Body Health is Hair Health
If you find that even after years of hair care, you’re still suffering from a thinning hairline, dry scalp, frizz, and hair fall, then maybe the problem isn’t with your shampoos and ointments.
We often see hair as our main accessory—it is after all, 90% of what makes or breaks a selfie—so we treat it as something separate from us. So often that we forget it is a part of our body. Hair draws nutrients the same as any other organ in our system. How we eat, the environment we’re in, and how we keep our blood flowing, is a big part of body health, and that same health shows on your crown.
Nutrients and Diet
Hair is predominantly made up of keratin, a type of protein. Minerals like iron, zinc, and vitamins like biotin are vital for a good looking and healthy scalp. Biotin deficiency is a serious issue among young adults who are always on the rush, and rely on instant processed food for every meal.
If you find yourself constantly restocking cup noodles, or using that fast food delivery app a little too often, then it may be time to cut back. Indulge yourself once a month, but if we want to keep the hair on our head, food is something we need to take seriously
Diet essentials for good hair:
- Lean meat (chicken, turkey)
- Fish rich in Omega-3 (salmon, mackerel)
- Eggs
- Leafy green vegetables
- Nuts and seeds
Stress
It’s no surprise that stress is a big downer to our body. But it also plays a role when it comes to hair and scalp health.
High levels of stress affect the cortisol hormone, which directly impacts hair. This hormone is made by 2 adrenal glands near your kidney. It plays a big role in growing your hair, but too much or too little of it damages the follicles and leads to hair loss.
Stress can also lead to Telogen Effluvium, which is when your hair enters a resting phase, before eventually falling off while combing. It’s common among people with alopecia, and those receiving medical treatment. It eventually grows back, but only if your body feels good enough to support it.
Other ways stress can hurt your head are the mannerisms that come with anger and frustration. You may not notice it, but aggressively scratching and pulling on your hair leaves small scratches on your scalp, which also reduce hair growth.
So the hair doctor’s orders? Leave your work at the workplace, and don’t take it home. If you are working from home like many of us, though, separate yourself from your devices, and find hobbies that calm you.
As much as possible, if you work a stressful job that involves computers, your Me Time activity should be away from the digital and should get you moving. If you handle intensive manual labor, like factory or construction work, sit down with a book, iPad, or controller, and let your muscles unwind.
Vices
It’s not enough to say that we only drink “occasionally.” Alcohol doesn’t only damage the liver, but with frequency, it leads to scalp dehydration. Since it can’t absorb enough nutrients, it makes hair weaker and slows down growth. A glass or two every party, or one bottle a week, should be our limit. Besides, there are other ways to have a good time with friends.
Smoking on the other hand, is a more serious topic. Quitting is generally encouraged considering how much of a health risk it is, in general. On top of damaging your lungs, its other toxins promote cytokines, which directly affect hair follicles. If you’ve tried and failed to quit before, it’s never too late to try again.
So there you have it, kings! If you want to make your crowning glory shine and grow, it’s time to look at the bigger picture. It's not just about what hair products you’re using; it’s also about living a balanced, happy life. Here's to good food, low stress, and marvelous hair days ahead!