You can always fix your makeup, but a scraggly head of hair can spell the difference between a good day and a bad one. Unfortunately, piling on conditioner in the same way you would pile on concealer isn’t quite enough. Beauty always starts from within (literally!), since everything you consume directly affects the health and appearance of your mane.



For a crowning glory that’s beautiful both inside and out, keep your pantry stocked with these 10 frizz-fighting, hair-nourishing eats!

1. Salmon. Looking for an extra boost of hydration? Salmon is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. This special type of oil keeps your scalp properly moisturized and contains anti-inflammatory properties that open up hair follicles for healthier growth. Unfortunately, our bodies don’t naturally produce it even though it makes up about 3% of our strands. (Weird, right?) Eating salmon and other similar fish—like sardines and trout—allows us to obtain its benefits from our diets instead.

2. Spinach. Popeye wasn’t lying when he said spinach was good for you! This superfood is a powerhouse when it comes to essential nutrients. The high iron content, in particular, boosts blood circulation and oxygen flow to hair follicles. The result: faster, thicker, healthier hair growth.

3. Eggs. As if we needed another reason to love breakfast food! Eggs are loaded with three of the most essential nutrients for prettier locks—zinc, sulfur, and choline. Zinc regulates oil production and sulfur strengthens hair fibers, while choline increases flexibility and lessens the likelihood of split ends.

4. Carrots. Besides being good for your eyes, carrots also keep your strands shiny and gorgeous. This orange veggie is high in Vitamin A that balances your hair’s natural oils for a truly well-conditioned look.

5. Chicken. Like most meat products, chicken is a goldmine for protein. Without protein, your hair can become brittle and faded, resulting in lackluster locks that are prone to breakage. Keep your hair strong and vibrant by making this white-meat staple a regular part of your diet.

6. Brown Rice. If you’re a fine-haired gal, you may want to switch out your starchy white rice for a healthier alternative. Try brown rice, which is loaded with biotin. This B Vitamin improves hair elasticity, nourishes follicles, and stimulates cell renewal for thicker, more voluminous hair.

7. Sweet Potatoes. Suffering from a dry and flaky scalp? Load up on sweet potatoes for a healthy dose of beta-carotene. Once this nutrient is consumed, the body converts it into Vitamin A—which, as we’ve mentioned, balances sebum production to keep your hair and scalp properly moisturized.

8. Nuts. Your skin isn’t the only part of your body that needs sun protection. Nuts are rich in Vitamin E, which increases your hair’s natural protection against harmful UV rays. The next time you find yourself reaching for a snack, ditch the Cheetos and grab a handful of these bite-sized babies instead.

9. Yogurt. This tangy treat is an excellent source of calcium, a mineral already present in hair follicles and essential for continuous hair growth. Eat yogurt on its own or mix in fruits and nuts for maximum benefits.

10. Avocados. You’ve spotted them on every blog and Instagram feed, cut neatly in half or slathered stylishly over a piece of toast. But besides the fact that avocados are incredibly photogenic, they’re also high in Omega-3 fatty acids. Meaning, these gorgeous green gems help nourish and moisturize hair from the inside out. Eat ‘em raw with a bit of lemon juice squeezed over for zest or pack them into an egg sandwich for a full breakfast!



IN CASE YOU MISSED THEM:

Facelift Food: 10 Eats That Keep Your Skin Young

20 Eats & Drinks that Clear Up Your Skin



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