Hair is every person’s crowning glory, and everyone wants their hair to look thick, full, and voluminous. However, not everyone achieves this look naturally, and many factors affect hair volume, including genetics, lifestyle, and diet.

If you struggle with a limp mane, then the answer to voluminous hair may be hiding in your diet. In this article, we will explore the nutrient that your hair is missing, and how you can add it to your diet to improve hair volume and overall health.

Understanding Hair Growth

Your hair is made up of protein, specifically keratin, which is responsible for hair growth and strength. Hair growth occurs in three phases: the anagen phase, the catagen phase, and the telogen phase.

The anagen phase is the period of active hair growth, where hair cells divide rapidly, and the hair grows at a rate of about 1cm per month. The catagen phase is the transition phase when hair growth slows down, and the hair follicles start to shrink. The telogen phase is the resting phase where the hair stops growing and falls out naturally, is replaced by new hair.

Factors That Affect Hair Volume

Many factors affect hair volume, including genetics, age, hormone levels, and lifestyle. Diet also plays a crucial role in hair volume. A diet that lacks essential nutrients can lead to hair thinning or hair loss.

Some of the critical nutrients required for hair growth and volume include:.

Vitamins

Vitamins such as B12, biotin, and folate play a crucial role in hair growth and volume. Biotin, also known as vitamin H, helps strengthen hair, prevent breakage, and increase elasticity, which makes hair more voluminous.

Protein

Protein is a building block of hair, and a diet low in protein can lead to hair loss or thinning. Protein helps repair damage to hair, and it’s crucial for healthy hair growth and maintenance.

Consuming protein-rich foods such as eggs, meat, and fish can help boost hair volume.

Minerals

Minerals such as iron, zinc, and magnesium are essential for hair growth and volume. Iron helps transport oxygen to the hair follicles, and a lack of iron can lead to hair loss and thinning.

Zinc is essential for healthy hair growth, and it helps repair damaged tissues. Magnesium improves hair elasticity and helps prevent breakage.

Water

Water is essential for many bodily functions, including hair growth and volume. Drinking enough water ensures that your scalp is hydrated, which promotes healthy hair growth and increases hair volume.

Dehydration can lead to brittle hair, which is prone to breakage and thinning.

The Missing Nutrient for Hair Volume

One nutrient that is often overlooked but critical for hair volume is silica. Silica is a mineral that is essential for healthy hair growth and volume.

Silica helps stimulate hair growth, prevents hair breakage, and makes hair stronger, longer, and thicker. Silica is also beneficial in promoting healthy nails and skin. Yet, most people are deficient in silica.

Silica is found naturally in foods such as leafy greens, oats, barley, cucumbers, beans, and brown rice. However, the amount of silica present in these foods may not be sufficient to meet the daily recommended intake.

To ensure that you are getting sufficient silica, you can take silica supplements or invest in hair products that contain silica. Silica supplements are available in pill or liquid form, and they are safe to consume.

Other Ways to Boost Hair Volume

Incorporating foods rich in essential nutrients such as biotin, iron, and zinc can help boost hair volume and thickness. You can include foods such as spinach, lentils, eggs, and salmon in your diet.

Drinking enough water and investing in a good hair care routine can also promote healthy hair growth and volume. Massaging your scalp with essential oils such as coconut oil or peppermint oil can improve circulation to the hair follicles, which helps them grow thicker and stronger hair.

Conclusion

If you struggle with limp, thinning hair, then the answer to voluminous hair may be hiding in your diet. You can improve hair growth and volume by consuming foods rich in essential nutrients such as biotin, iron, and zinc.

You can also invest in supplements and hair care products that contain silica. By incorporating these simple tips in your daily routine, you can achieve thick, voluminous hair, and improve your overall health.