Along with freezing weather and dropping temperatures, winter brings with it loads of ‘hair raising problems’. The hair gets full of static in the dry and chilly weather due to the lack of moisture in the air. The woolens and warm jackets and additional clothing also give us fly away or standing hair. Dandruff is another common we face in winter with dry flaky scalp. It is extremely embarrassing to witness them on our scalp or clothing. It affects our self esteem and makes us feel socially awkward. Along with all of these problems, hair loss intensifies. Normally factors like age, genetics, fluctuation in weight, hormonal imbalances like thyroid and PCOD affect hair loss.
A good and healthy diet in winter is extremely beneficial to keep our body warm from within and provides us with the nutrients and heat to keep us going. The food we eat affects our hair and keeps it healthy and full of life.
Important Nutrients for Good Hair
-
Protein
A diet rich in protein is extremely important for healthy hair growth. Lack of protein in our diets, makes our hair dull, brittle and weak. Low protein intake leads to hair fall as well. Food rich in protein such as eggs, dairy products, chicken etc should be consumed in winter for avoiding problems related to our hair.
-
Biotin
Biotin is a Vitamin B whose deficiency leads to hair loss and brittle dry hair. It is a water soluble vitamin and is available in food items such as liver, soy, yeast, egg yolk and whole grains.
-
Iron
Lack of iron causes anemia which is an important reason for hair loss. Due to lack of iron, hair fall aggravates and hampers growth since no nutrients reach the roots of the hair follicle. Iron rich diet keeps our shiny and bouncy and makes them grow from roots. Iron rich food such as green leafy vegetables, lentils, fish, chicken, red meat and eggs should be included in our diet in right quantity.
-
Folic Acid
Folic acid also known as Vitamin B-9, gives us a full and lustrous mane. Healthy cell growth requires folic acid. It aids good hair growth, improves volume and prevents split ends. Spinach, broccoli, chilies beans, capsicum, French beans are some of the food items rich in folic acid.
-
Vitamin E
Vitamin E not only protects our skin from sun damage, but it is extremely important for a healthy hair growth. It is a natural antioxidant that prevents damage to hair and skin and should be included in our everyday diet. Fish, nuts, fruits, egg, beans are all food rich in Vitamin E. Vitamin E capsules are also available, which can also be used for hair growth.
Hair Masks
Hair masks made from natural ingredients can be applied on hair for retaining its moisture and to nourish it and keep it lustrous in winters. Below is a hair mask recipe especially beneficial in the winters for adding shine and life to your hair:-
Ingredients: 2 tbsp Coconut oil, 2 tbsp Honey, 1 tsp Aloe Vera, 1 tsp olive oil
Method: Add honey and Aloe Vera gel to Coconut oil and mix well. Apply this pack in your hair from roots to tip. Keep it for 45 minutes or overnight. Wash hair with mild shampoo.
Benefits: Nourishes and moisturizes your hair, prevents dandruff and split ends.
Tip: Use this mask once a week as it soothes the scalp and maintains scalp health.