Best Foods for Hair Growth

Achieving healthy, thick and shiny hair is more than just using the right shampoo or hair treatments. What you eat also plays a key role. Your hair, like the rest of your body, depends on nutrients, and a balanced diet can make a significant difference to your hair and scalp health. Incorporating specific foods in your daily routine can strengthen hair follicles, reduce hair fall and promote growth.

Importance of food for hair growth

Hair follicles rely on nutrients like protein, iron and vitamins to grow strong and stay healthy. A lack of these may lead to thinning, breakage or even hair loss.

Iron helps carry oxygen to your scalp, protein builds hair structure and omega-3s keep your scalp hydrated. A balanced diet packed with these nutrients can boost growth, reduce shedding and give your hair a natural shine.

List of best foods for hair growth

Here’s a list of nutrient-packed foods that support stronger, healthier hair from the inside out:

• Fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines)

Packed with omega-3 fatty acids, protein and vitamin D, these fish support scalp health and hair strength.

• Eggs

Contain biotin and protein, essential for keratin production and overall hair health.

• Nuts and Seeds (almonds, walnuts, flaxseeds)

Provide omega-3 fatty acids, zinc and vitamin E, supporting hair growth and reducing inflammation.

• Greek yoghurt

Contains protein and vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), which may help against hair thinning and loss.

• Shellfish (clams, oysters, shrimp)

Good sources of zinc, essential for keratin production and hair growth.

• Dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher)

Contains antioxidants and copper, which may help strengthen hair and increase blood flow to the scalp.

Best fruits for hair growth

Here is a list of best fruits you can consume for healthy hair:

• Oranges: Loaded with vitamin C and antioxidants, oranges are probably one of the most nutritious fruits that can be included in a diet for healthy hair. You can also use its pulp and apply it as a paste (along with its peel) to get shiny hair.
• Gooseberry: Indian gooseberries, also known as amla, are not only highly nutritious to consume, but they also offer excellent benefits when applied to the hair. For centuries, amla has been revered for its medicinal properties in treating various hair problems.
• Banana: Besides being a good source of potassium and magnesium, bananas are rich in natural oils that can add softness and lustre to hair when applied topically. Eating bananas regularly also helps to promote hair growth.
• Papaya: Papaya makes for a great hair mask. It is full of nutrients that are needed for good hair growth when applied topically, in addition to consumption of this fruit. Papaya hair masks can activate hair follicles for good growth and also clear dandruff from the scalp.
• Apples: Apples are another great fruit for hair growth, as the vitamins and minerals found in them can minimize hair loss and promote hair growth. The juice from apples can also be applied all over the hair for good, healthy hair growth.
• Strawberries: Strawberries are the best naturally available remedy to get rid of fungal infections on the scalp. These infections are often a major indication of poor hair health and hygiene. Getting rid of fungal infections would promote hair growth and make it strong and lustrous.
• Guavas: In addition to eating guavas, which are incredibly nutritious, applying its paste on the scalp and hair helps remove dandruff and promote hair growth.

1. Avocados: Loaded with healthy fats and vitamin E, avocados support scalp health and promote shinier, softer hair.

Best vegetables for hair growth

Let’s explore some of the best vegetables for your hair:

• Pumpkins: Pumpkins, a treasure trove of minerals such as alpha-carotene, potassium and zinc, offer numerous benefits for lustrous hair and improved hair growth.
• Carrots: As an amazing source of vitamin A, carrots play an important role in hair growth and making it lustrous.
• Sweet potatoes: These are rich in fibre and are a source of vitamin A. Both nutrients play a major role in maintaining strong and lustrous hair.
• Spinach: Packed with iron, folate, and vitamins A and C, spinach promotes healthy hair follicles and sebum production.

Conclusion

While eating the right foods can do wonders for your hair, overall health plays a big role. Just like your diet supports healthy hair growth, having the right protection in place supports your well-being in the long run.

That’s where a good health insurance policy comes in. Whether you're managing everyday health or dealing with unexpected medical emergencies, having individual health insurance ensures you’re covered—giving you peace of mind so you can solely focus on staying healthy, inside and out.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your general physician or another certified medical professional for any questions regarding a medical condition. Relying on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk, and ICICI Lombard is not responsible for any effects or consequences resulting from the use of the information shared.