You’ve probably heard the expression “you are what you eat” but wondered what on earth it means. After all, we don’t know anyone made of chocolate or jelly babies!

Well, the expression was coined in the 1800s by a German philosopher, who suggested that the food we eat has a bearing on our state of mind.

But, more recently, we have become much more aware of how important good nutrition is for our whole well-being, from radiant skin to strong, shiny hair. Not to mention the obvious correlation between our diet and our overall health.

So, how can we ensure we are eating the right things to ensure our hair stays in tip-top condition?

Pack your diet with these nutritious foods to transform your dull and lacklustre mane in a matter of weeks. The added bonus? Most of these foods are great for glowing skin, bright eyes and strong nails, too.

Lentils, as well as protein and carbs, these pulses are packed full of folic acid, or iron, which is essential for transporting oxygen from your blood to your scalp and hair follicles. Good scalp circulation means quicker, stronger hair growth and faster cell renewal.

Broccoli is a real hair hero, as it’s crammed full of essential vitamins and minerals, including folic acid, zinc and calcium, which is an important nutrient for growth and strength.

Walnuts, in fact nuts in general, are fantastic sources of hair-enhancing vitamins and minerals, but walnuts are considered among the very best for nourishment. This is because they contain a potent blend of omega-3 fatty acids, biotin, protein, vitamin E and copper, which protects hair against the sun’s harmful rays by acting as a shield.

Avocado. Besides being rich in protein and vitamin D (both essential to healthy hair), the omega-3 fatty acids found in avocados are the real superstars. Your body can’t make those fatty acids needed to grow hair; about 3% of the hair shaft is made up of them. Omega-3s are also found in the cell membranes of the scalp and the natural oils that keep your scalp and hair hydrated.

Quinoa is a rich source of 9 essential amino acids that can strengthen hair follicles naturally, repair hair by nourishing and hydrating the scalp.

Purple Rice, beautifully hued and packed with nutrition, purple rice is an ancient heirloom rice with origins in Asia. Its grains are inky black in colour when raw. As it cooks, the grains turn a deep iridescent purple. It’s a great protein source, essential for hair growth because hair follicles are mostly made of protein.

Chia Seeds are rich in I-lysine protein, phosphorus, and other vitamins and minerals. These are known to fortify hair fibres and provide strength to the roots and follicles to minimise breakage.

Goji Berries are beneficial for hair growth. They maintain a healthy scalp area. They have antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. Vitamins and minerals from food play an important role in the hair follicle growth cycle, and a diet lacking the right nutrients can lead to hair loss.

And did you notice? The last four are all SUPERFOODS and not only are they brilliant to include in your diet for healthy hair, but they have even more amazing properties in CARING for your hair too! That’s why we launched a range of four HAIR FOOD MASKS that harness the power of superfoods to feed your hair at the same time.