Many of us are very possessive and sensitive when it comes to our hair. We all want thick, shiny and good-quality hair. Choosing the right product, eating right and doing everything to pamper our hair is all that we want. And, yes, there are foods for hair growth.
Our hair changes all the time; our lifestyle, age, hormones, genetics and many more things influence our health. The diet and giving it the right nutrients is what we can control easily. A balanced plant-based diet can provide all the necessary nutrients to our hair and even our skin. Lean protein, omega-3 fatty acids, B-complex vitamins, iron and fat-soluble vitamins are some of the best vitamins and minerals for our hair.
Our diet can prevent hair loss, and frizzy hair and can make them stronger and shinier. Processed and packaged foods are the weakness of our hair as it is poor in nutrients and contain additives that can harm our hair’s health. Rather than shedding your money on expensive treatments and products, firstly it is important to correct your diet. Here are some amazing foods that will provide your hair with all the important nutrients and help them grow.
15 Foods for hair growth and hair thickness

1. Tangerines
The vitamin C content in tangerines is really high which increases the absorption of iron in our body. It affects the overall growth of our hair; it has anti-fungal and antiseptic properties which help in preventing dry scalp, dandruff and hair infections. It is also a good source of Vitamin B-12 which helps in the healthy growth of our hair, prevents hair loss and slows greying of hair. Tangerines can make a big good difference in your hair’s health.
2. Eggs
Our hair follicles are mainly made up of protein. The protein content in eggs is really high, which prevents our hair from being damaged. It also consists of another protein i.e. biotin which also plays an important role in controlling our hair’s growth. It accelerates the production of a hair protein called keratin. Other than this, eggs are also a great source of zinc, selenium, folate, Vitamin A and E.
3. Avocado
Avocadoes are a superfood as it benefits our overall health. It is a good source of biotin and vitamin E. Vitamin E is loaded with antioxidants which protect our scalp from oxidative damage. It also contains healthy fats that make our hair grow shiny and thick. It is a very popular ingredient for DIY hair masks.
4. Salmon
Salmon is an excellent source of omega-6 fatty acids. Many studies have proved that omega-6 and 3 fatty acids can lead to increased hair density and reduce hair loss. It also contains a number of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties which prevent damage to hair scalp and hair thinning. Other than salmon, other fatty fishes like herring and mackerel are also good for our hair.
5. Seeds
Seeds like chia seeds, flax seeds, pumpkin seeds, etc, are all full of nutrients, fibre and antioxidants. The seeds nourish our scalp and prevent damage and dryness. It provides fatty acids and proteins which are essential for our hair growth. You can use these seeds in various manners; can add all these seeds in smoothies, and yoghurt and can even use them in hair masks or DIY hair oils.
6. Pulses
Pulses are completely packed with vitamins and minerals. It contains all the nutrients that make our hair healthy. Chickpea, red beans, peas, black beans etc are full of folic acid and B-complex vitamins which enhance the overall growth of our hair and prevent it from being damaged. It is a great source of iron and protein too.
7. Berries
Berries contain all the compounds that are beneficial for our hair. It is loaded with antioxidants and vitamins that promote hair growth. The antioxidants reduce oxidative stress and fight free radicals which reduce hair loss and prevent the scalp from being damaged. Blueberries and strawberries are the two major berries that are good for our hair.
8. Spinach and kale
All leafy green vegetables contain an immense amount of vitamins that are great for our hair. Spinach and kale provide a high amount of magnesium and iron that purifies our blood and increase the blood supply to our scalp. This keeps our scalp healthy and prevents any type of damage. Vitamin B, C and D are also present in these vegetables making our hair as well as skin healthy.
9. Sweet potato
Sweet potatoes are high in vitamin A and fibre, which gives our hair skin and prevent dryness. It contains beta-carotene which converts into vitamin A in our body and also increases the production of sebum which makes our hair healthy. Vitamin A promotes the growth rate of our hair and makes them thick.
10. Greek yoghurt
Plain unsweetened yoghurt contains probiotics which are good bacteria and increase the absorption of nutrients. It is also the best source of proteins that lock our hair’s roots and encourage growth. Vitamin B5 is also present in yoghurt which promotes healthy skin as well as hair.
11. Nuts
Adding nuts to your daily diet will improve your overall health. The nuts like walnuts provide omega3 ad omega-6 fatty acids which promote hair growth. Other than this, they also have anti-inflammatory properties which reduce inflammation in the scalp and prevent hair loss. Nuts are also rich in Vitamin E.
12. Oysters
Oysters are the best source of zinc which helps in repairing hair root cells and promoting hair growth. The deficiency of zinc leads to heavy loss of hair and reverses all the benefits. Six oysters can provide you with up to 20mg of zinc, other than oysters, meat and beans also contain a high amount of zinc.
13. Bananas
Bananas are a rich source of potassium, good oils, vitamins and carbohydrates; it is an ingredient that is highly used in DIY hair masks. It is really effective in increasing the growth and elasticity of our hair which prevent it from breakage and damage. It nourishes our scalp and controls dandruff too. Bananas are one of the cheapest and most affordable foods for hair growth.
14. Red bell pepper
Red bell pepper is full of powerful antioxidants, vitamin C, B6 and A, magnesium and anti-inflammatory properties. All these qualities of bell pepper are beneficial for our hair. The antioxidants reduce oxidative stress and all the vitamins promote hair growth. Other than this, it also improves vision, reduces hypertension, combats anxiety and prevents certain types of cancer. It is one of the best options in foods for hair growth and hair thickness.
15. Peanuts or Peanut butter
Last on the list of foods for hair growth are peanuts are good for vegans and vegetarians as they can provide nutrients equivalent to meat. It is packed with proteins, antioxidants and fibre which promote the healthy growth of hair. Peanuts also make us feel full for a longer time which reduces the cravings for sugary and processed foods.
Pumpkins, grapes, asparagus, kiwi, clams, mushrooms, carrots, liver, guava, oatmeal and other forfeited whole wheat cereals are some other amazing foods for our hair.
Some foods that encourage hair loss and degrade our hair’s health are mainly refined flours, sugary foods and swordfish. Excessive consumption of alcohol, excessive stress and lifestyle habits also trigger hair fall.