When it comes to hair, all the talk in the hair care market these days centers on protein and moisture.
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Stringy, sticky or limp hair are possible signs of protein deficiency in hair. While a lack of protein in hair is a common issue, having excessive protein can be problematic too, by coating and weighing your hair down, according to the Deccan Chronicle.
Healthy hair, skin and nails depend on three main proteins: solubilized keratin, collagen peptides and elastin, but there are other plant-based supplements that benefit these areas, as well.
Factors that cause problems for your hair, skin and nails fall into two categories: intrinsic factors — such as the aging process and fluctuating hormone levels — and extrinsic factors including ultraviolet radiation from sun exposure, free radical damage and increased enzyme activity that breaks down collagen and elastin. In addition, inflammation and high blood sugar will damage both the integrity of collagen and its production.
The best way to strengthen your hair, skin and nails is from the inside out and supplements such as collagen, biotin, vitamin D and iron do exactly that.
Biotin (vitamin B7) promotes nail growth, but because hair and nails are similar systems, taking 2,500 to 5,000 micrograms of biotin a day will promote both nail and hair growth.
Your body can’t produce the essential amino acids that make up collagen, so you must obtain them through either your diet or supplements.
A vitamin D deficiency could also be the cause of thinning hair or hair loss, which in some cases could lead to alopecia. Vitamin D stimulates hair follicles to grow, so when you don't get enough, it can affect your hair.
Maintaining an optimum vitamin D level and getting vitamin D through sensible sun exposure is the best way to prevent a deficiency.
Saw palmetto has also been used to treat thinning hair. Derived from a palm tree and used by Native Americans for centuries, it inhibits an enzyme that converts testosterone to the powerful androgen hormone DHT.
To get healthy, shiny hair naturally, without the use of toxic commercial shampoos and hair products, you might try a high-quality burdock oil root infusion. Burdock oil is extracted from the leaves and roots of the burdock plant. It is currently used in Europe and America for hair growth and as a scalp treatment.
Here’s a simple, quick recipe for creating your own burdock root oil infusion:
INFUSED BURDOCK OIL
Ingredients:
Extra-virgin oil
Burdock root (use fresh root rather than dried)
Mortar and pestle
Airtight glass jar
Instructions:
1. Chop the burdock root up into smaller pieces. Smash these pieces up a little with a mortar and pestle to expose the flesh.
2. Leave the smashed root to dry out for a day. This will help it lose some moisture and concentrate the nutrients within the root.
3. Put the root into a clean glass jar. Cover with the extra-virgin olive oil. Seal and leave in a dark room for six weeks to infuse. You may need to open the jar every week or so to release any gas.