Over the years, as a hair and scalp spa, Haste has seen the impact of diet on health and the scalp.

While we recommend different scalp therapy treatments, we also know that your diet can affect your scalp health, even when you use the correct hair care products.

So, what you put inside your body is as important as what you put on it. Here, we highlight certain foods that promote different scalp conditions and how to treat them.

But before we understand how it causes problems, you need to understand your scalp health first.

Knowing Your Scalp

Before assessing your diet needs, it’s essential to understand what constitutes a healthy scalp. A healthy scalp is free from excessive dryness and oil and has a balanced moisture and pH level.

A poor diet or nutritional deficiency can often cause scalp problems, such as inflammation, itchiness, or dandruff. Understanding the cause of dandruff can also help you make informed dietary choices.

Still, what is the connection between your diet and your scalp? Your scalp is a living part of your body, and you need a balanced diet to be healthy. To maintain scalp health, you need specific nutrients to help with blood circulation and the production of natural oils.

But before we discuss the essential nutrients, let’s examine how diet affects scalp health.

Consider The Following to Improve Scalp Health

1. Rethink That Low-Fat Diet

Yes, the days of following a diet free of fat are long gone. If you follow a low-fat food trend, you may have noticed a change in your hair’s appearance.

We found that an intensive low-fat diet can make hair lifeless and brittle. Instead, look for healthy fats that will benefit your hair and skin.

Another helpful tip is that if your hair looks very brittle, you should start with a healthy protein diet and visit us for a protein filler treatment to give it some life.

2. Look at Your Processed-Food Intake

Yes, you knew we were going to say this. Consuming foods lacking nutrients, such as processed snacks, alcohol, high sugar, and empty carbohydrates, can replace nutrient-dense foods and negatively affect health.

When we work with our clients at the hair wellness spa, we shift their perspective on diet. Instead of eliminating things, we recommend you add those nourishing foods. This will make the transition to your new mindset easier.

The more plants, healthy fats, and complete proteins added with less nutritious food, the more you crowd out your diet, and it is a win-win situation.

3. Rapid Weight Loss Is Bad

Yes, we have been on them all, from the crash diet and fad diet to losing weight, only to find we put back on substantial weight, and it also results in hair and scalp disorders.

As much as you should consult with a professional for a scalp analysis, you also need to analyze what you eat.

You might think your diet is healthy, but keeping a food diary for at least two weeks can reveal some unexpected things.

4. Sugar Kills Protein

Your hair consists of protein; without it, you can say goodbye to a healthy scalp and hair. Too much sugar can break down the protein, converting the starch into sugar.

Maybe you ate well during the day, and then you had a piece of cake before bed. What you are doing is nullifying the protein you had.

Furthermore, your scalp and hair are fed by your bloodstream, and everything you consume will end up in your hair.

5. Take Note of Your Gut

Yes, your gut plays a massive part in skin and scalp health. An unhealthy gut affects hair growth. So, don’t avoid your gut health; prioritize it, and the rest of your body will follow. Eat plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits, and include foods rich in antioxidants. You can also take a daily probiotic.

6. Do Not Skip Breakfast

Eating a big breakfast and lunch is more important than having a big dinner. The reason is that the later you eat, the more difficult it is for your body to digest the food. So, you miss out on the benefits you put into your diet.

7. Hair Supplements Are Not Magic Wands

While taking a supplement can benefit your health and hair, it has no effect if you are experiencing hair thinning. You must get to the root of the problem before prescribing supplements when you lose hair.

This leads us to the following: It’s helpful to get your blood tested before trying supplements. A blood test can tell you why your hair is thinning. If you have a severe nutritional imbalance, your doctor can prescribe supplements.

Once you get the right supplements and follow a healthy diet, you can schedule an appointment with us for hair thinning treatment. We will also provide you with the best hair care routine.

Yet, it’s worth noting that these supplements can adversely affect your scalp and hair if you follow an unhealthy diet.

8. Avoid Drinking Too Much Alcohol

Hair loss and alcohol go hand in hand, and the same goes for smoking.

Consuming too much alcohol can lead to a loss of concentration and remove vital minerals and vitamins, which can disrupt nutrient absorption.

Furthermore, it can suppress your appetite, making you choose poor food choices instead of replacing your meals.

9. A Sudden Change, Like Going Vegan, Can Result in Hair Loss

Stopping meat and eating only plant-based foods can lead to hair loss or a dull appearance. We recommend consulting with a dietitian before making drastic diet changes.

10. Drinking Too Little Water

Drinking too little water can dehydrate your scalp, as does the rest of your body and skin. You can drink more mineral spring water as it is natural. Still, not all mineral waters are the same, especially those from the springs in France, Iceland, and Italy.

Essential Nutrients For Scalp Health

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are an essential food without which your body cannot live. Your body cannot produce them by itself. Omega-3 has anti-inflammatory properties, which are beneficial for both the body and scalp health. It helps reduce inflammation and promotes hair growth.

Fatty fish like sardines, mackerel, or salmon will help nourish your scalp, in addition to having a scalp treatment for hair growth. Also, add chia seeds and walnuts to your diet, as they are rich in omega-3s.

Get In Your Antioxidants

Adding antioxidants to your diet helps combat stress, a significant contributor to hair loss and other scalp issues. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals, helping promote healthier hair and skin.

We recommend adding berries like strawberries and blueberries to your diet, as they help improve blood circulation to your scalp. Who said you cannot eat chocolate? Enjoy some dark chocolate in moderation to boost your scalp health, and yes, eat your leafy greens.

Eat kale and spinach, packed with vitamins A and C, to help promote scalp health.

Vitamins A and C

Both vitamins are essential to maintaining scalp and skin health. Eating carrots, which are high in beta-carotene, helps produce sebum and keeps the scalp moisturized. Bell peppers are rich in vitamin C, which helps with collagen production and supports blood circulation. Lastly, to enjoy some natural sugar, try eating sweet potatoes, a good source of beta-carotene.

Biotin

Vitamin B7, used at our hair wellness spa, is known as the hair vitamin because it supports keratin production and helps prevent hair loss. You find the vitamin in eggs, nuts, and whole grains. Adding the nutrient to your diet will help strengthen your hair and promote scalp health.

Zinc

Another vital mineral is zinc, found in pumpkin seeds, chickpeas, and shellfish like oysters, which helps with cell division and protein synthesis. Both are essential for hair growth, as a deficiency leads to scalp issues and hair loss, including female pattern hair loss.

Tips For Maintaining Your Scalp Health

Excellent! Now that you know the ways your diet affects your scalp health and have started a well-balanced diet, you can follow these tips to help promote a healthy scalp:

• Drinking water will keep your body hydrated and help moisturize your scalp and hair.
• Try to limit your stress. We know it is difficult, but high stress levels can affect your scalp’s hormonal balance. You can incorporate stress-reducing activities, such as meditation or yoga.
• Lastly, visit us for some scalp massage therapy to improve blood circulation in your scalp and deliver vital nutrients to your hair.

Still, if you struggle with a scalp concern related to your dietary habits or weight, we recommend consulting a weight management clinic for more insights. The clinic will provide you with a personalized nutritional plan to support your weight journey and, in turn, promote a healthier scalp.

Wrap-Up: Seek Professional Help For Your Scalp Health

We cannot overstate the connection between your diet and scalp enough. Following a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and biotin can improve your scalp’s condition.

When you incorporate different nutrient-dense foods and avoid harmful foods, you take the proper steps to keep your skin, hair, and scalp healthy. Although incorporating diet changes can take time, you will reap the benefits. 

While we are not a weight management clinic, we know how to work with your hair on your scalp. Visit us for the best scalp therapy in Medford, MA, to start your journey toward healthier hair and scalp.

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