New Delhi: The monsoon season may bring much-needed relief from the heat, but it also comes with its own set of hair woes. Increased humidity, exposure to rainwater, and a damp scalp environment can all contribute to excessive hair fall during this time of year. But before you rush to pick up another expensive serum or supplement, it might be time to take a closer look at your plate.
Experts suggest that making simple, targeted changes to your diet can go a long way in improving hair health. That’s because your hair’s strength, texture, and growth depend largely on the nutrients you consume daily — particularly proteins, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals.
So, what should you be eating if your hairbrush is collecting more strands than usual? Here’s a list of ten hair-friendly foods to incorporate into your monsoon diet:
1. Eggs or Paneer
Rich in protein and biotin, both are essential for hair structure and regrowth. Eggs also provide sulphur, zinc, and selenium, while paneer is a good vegetarian alternative for daily protein intake.
2. Fatty Fish
If you’re non-vegetarian, oily fish like salmon and mackerel offer omega-3 fatty acids, which nourish hair follicles and promote shine and elasticity.
3. Avocados
Loaded with healthy fats and vitamin E, avocados help repair hair damage, reduce dryness, and support scalp health.
4. Nuts and Seeds
Almonds, walnuts, flaxseeds, chia seeds, and pumpkin seeds are rich in zinc, magnesium, and fatty acids — all of which are crucial for stronger hair roots.
5. Coconut
Often associated with topical hair treatments, coconut is just as beneficial when consumed. Whether it’s in the form of raw coconut, coconut water, or coconut-based dishes, it helps improve hair texture and reduces protein loss.
6. Leafy Greens
Spinach, methi (fenugreek), and amaranth are high in iron, folate, and vitamin C — a combination that helps boost circulation to the scalp and supports healthy hair growth.
7. Watercress or Halim Seeds
These lesser-known seeds are packed with iron and folic acid. They’ve long been used in traditional remedies to address thinning hair and anaemia-related hair fall.
8. Sweet Potatoes
A great source of beta-carotene, which converts into vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A is essential for sebum production, which keeps your scalp moisturized and your strands healthy.
9. Lentils
Full of folic acid, protein, and iron — lentils support cell regeneration and oxygen supply to hair follicles, which in turn aids hair growth.
10. Berries
Loaded with antioxidants and vitamin C, berries protect hair from damage caused by free radicals and help the body absorb more iron, crucial for strong, healthy hair.
Don’t Forget Hydration and Balance
While adding these superfoods to your meals can strengthen your strands, don’t overlook the basics. Drink plenty of water, manage stress, and get adequate sleep to support overall hair health.
This monsoon, let your kitchen be the first stop on your hair care journey — because healthy hair truly begins from within.
