Healthy hair, no matter what age you are, depends on a range of vitamins and minerals, especially biotin (a B vitamin), vitamin D intake (you can get a good source of it from the sun), zinc, iron, folic acid, vitamins A, C, E, and most important, protein. So often people will come to me asking how to improve their hair growth and the texture of their hair, what I always say is it starts with what you eat. Hair is made of a special protein called keratin, and if you don’t get enough protein in your diet, it can affect the normal hair cycle and the follicle properties itself.

If you are a vegetarian, vegan or someone who does not eat the healthiest, consider this factor when you are wondering why your hair is not growing the way it used to. After the hair has reached the Telogen Stage; which means during this stage the hair does not grow but stays attached to the follicle while the dermal papilla stays in a resting phase below. The hair already is built up of the nutrients it was able to collect to get to where it is and you cannot change the hair’s complexity after it has grown and reached this phase, however you can maintain it by proper maintenance.

Some other factors to consider that affect hair health?

• Hormonal Shifts
• Stress
• Medications and Supplements
• Thyroid Gland Malfunction and Other Disorders

Besides the cosmetic reasons for desiring healthy locks, hair is a great marker of overall health. A healthy diet, and smart lifestyle changes can have your hair — and health — looking its greatest.