The Significance of Hair Health

For humans, hair has both cultural and social significance. Unfortunately, hair loss and baldness are considered as stigmas in our society. Moreover, your hair health reflects your overall health. The health of your hair can indicate that whether your body is getting enough amounts of nutrients required by it. That is why both men and women who suffer from genetic hair loss feel shame and discomfort due to their appearances. Therefore, it is highly important to take good care of your hair.

Hair is a complex structure, which has its own anatomy as other parts of our body.  Hair health is not just about good-looking hair, it is also about the strength and support of each strand from root to tip.

At the base of the hair follicle, there is the bulb, where the cells build and nurture the shaft. These cells are connected to the capillaries that carry hormones and nourishment to carry on hair growth healthily. As you age, the hormones in the body are off balance and cells are not able to re-build new shafts to restore daily shedding. This leads to a condition known as androgenetic alopecia.

Nutritional Requirement of Hair

Just like skin, the health of hair is also the sign of inside health. Thus, the cells that form each strand of hair need a regular supply of key nutrients:

  • Protein : Hair are made up of protein, therefore, intake of sufficient protein in the diet is essential for healthy and strong hair.
  • High-iron : Iron is an extremely important mineral for hair health. Deficiency of iron is a major cause of hair loss.
  • Vitamin C : The foods rich in vitamin C are good for consumption along with iron-rich foods as they assist in the absorption of iron.
  • Vitamin A : Vitamin A is required by our body to produce sebum. Sebum is an oily substance formed by the hair’s sebaceous glands. It acts as a natural conditioner for a healthy scalp.
  • Zinc and selenium : For the protection of scalp other important minerals, particularly zinc and selenium are required. The deficiency of zinc can result in hair loss and flaky scalp.
  • Vitamin E : The sun can damage hair just as it damages our skin. Therefore, intake of vitamin E rich foods is very important to provide protection to the hair.
  • Biotin : Deficiency of biotin can lead to brittle hair and may also cause hair loss.
  • Omega-3 fatty acids : They are important fats that are not made by our body. Therefore, they have to be obtained through our diet.

Importance of Omega-3 Intake for Hair Health

Omega-3 is one of the important nutrients required for normal functioning of the body. Studies have examined the benefits of omega-3 in the treatment of hair loss. Role of Omega-3 in the prevention of hair loss is evident from its effects on the biochemistry of the body including its favourable actions on the integrity of cell membranes, nerve functioning and its anti-inflammatory action. Omega-3 is found in the cells, which line our scalp. It stimulates the formation and action of hormones, which affects the health and integrity of skin and hair. It is also a huge contributor to the sebaceous gland, which is responsible for feeding the hair follicles.

Benefits of omega-3 for hair:

  • prevents hair loss and breakage
  • provides the oils, which keep our scalp and hair hydrated
  • encourages healthy growth of hair
  • moisturizes the scalp and prevents dryness
  • promotes blood circulation