There are so many wonderful super foods that provide our bodies with the strength and nourishment that they need to get through each day. Just like our actual bodies, there is another part of us that requires lots of nutrients and TLC in order to grow: our hair.
What we put on top of our heads is just as important as what goes into our bodies. In addition to our usual shampoo and conditioner, there are quite a few natural wonders that we can use to strengthen and moisturize our hair, and most of them can be found right in our pantries! Here is a list of some of these amazing “hair foods” and their nourishing properties!
1. Eggs
I’m sure you’ve heard that this food is an “egg-celent” source of protein for your body, but did you also know that eggs are a great source of protein for your hair too? If you ever suffer from dry, brittle hair, eggs can be a great way to strengthen your strands. Mix one egg with your favorite conditioner, let it sit for at least 30 minutes and your hair should go from fragile and damaged to strong and fabulous in just one wash!
2. Avocado
Not only is avocado great for facials (and guacamole!), it’s also really awesome for your hair. Like eggs, avocado has great restorative properties and can put strength back into brittle, lifeless strands. It is also a great moisturizer, adding plenty of softness and shine to your hair.
To make a moisturizing hair mask, you will need to smoothly blend together a ripe avocado with your favorite oil and conditioner. Before you apply your mask, make sure that there are no chunks left, because they can be a pain to get rid of once the mask is on your hair. After about an hour, thoroughly rinse, and your hair should be lustrous and soft!
3. Honey
This liquid gold is so sweet and has so many wonderful benefits for your mane! It is an antibacterial, a really effective moisturizer, and a natural hair lightener. You can incorporate a little bit of honey into your shampoo or conditioner, and it should leave your hair softer and shinier. With frequent use, you may begin to notice your hair getting lighter in color!
4. Oil
There are many oils that offer shine and seal in moisture, but two of my favorite oils that can be used for cooking and for hair are coconut oil and olive oil. Coconut oil penetrates deep into the hair shaft, but it is not heavy which makes it perfect for almost all hair types.
Olive oil is rich in vitamins A and E, and it is great for lifting build up in your scalp. Plus, it is an oil that is more commonly found in our pantries. Both of these oils are great to add to any hair care product or washing regimen. You can use it in a hot oil treatment as well! Just add a bit to your favorite conditioner or use it to seal in moisture after a wash!
5. Banana
One food that you would not commonly associate with your hair is bananas! Bananas have many wonderful properties that help combat dry, flaky, and itchy scalp. The best way to use bananas for your hair is to make them into a mask. But you MUST blend the bananas until the mask is nice and smooth. Apply the mixture to your hair and let it sit for about 30 minutes. The end result should be a clean, flake-free scalp!
If you have any of these super foods in your home, you should definitely give one of them a try on your hair! As always, you should look up the benefits of each for yourself. Also, if you are allergic to anything listed above, I definitely wouldn’t recommend putting it on your head. If you are looking for different ways to use these amazing food products on your noggin, you should check out this video on how to make your own damaged hair mask: