Fine Hair and Protein Myths
A lot of people think that you can increase your hair’s vitality by what you eat - and they are
correct.
However, a lot of people are wrong to assume that you need to consume a lot of protein, and
specifically animal protein, to have healthy hair. For example, some people recommend those with fine hair
consume a lot of eggs. Nothing could be further from the truth! 
Here’s a personal example. My mother and I both have fine, thin, straight hair. She has eaten
meat all her life, while I am a strict vegetarian (vegan).
No matter that our diets differ, we both have similar quality hair. Of course part of this is
genetic. But also, this is because we both get a well-balanced diet (mine just doesn’t contain any animal
products).
To increase the vitality of your hair through diet, you need to include the following on a
regular basis:
· Clean water
· A wide array of fruits and vegetables, preferably raw or cooked low-heat
· A good selection of protein from several sources including: soy protein/flour, plant protein
(like whole grains and rice) and brewers yeast. (Sorry, brewer’s beer doesn’t count!)
I also recommend a high-quality multivitamin. In particular look for multivitamins with biotin
and folic acid. These are the amino acids required for hair
growth.
Gelatin Caps
Knox Gelatin sells packets and capsules of ground-up gelatin and markets it as a supplement to
strengthen hair, skin, and nails. Before I became vegetarian my mother and I tried consuming these packets
and capsules - along with eating tons of Jello - for a period of
four months. Neither of us saw a bit of difference in our hair, skin, or nails. Perhaps it takes longer to
work but I doubt it. Besides, the thought of eating ground up animal bones (that’s what gelatin is) just
isn’t appealing.
Are You Vegetarian/Vegan?
You might have encountered good-natured people who tell you that eating meat will increase the
diameter or quantity of your hair. And I’m sure you know this just isn’t true. I believe you can get all the
nutrients you need through a well-balanced diet. However, if you are thinking of adding anything to your
routine in an effort to help your hair, skin, or nails, I’d recommend the following supplements:
· Multivitamin
· Flaxseed (oil form or ground up) - add to a variety of dishes, this provides omega 3 fatty acids
typically found in seafood.
· Nutritional Yeast - add to dishes, tastes kind of like mild powdered cheese. Make sure you buy
the nutritional kind, not the kind for baking bread or from the brewing process.
·
Some folks say adding Spirulina (high-brow algae) into various foods also works
well.
People who are not vegetarian/vegan will benefit from adding any of the above-mentioned into
their diets, too.
Yes, diet does play a role in the health and vitality of your hair. However, eating too much
animal protein won’t thicken fine hair - but probably will thicken your arteries! So, be healthy and get
your protein from plant sources. Enjoy great hair and great health.
Holly Houff considers herself a champion for women "cursed" with straight, fine, thin, limp hair
- and tirelessly works in the pursuit of happy hair days!
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