For healthy shiny hair, its not just what you put on your hair, but its what you put in your body too that counts. When it comes to foods for healthy hair and beauty, an overall balanced diet is the way to go. Your diet should consist of lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, fatty fish like salmon and low-fat dairy.
There are 10 important foods to include in your diet that will keep your hair healthy.

1. Salmon

The essential omega 3-fatty acids are needed to support scalp health. A deficiency can result in a dry scalp and thus hair, giving it a dull look. If you are a vegetarian, add flax seed to your diet.

2. Dark green vegetables

Spinach and broccoli are excellent sources of vitamins A and C, which your body needs to produce sebum. This oily substance secreted by your hair follicles, is the body’s natural conditioner.

3. Beans

Kidney beans and lentils include protein to promote hair growth. They also include iron, zinc, and biotin. Biotin deficiencies can result in brittle hair.

4. Nuts

Walnuts contain alpha-linolenic acid, which is an omega-3 that may help condition your hair.

5. Poultry

Without adequate protein or low quality protein, your hair can become weak and brittle.

6. Eggs

Eggs are the best protein source you can find. They include biotin and vitamin B-12, which are important beauty nutrients.

7. Whole grains

Whole-wheat bread and fortified whole-grain breakfast cereals give your hair a healthy dose of zinc, iron, and B vitamins.

8. Oysters

Oysters include zinc which is a powerful antioxidant. Since oysters are not as common for people to eat on a regular basis, you can also get zinc from beef.

9. Low-fat dairy products

Skim milk and yogurt are great sources of calcium, an important mineral for hair growth.

10. Carrots

Carrots are an excellent source of vitamin A, which promotes a healthy scalp. A healthy scalp is essential for shiny, well conditioned hair.

Try adding these items to your diet and watch your hair strength, shine and body increase.

Next week, I will talk about how diet can affect your skin and nails.

Angie Noble is a Master Stylist at Modé Salon and Day Spa