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Hair is one of the most important indicators of someone's health and wellness. Dull, dry and limp hair reveals a lack of nutrients, water and vitality. As Afro Feministas, our hair needs to be on point. We're looking for moisture, health, bounce and shine in the most natural way. Ditch the hair growth vitamins and go straight for the healthy foods, herbs and oils that can keep your hair looking as beautiful as you are.
These are the top 10 vegan foods for beautiful natural hair.
1. Almonds
Almonds are one of my favorite foods. I drink almond milk, eat almond cheese and like to snack on raw almonds throughout the day. I've noticed significant changes in my body after consuming almonds. After a few weeks of eating almonds everyday, I would notice my skin, hair and nails were healthier and more hydrated. This is no coincidence.
Almonds are rich in Biotin, which is a nutrient that is necessary to build healthy fats within the skin. Biotin helps to keep skin moist and supple which is particularly helpful for scalp health. Flakes and irritation on the scalp can be a symptom of biotin deficiency in the body.
2. Bananas
Bananas are a fruit that I eat almost daily. Not only are they sweet and delicious on everything from a smoothie to oatmeal, they're also super healthy for your hair and scalp.
Bananas contain many minerals and nutrients but particularly, they are rich in Silica. This nutrient is known to improve the thickness of hair by keep it supple and preventing brittleness. Those of us with curly hair know that dry and brittle hair is what prevents us from growing long healthy strands. Incorporating bananas can help our strands stay supple from the roots to the ends.
3. Water
This may seem obvious to some but there are plenty of people who do not drink enough water. The human body is made up of 70% water, imagine the good that water can do for your hair.
Spritzing the hair with water everyday can help with the manageability and moisture of your tresses. If your hair feels dry and brittle, water and a good wash day might be the trick to help bring your beautiful hair back to life.
4. Rosemary
Rosemary is a wonderful herb that can be incorporated into many delicious dishes. My favorite is rosemary with balsamic vinegar on potatoes and brussel sprouts. There's so many ways to incorporate this incredible herb into your routine.
Rosemary is well researched and is known to increase circulation and blood flow to the scalp. Even smelling rosemary oil can increase cognitive function and stimulate concentration. Many people combine a carrier oil and rosemary oil to make a stimulating scalp massage. As long as you get it into your diet or in an oil form, you should be good to go. I recommend this Rosemary Oil .
5. Avocados
Avocados are so rich, thick and creamy. I love putting avocados into my smoothies, on top of sandwiches, or whipping up some chocolate avocado mouse.
Avocados are rich in Vitamin E. This nutrient helps balance the oils on the scalp, it locks in moisture and protects the lipid layer of the scalp. Applying Vitamin E Oil to the scalp is also an effective way to stimulate hair growth. I recommend this Vitamin E oil.
6. Spinach
If I were trapped on a deserted island and could only bring one food with me, it would be spinach. Spinach is my go-to for most nutrients. It is packed with so many vitamins and minerals, it fulfills almost all of my dietary needs.
Spinach is very rich in iron which is a key component in transporting oxygen around the body. With the help of iron, oxygen and nutrients make their way to the brain and scalp and stimulate hair growth. When combined with other nutrients like zinc, iron is even more effective.
7. Oats
Oats have become a favorite breakfast of mine. I like doing raw overnight oats soaked in almond milk. I top it with my favorite fruits and nuts and head out the door. It's a fast and satisfying food that fills me up when I really need the energy.
Oats are rich in zinc and as mentioned in the section on spinach, when paired with iron, it can be an effective transporter of nutrients to the scalp. Zinc also helps with the health of the hair follicle and can even accelerate hair follicle recovery.
8. Carrots
Carrots are one of my favorite vegetables. I find them to be sweet, delicious and a great compliment to any dish. I like them raw with a side of hummus and celery.
Carrots have an incredible amount of beta-carotene also known as Vitamin A. This vitamin helps tremendously with skin, eyes and hair. Carrot oil when applied to the hair and scalp can stimulate growth by increasing circulation and strengthening the roots of the hair. I recommend this pure organic Carrot Oil.
9. Sunflower Seeds
Sunflower seeds are a delicious seed to eat raw or salted on a warm summer day. I like them raw and ground into a sunflower seed butter. I put sunflower seed butter on my toast with a side of fruit and my day starts out on the right foot. I love this brand of Sunflower Seed Butter.
Sunflower seeds have a combination of iron and Vitamin E which promote blood flow to the scalp. With the help of calcium, magnesium and potassium, sunflower seeds can help you grow beautiful luscious hair.
10. Watermelon
Watermelon is an amazing fruit. It is full of water and as we discussed earlier, water is essential to hair growth. It has so many nutrients but we will focus on Vitamin C.
Vitamin C is made up of 1-absorbic acid and 2 phosphate which have been shown in studies to stimulate fibroblasts and osteoblasts. Researchers suggest this compound can stimulate growth and elongate the hair shaft.
Each of these foods has an amazing amount nutrients that can stimulate hair growth and help you maintain beautiful hair. Eating a healthy vegan lifestyle can supply you with plenty of opportunities to eat these foods and get the healthy beautiful hair you've always wanted.