Want more good hair days? Don’t we all! 

For many of us, those luxurious locks we so proudly wore with confidence and grace when we were younger have gotten thinner and duller with age. But, if you’re like me, you aren’t giving in to aging lightly. You are healthfully “saging”. And that includes holding on to every strand of hair we have by applying daily lifestyle habits that will help us continue to be our radiant, shining selves. 

Now – let’s talk about the factors that cause thinning, dull hair, and strategies we can apply to reverse this curse:

The Power of Protein

Did you know that your hair is a whopping 98% protein? Let me repeat that – hair is 98% protein! So, simply put, if you aren’t getting enough dietary protein, or aren’t able to properly assimilate the protein you eat, your hair isn’t going to be able to get the proper nourishment it needs to be healthy and lustrious. Protein is absolutely critical for strengthening and sustaining hair growth.

Are you getting enough high-quality protein in your diet? Are you eating enough eggs, lean meat, fish, and poultry? And more importantly, are you adequately digesting it? If you are among the over 90% of people that are slow digesters, you most likely are low in the critical stomach acid necessary to properly break down the protein you are eating. It is common for undigested protein to pass through your body without being absorbed and utilized in the areas we need it most – including your hair.

Nutritional Considerations for Hair Loss

• B Vitamins (Biotin and Pantothenic Acid) – Biotin promotes growth and helps rebuild damaged hair. Women are especially at risk for biotin deficiency during pregnancy and lactation, and during menopause. Pantothenic acid stimulates hair growth by supporting your adrenal glands, thereby improving your body’s management of stress. You will find these nutrients and more in the complete and comprehensive Advanced Daily Multivitamin. In addition, I have been recommending the Adrenal Formula for years for adrenal health and support.
• Zinc – Zinc deficiency is a common culprit for hair loss in both men and women. Zinc acts directly on hair follicles, and stress alone can triple zinc loss. Zinc helps metabolize testosterone, which in excess can cause hair loss. Make sure you are getting at least 15 mg of supplemental zinc daily.
• Essential Fatty Acids – Oils rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as fish oil have long been known to benefit skin and hair. Omega-3s promote thicker hair and reduce inflammation, which increases hair loss. Several studies show that omega-3 fats plus omega-6 and antioxidants decrease hair loss and increase hair thickness and density. My go-to source for omega-3 fatty acids is UNI KEY Health’s Super-EPA. I recommend 1 softgel 2-3 times per day.

Additional Tips for Restoring Your Luxurious Locks After Hair Loss

If you’re not the Rapunzel you’d like to be, there are a few simple steps you can take to restore your luxurious locks. Focus on silica and sulfur.

There is a reason I have recommended horsetail extract as a natural treatment for thinning hair for years. Horsetail extract is rich in minerals for hair. Why? It contains ample amounts of the mineral silica, which strengthens hair strands. It is also highly regarded for healthy skin and bones. Horsetail Tea is an easy and enjoyable way to get more silica in your daily diet. I am also a huge fan of drinking FIJI Water daily, which contains an impressive amount of naturally occurring silica.

Sulfur can be abundantly found in beef, poultry, fish, eggs, beans, garlic and onions, fruits, and vegetables. It can also be taken as a supplement in a high quality purified MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) product. I add 2-3 scoops of MSM powder to my morning smoothies to support keratin production, which is a structural constituent of hair and nails.

And just one more thing – As you will find in Radical Longevity, I love rosemary essential oil for lustrious, thick hair. To stimulate hair follicles, apply a few drops of rosemary oil to a natural bristle brush, then brush your hair 100 strokes just before bed. This is also wonderfully relaxing to the muscles beneath the scalp! Alternately, massage your scalp with your fingertips moistened with a couple drops of essential oil in one tablespoon of jojoba. Other oils that increase scalp circulation include lavender, cedarwood, sage and peppermint. Little known spikenard oil (Himalayan plant, nardostachys jatamansi, related to Valerian) has also been shown effective.

By implementing these simple strategies, you can help reverse hair loss and damage and restore the health of your hair and your confidence as you continue your journey to graceful “saging”.

For more beauty-related health information, Listen to my recent podcast with Dr. Eric Zielinski as he shares his wisdom on the many essential oils that can heal your overall health for a more beautiful you.