people face globally. The hair care and beauty industry is teeming with products that may or may not work for you, from shampoos and conditioners to special scalp treatments and sprays.

Can hair care products cause hair loss? 

The answer is yes; hair care products can cause some hair loss. This is because cosmetic product formulators and scientists draw ingredients from a shared pool of ingredients that the appropriate regulatory bodies and authorities approve. 

Depending on the hair product and the ingredients, some products could cause your hair to thin out and even fall off. 

For example, dyeing and perming products contain potent chemicals that could weaken your follicles and strands. Eventually, your hair could get damaged and start falling out, especially if you misuse these products or for an extended period.

Suppose you’re considering dying your hair or getting a perm. In that case, it’s best to stay away from products with chemicals of unknown potency or leave it to a professional stylist to get it done. There are tons of natural dying options on the market that you can explore to ensure your hair’s health while achieving your desired look.

Are shampoos and conditioners safe?

Shampoos, conditioners and other regular products are near harmless to your hair. This is not to say there aren’t shampoo products with harsh content that could cause your hair to be brittle and dry, so keep an eye out for those when shopping. Products like this are the leading cause of hair breakage and, when left unchecked, can lead to severe hair loss. 

What else causes hair loss

While losing hair due to your choice of skincare or hair care is not impossible, it is pretty improbable. The usual suspect is an allergic reaction to some component in the product that is by itself harmless to most people. Besides this, a couple of other factors can play a part in your hair loss. These factors can be internal or external, with internal factors largely uncontrollable like aging, hormonal fluctuations, and external factors featuring the changes in the weather.

Below is a comprehensive list of influencers who have a say in whether your hair grows.

1. Stress and Lifestyle

Stress affects your skin, alertness, mental capacity, and hair health. Your cortisol levels rise when stressed, leading to a myriad of responses in your body. For some people, hair shedding by a condition called “telogen effluvium.” This condition disrupts the normal hair growth and shedding cycle, causing less hair to grow during the growth face and more hair to shed during the shedding phase. 

2. Poor Diet

Your scalp comprises skin too, and your skin is an organ that needs nourishment to grow and perform its functions correctly. When you have a poor diet, you leave your skin and scalp predisposed to wear and tear from a  lack of nutrients. A poor diet that leaves your scalp uncared for could cause your hair to fall out or shed.

3. Illness

Most cases of permanent hair loss are caused by genetics or illnesses. Sometimes, it’s best to see a doctor if you notice unprecedented hair loss to determine if there’s an underlying condition. 

4. Aging 

Everybody ages, and the body’s structure and functions change as we do. Getting older alters the way your hair grows and sheds. It is common to find that your hair stops growing as fast as it and sheds more. 

5. Pregnancy or Menopause

Hormonal imbalances and changes affect not only your skin, but they can also affect your hair growth cycle. Sometimes, pregnancy or menopause may cause telogen effluvium, increasing shedding and decreasing growth. 

6. Over Manipulation

Aggressive brushing, constant styling, and overuse of heating tools are common causes of hair loss. The hair strands are delicate and do not take kindly to being tugged at and manipulated into different styles constantly. Using excess products could also weaken your strands. Practice the habit of giving your hair a break from many hairstyles and wear it out in a comfortable low-tension style sometimes. 

Everyone loves a nice, sleek ponytail or a slick-back bun. While these might look great, the problem lies in the tension these styles cause on your scalp. Pulling your hair tightly to fit in these hairstyles could do more harm than good, causing your hair to pull out or fall outright from the scalp. 

7. Weather

Hot and cold months can damage your hair in different ways. The sun could cause your hair to dry out faster in the summer, leading to brittleness. A colder atmosphere will also strip the hair and scalp of moisture, causing dryness, brittleness, and breakage.

How can you treat hair loss?

Treatments for hair growth vary for different people with their different scalps, hair texture, and curl patterns. There are cosmetic products that claim to solve hair loss and over-the-counter medications available that may help. 

Improving your hair care regimen with healthy products and staying consistent could do the trick. However, it is advised that you find out what’s causing your hair loss. Visit a dermatologist and let them determine what the problem is. 

Common treatments they may suggest include:

1. Minoxidil/Rogaine
2. Propecia
3. Aldactone
4. Avodart
5. Microneedling
6. Hair Transplant
7. Laser Therapy

Before you suspect your skincare products, ensure that you conduct a thorough search for any potential causes. If you notice any irritation, itching, or severe reactions to haircare or skincare products, discontinue use immediately and see a dermatologist.

Image: Mainstream

When it comes to aging, women and men have different fears. One of the biggest fears of women is losing their attractiveness, especially that signs of aging can be visible as early as 25. While anti-aging creams and some cosmetic procedures are the go-to options of women who wanted to take some years off, they can be costly in the long run. A good option for women who wanted to look young without spending a lot is changing their hairstyle.
Changing the hairstyle to change one’s look is no longer new. We see it in celebrities almost everyday. They change their hairstyle from time to time whether to suit their role in a movie or to ‘re-brand’ themselves. And it’s working so well for many of them.
Fortunately, we don’t need to have celebrity status to change our look especially if we wanted to have a more youthful look. We can easily do that by heading to our nearest or favorite salon.
We’ve come up with a list of hairstyles that will guide you on your next salon appointment. These hairstyles will not just give you a more youthful appearance but will also suit your specific hair type.
Cropped Cut
Michelle Williams, Scarlett Johansson, and Viola Davis – these are just some of the celebrities who rock the pixie cut. Women with round face can easily pull off this hairstyle. However, you can experiment with this look even if you have a different face shape.
The cropped cut can be ideal for those who are looking for a low-maintenance look. It’s perfect for those with coarse hair which often results from hair-damaging practices like heat styling and chemical treatments.
If you wanted to try this, don’t forget to mention “wash and wear” to your stylist. This will let him/her know that you want a low-maintenance look. To avoid the “unfinished” look, you may want to mention to your stylist that you’d like the sides and the back a little tighter and closer to your face.
Edgy Bob
Aging can cause hair thinning. If you’re someone who has naturally thin hair, then you will need a hairstyle that will give an illusion of fullness.
A chin-length cut like an edgy bob is the way to go if you’re looking for a modern cut that will add more volume to your thinning hair.
For a more chic look, ask your stylist to cut the ends of your hair to create an uneven edge and add more hair volume.
Asymmetrical Cut
Asymmetrical cuts can make a difference on women with limp and oily hair. This cut doesn’t just add a lift and volume to the hair; it can also emphasize the cheekbones which are more visible as we age (thanks to fat loss in the cheek area).
If you want to try the asymmetrical cut, don’t forget to mention to your stylist that you want an asymmetrical bob that will give your hair an illusion of texture and softness.
Layered Cut
Women with curly or wavy hair are lucky because they don’t need to change their hair’s texture to look younger. Adding layers though can give more structure to these hair types especially to those with curly hair.
Layered cut on a curly hair will give it a shape while for those with naturally wavy hair, the layers can give a more playful look and provide a sense of softness.
Mid-Length Cut
Some women do away from having a longer hair for fear that it would make them look older. This isn’t true as long as you get the right mid-length cut.
Celebrities such as Reese Witherspoon and Eva Mendez were able to pull it off, thanks to the sophisticated layers.
Keeping it at the right length (just a few inches past your shoulders) helps especially if you have frizzy hair. Having it at this length can make it easier for you to manage your hair.
To give your hair more shine and moisture, you can ask your stylist to apply some frizz-reducing styling products.