Hair Vitamins & Hairstyling Tips: 8 Hair Growth Secrets

Best ways to maintain a healthy, beautiful mane can be found in your own home.

Technically hair is a dead tissue; but it also serves a valuable biological purpose: It keeps your head warm and helps regulate body temperature. Hair, like nails, is an extension of your epidermis, the outer layer of your skin. It is composed mainly of protein ‘Keratin’. Typically, a hair cell falls out or grows out after 3-5 years. And then it gets replaced. But at times, due to lack of proper nourishments, hair roots get destroyed resulting in baldness.

Here are some tips to pamper your hair and maintain a healthy crop:

1. Omega-3 fatty acids like gamma-linolenic acid are great for promoting healthy hair. Evening primrose oil, flaxseed oil are natural sources of GLA. 1-2 capsules of either oil everyday will be beneficial.

1. Egg is another natural source of protein for hair. Mix one egg with a small amount of shampoo and leave on hair for 5 minutes. Rinse well.

1. Using Olive, jojoba, or sweet almond oil for a head massage will do wonders. Dampen your hair and apply small amounts of the chosen oil until your hair is thoroughly covered. Cover with a shower cap and warm towel for a half-hour, then rinse and shampoo as usual.

1. Homemade conditioners:

§         Rub enough mayonnaise into your hair to coat it, wait up to an hour, and wash it out. You'll be amazed at how soft and shiny your hair is, thanks to this great protein source.

§         Substitute condensed milk for your regular conditioner. The protein provides an extra-special shine.

5.      Vitamins that promote hair growth are very common and can be found in a lot of sources. These vitamins are:

• Vitamin A: Sources are fish liver oil, milk, cheese, meat, eggs, broccoli, spinach, cabbage, apricots, peaches, and carrots. Aids in the production of sebum on the scalp.
• Vitamin C: Sources are citrus fruits, pineapples, tomatoes, strawberries, kiwi fruit, green peppers, potatoes, and dark green vegetables. Promotes the maintenance of healthy skin and hair.
• Vitamin E: Sources are wheat germ oil, soybeans, cold pressed vegetable oils, raw seeds and nuts, green leafy vegetables, and dried beans. It aids in circulation of blood in the scalp.
• Biotin: Sources are whole grains, egg yolks, liver, rice, milk, and brewer’s yeast. It promotes production of keratin, most imp part of hair.
• Inositol: Sources are liver, citrus fruits, brewer’s yeast, and whole grains. Essential for maintaining healthy hair follicles.
• Niacin or Vitamin B3: Sources are fish, chicken, meat, pork, prawns, almonds, peas, beans, tomatoes, wheat products, green vegetables, turnips, carrots, milk and celery. It promotes blood circulation in the scalp.
• Pantothenic acid or Vitamin B5: Sources are mushrooms, poultry, fish, brewer's yeast, whole-grain breads, whole grain cereals, legumes, avocados, nuts, cheese, potatoes, egg yolk, milk, and bananas. It prevents hair loss and graying of hair.
• Vitamin B6 and B12: Excellent sources for Vit B6 (responsible for the hair color) are spinach and bell peppers. Other good sources for Vit B12 are liver, fish and eggs.

1. Mix a few drops of sandalwood oil with a few drops of olive or jojoba oil, rub the mixture between your palms, then smooth it through the ends of your hair for instant sleekness and a way to instantly curb and condition brittle, flyaway hair.

1. For shiny hair you can also mix one teaspoon of honey into 4 cups of warm water. After shampooing, pour the mixture through your hair, but do not rinse. Dry as normal.

1. Use aloe vera gel instead of the usual styling gels to keep that flyaway hair in place. Aloe vera also conditions your hair naturally.