Katie Pierce
It’s more than just something to complete your date-night look, having healthier, shinier, and fuller hair works wonders for your confidence. Your hair, much like your skin, is also a great indicator of whether or not your body is receiving the vitamins and minerals it needs to keep going.
Dry and brittle hair that easily breaks off can be a sign that you’re not getting enough nutrients such as iron and protein into your system. Of course, other elements, like exposing your hair to styling tools and other treatments, can worsen the state of your tresses.
Aside from an all-natural and eco-friendly beauty routine for your hair, whatever damage has been done to your locks can also be reversed with the help of a healthy diet. After all, that “you are what you eat” phrase that we’ve been told so many times in our lives is true in every sense of the word.
The health of our hair depends on what we consume. For healthier hair growth, we’ve listed the ten best fruits you can add to your diet.
Bananas
If using coconut oil on your hair is part of your hair care routine, you’ll go bananas over bananas. Filled with potassium and natural oils, bananas keep your hair manageable, luxurious, and soft. Rich in vitamin B, this fruit also protects the natural elasticity of your hair, which means no hair breakage and split ends.
The best part? You can add it to your fruit bowl, but you can also apply it topically. A banana hair mask will help with better hair growth, and it’ll also add a healthy shine to your locks.
Creating a banana hair mask is easy! Simply mash one ripe banana using a fork and add two tablespoons of coconut or olive oil to the mixture. Then, add two spoons of honey. Once you have a smooth paste, apply it all over your hair and scalp. It’s important to leave it for at least 30 to 40 minutes and wash it all off with lukewarm water right after.
Oranges
Oranges have two things that your hair will love: vitamin C and antioxidants. Both of these help your hair by improving blood circulation all around your body, including your scalp. Good blood circulation is the key to better hair growth.
If you’re lacking vitamin C, chances are you’re experiencing hair loss or significant damage to your locks. Vitamin C is also crucial in the production of collagen in your body. This protein will help in strengthening your hair.
Another great thing about oranges is that they are readily available. Reaping the advantages of the fruit wouldn’t require too much effort or time on your part. Pick up a few next time you’re at the farmer’s market. You can juice it, add it to your salad, or even use the peels as a DIY hair treatment.
Related articles: How to Drink More Water When You Don't Like It
Papayas
Rich in antioxidants and vitamins A, C, and E, papayas are an excellent fruit for hair growth. This fruit can help you prevent baldness as it activates your hair follicles to promote hair growth. It also strengthens your tresses from the roots.
Its benefits don’t end there! Papayas also have antifungal properties that work wonders in clearing out dandruff from your scalp. You can also use the leaf of papaya as a conditioner to bring life back into your hair.
If you are experiencing hair thinning and extreme dandruff, it is recommended to eat papaya at least three times a week.
Apples
An apple a day is the key to keeping your hair problems at bay. Apples are some of the healthiest snacks you can get your hands on, and they have some pretty impressive health benefits, including ones for your hair.
Apples help to increase the development of keratin in your hair follicles, making your hair stronger, shinier, smoother, and fuller. You can eat the whole fruit, or you can create healthy cakes, pies, and smoothies out of it. Alternatively, you can make a green apple mask that will prevent hair loss, enhance hair growth, and balance the pH level of your scalp and hair.
Guavas
Guavas not only taste amazing, but they’re also great for your hair! Packed with vitamins A and C, guavas can help protect your hair from breakage and curb dandruff and other scalp infections. You can also use guava leaves to extract nutrients that boost hair growth.
Guavas can also be applied topically to your hair by mashing them with a fork. Add a few drops of lemon and a teaspoon of honey. Mix this paste well and apply it to your scalp. Do this twice a week to help reduce hair fall and dandruff.
Related articles: How to Make Your Beauty Routine More Eco Friendly
Strawberries
Bothered by scalp infections? Strawberries will be your best friend. Filled with essential minerals such as copper, manganese, and magnesium, this sweet and juicy fruit helps enhance hair health by preventing the growth of fungal infections on the scalp. With healthier hair follicles, your locks will grow without any worries.
They’re also packed with vitamin B5, which helps prevent hair loss by repairing and rebuilding hair.
Grapes
Grapes are a godsend for hair growth. This fruit has procyanidins that have antioxidant, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. All of these help in preventing scalp inflammation and infections.
They are also rich in vitamin E, which can naturally moisturize your scalp, preventing it from drying up or getting flaky. As long as you keep your scalp healthy, you will more than likely grow healthier hair.
Plum
Low in calories, but high in health benefits, the humble plum contains a lot of vitamins and minerals, including fiber that your scalp needs.
Plums are high in phenolic content, making them excellent natural antioxidants. These antioxidants scavenge the free radicals that cause hair loss and damage. Plums also have anti-inflammatory qualities that can help calm your scalp and prevent infections.
Avocado
Avocados are wonder fruits for your hair. Not only will it nourish your locks, but it can also strengthen your hair and encourage healthier growth. Avocados have a long list of vitamins and minerals, such as vitamins A, B, E, and C, calcium, iron, niacin, potassium, lecithin, and beta-carotene. All of these work together to help condition your hair.
Once you’ve reaped the benefits of avocado on your hair, you’ll never go back to a life without it. It’ll make your tresses thicker, shinier, and softer.
Blueberries
Rich in antioxidants called proanthocyanidins, blueberries are some of the best fruits if you’re looking to grow and volumize your hair. These little berries that you can pop in your mouth at any time of day also contain a ton of vitamin C that can strengthen your hair to avoid breakage. These properties can stimulate new hair growth and protect your existing locks.
But the absolute best part about blueberries? You wouldn’t have to worry about gaining weight because they’re super low on calories.
Short & Sweet Tips on Adding More Fruits to Your Diet
Juicing is also a great way to get in your daily fruits. Hairguard's founder, William Slator has a great article on juicing for hair health which includes a look at the scientific evidence. The recommended serving size for fruits on a daily basis is around 2 to 2.5 cups. Make fruits a habit by adding them to your favorite dishes, swapping junk food for fruit slices, turning them into smoothies or cakes or pies, and just trying new things and recipes as much as possible.
It isn’t just your hair that will thank you for the abundance of fruits, your body will also appreciate this shift to a healthier lifestyle.
Better Foods for Healthier Hair
Hair treatments can get expensive! Before you spend a ton of money on chemicals and other products, pay attention to your hair type and eat a healthy diet first. Achieve healthier hair growth by choosing the right fruits that will help strengthen and nourish your hair.
Before starting a new diet, remember to always consult your dietitian or nutritionist first.