August 15,
2001
Brittle Hair?
Question
Dear Karen,
I have about given up dealing
with my hair. A friend of mine told me that part of my dry,
brittle hair problem is related to what foods that I eat and the
fact that I smoke. Can this be true? If so, can you help
me learn what types of foods that I can eat that will help me have
hair that is shiny and healthy? I've tried all sorts of different
conditioners and products but it's still very dry. I
do avoid blow drying my hair as much as possible but this only helps
slightly.
Please help.
Tish
Answer
Dear Tish,
Brittle hair can result from a variety of reasons from poor diet,
illness, medication, hormone changes or even stress. In some
cases aging will cause hair to become brittle or dry. Although I
can't project why your hair might be so brittle and dry, I can make
some suggestions.
Hair receives moisture from a variety of sources that include
natural oils that we get from the foods that we eat, water and foods
that are high in water content like many fruits.
Dry or brittle hair can sometimes be linked to inadequate
consumption of the proper foods. Low fat diets with their lack
of proper essential fatty acids (EFAs) can add to dry and brittle hair
problems. So can diets high in carbohydrates or low in proteins
which hair needs to thrive.
If you are not sure that you are getting enough good essential
fatty acids you can add supplements that offer a combination of
healthy fish oils with black currant seed oil, primrose or borage
ingredients. Flax seed oil is one of my personal favorites for
adding moisture to my hair.
If possible, consider quitting your dependence on nicotine.
Also, try to avoid hydrogenated fats. Good fats from foods
like avocadoes are actually beneficial to your hair's overall
moisture content and health.
When hair is damaged, dry or brittle it is important to use
products that actively work to heal your hair, rather than just
cover the problem. Products that I have found to heal and
nuture the hair include Phytotherathrie, Aubrey Organic, California
Baby, Paul Penders and Giovanni. Select a product that
advertises their assistance with dryness or brittleness.
If you prefer to whip up your own solution, consider using jojoba
oils as a base for your conditioner. You can buy jojoba oil at
health food stores or natural health outlets.
As you already know, avoiding blow dryers, when possible is a
great way to give your hair rest.
Finally, you may want to work with a nutritional expert who can
do an inventory of your current diet and make recommendations.
Taking vitamins that are targeted for improving your hair's
condition is also an option.
Best wishes,
Karen
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