Is there any connection between what you put in your mouth and keeping a full head of hair?
For men, the answer is a resounding no. (Sorry, guys. Except in cases of extreme malnutrition, no amount of vitamins or minerals will regrow hair.) But for some women who have experienced hair loss related to physical trauma, crash dieting or heavy menstrual flow, the answer is yes.
What you eat may well have an effect on how good your hair looks, but there’s little you can do in terms of diet that will have an impact on how much hair you have. Here are a couple of things that doctors say you can do for healthier hair.
Steer clear of crash diets
Trimming pounds gradually not only is healthier than crash dieting but also keeps your hair on your head. “Any woman who has lost 20 pounds or more in a period of three months is going to have a problem with hair loss,” says Wilma Bergfeld, M.D., a dermatologist and director of the Section of Dermatopathology and Dermatological Research at the Cleveland Clinic. The safe and effective way to lose weight: trimming no more than a pound a week.
Pump up your iron
To boost iron absorption, some doctors also recommend drinking orange juice, which is high in vitamin C, whenever you eat foods high in iron, such as broccoli and red meat, says Alexander Zemtsov, M.D., associate professor of biochemistry and molecular biology at Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis.
Except in cases of starvation, it doesn’t seem that vitamins and minerals affect hair growth in men. On the other hand, nutrients may prove helpful for some women who have experienced hair loss. Here’s what the experts recommend.
Nutrient Daily Amount
Iron 50 milligrams
Vitamin C 100 milligrams
Plus a multivitamin/mineral supplement containing the Daily Values of all essential vitamins and minerals <
——————————————————————————–
What Vitamins Do For Your hair
Biotin: thickens the hair strands.
Choline Bitarate: keeps the hair root moist.
Copper: prolongs your original hair color.
Folic Acid: for cell renewal to grow hair.
Inositol: reduces hair falling from the root.
Iodine: regulates the thyroid hormone for hair growth.
Iron: helps reduce balding-Hair falling from the root.
Manganese: produces growth of the hair and nails.
Niacin: produces blood flow to the follicle to produce hair growth.
Pantothenic Acid: produces hair growth and stimulation of new growth.
Para-Amonobenzoic Acid: prevents hair loss and protects follicles.
Riboflavin: prevents dandruff and helps with the absorption of iron.
Thiamine: prevents hair loss.
Vitamin A: keeps moisture in your hair strands so you’ll have less chance of breakage.
Vitamin B-12: stimulates hair growth.
Zinc: produces hair growth.
Always consult with your doctor or nutritionist before taking or adding any new vitamin supplements to your diet. Also if you are pregnant consult your doctor. Especially if you’re currently taking medications of any kind).
8-Year-Old Removed From Class For Using Olive Oil Hair Product
The NAACP is filing a complaint against a Washington State elementary school after an 8-year-old girl was kicked out of class because her teacher complained about the smell of her hair.
Charles Mudede, a writer for Seattle’s The Stranger, says his daughter was moved to the hallway at Thurgood Marshall Elementary school before ultimately being forced to switch classrooms because she used Organic Root Stimulator in her hair.
Mudede’s daughter was the only Black student in her accelerated learning class but was moved down to a lower class with other Blacks after her white teacher complained about the way her hair smelled.
The NAACP has stepped in and is announcing plans to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education.
Mudede and his wife have since taken the child out of the school and say they don’t’ want her to return “until the teacher had medical proof that our daughter’s hair or something in her hair was to blame for the [teacher’s] nausea. The last thing you want to happen to your daughter is for a teacher to faint or vomit at the mere sight of her.”
The family has since hired an attorney.
** I’m Absolutely SPEECHLESS*
Loc Bun with a kick!
No Lye! The African American Womens Guide to Natural Hair Care
Hey Queens,
I shamefully admit I haven’t read many publications on growing natural hair. I’ve recently started researching “must have” books on natural hair. I came across this book- ” No Lye” written by: Tulani Kinard. Have any of you read this book? I just ordered it from Amazon.com. Below is a brief description of the book, and a bio on the author. Feel free to add any comments or offer other “must have” books.
Description::
For years, African-American women have relied on harsh chemicals and relaxers to “manage” their hair–which more often than not did more damage than good. Improper braiding techniques have also contributed no small amount of harm, resulting in frail, damaged hair and even pattern baldness in women.
No Lye! offers a safe and easy alternative. In this hair-care and styling guide Tulani Kinard reveals the secrets to obtaining and maintaining beautiful healthy hair–naturally.
Discover… The art of making braids, terrific twists and lovely locks Easy recipes for products that clean, strengthen, and condition the hair Ways to heal damaged hair Painless methods of caring for your children’s hair Fast, easy styles for all lengths and textures of hair The pros and cons of using hair extensions
Ask me your hair-care questions…I’ll tell you No Lye!
Tulani Kinard is the owner of Tulani’s Regal Movement, a natural hair-care salon in Brooklyn, New York. She has worked as a contributing editor to Blackstress and Black Hair Care magazines and her hair sculptures have been featured in everything from Essence to The New York Times. She is co founder of the International Braider’s Network and former president of the National Braider’s Guild.
No Lye
The African American Woman’s Guide To Natural Hair Care
by Tulani Kinard
ISBN: 0312151802
Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin
Publication Date: 1997
Format: Trade Paperback, 208 pages
Book Type: New
New Blog For Women Who Wear Shoe Size 11 and Above
Hi Divas,
I’ve started a second blog for my big foot divas. The Diva Shoe Lounge is for the diva who wear a shoe size 11-13. I will spotlight AFFORDABLE high fashion footwear for the everyday women who was blessed with big feet. All Shoes showcased will cost no more than $100. I proudly wear a size 11, and have been told that I have a HAUTE shoe collection. I will share my economical finds and share with you my favorite shoe suppliers. Please follow to become eligible for shoe giveaways, and refer to anyone that wear large sizes.
Benefits of Bentonite Clay
What is Bentonite Clay?
It is a detoxifying clay that can be used both internally and externally. It is commonly used amongst us natural queens as a hair cleanser but is also great for the skin.
Benefits of Bentonite?
Used as a shampoo, Bentonite removes build up and dirt from the hair and scalp without stripping. It is highly absorbent, so when used on the skin-it extracts oils and toxins from the skin.
How to use Bentonite?
It it mostly commonly combined with plain water, EVOO, or ACV.
Where to find Bentonite?
It can be found at many health food stores.
Bentonite Clay Curl Popping Hair Care Treatment Recipe:
This recipe depends on the length and thickness of your naturally curly hair.
Prep time: 10 mins
Instructions
Mix 1 to 2 parts Bentonite clay
Slowly add *water to the clay until you achieve a pancake mix texture.
Apply to your hair (dry or wet)
Allow to set for between 15 – 20 minutes
Rinse thoroughly until it’s all out of your curls, kinks and coils.
*water can be replaced with your choice of liquid for example: Organic Coconut Milk Herbal infusion or anything you like…* (Source: Anitagrant.com)
While researching info about Bentonite, I found so much information about this wonder clay. It is also effective treatment for skin rashes like Eczema, blood pressure, blood sugar levels, Autism and the list goes on. I don’t know about you, but I am running to my health food store to whip up a recipe this weekend.
I’ll keep ya posted.
Loc Tutorial: Regal/African Princess
Loc Tutorial: The World’s Fastest French Roll
Recipe: Sour Cream Natural Hair Pack
Sour cream and almond oil are especially necessary for hair damaged with acids, highlights or chemical straighteners. Some have said the mixture will loosen curl pattern, strenghten hair,help with detangling, and makes hair less frizzy and more defined. sounds good!
Recipe for Sour Cream Natural Hair Pack:
What You Need:
2 tsp of Sour Cream
2 tsp of Lemon Juice (or Lime Juice)
2 tsp of Almond Oil
1 tsp of Wheat Germ Oil
How to Prepare and Apply:
Mix the ingredients and then apply the hair pack on your hair. Leave the hair pack on your hair for 30-60 minutes. Rinse your hair and wash wash regularly and rinse with water in which you added some apple vinegar. This hair pack should be applied on dry hair.
The Lupie Chick Project 
You must be logged in to post a comment.