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Here is a list of a few healthy foods to incorporate into our diets for healthier hair.

Whole Grains
Stone ground whole wheat bread and fortified whole grain breakfast cereals contains healthy doses of zinc, iron, and B vitamins. B vitamins are very important for the health and growth of the hair.

Dark Green Vegetables
Spinach, Broccoli and Swiss Chard are excellent sources of vitamins A and C, which your body needs to produce sebum. Sebum is an oil secreted by your hair follicles in order to lubricate the skin and hair.

Beans
Kidney Beans and lentils should be an important part of your hair care diet. They provide plentiful protein to promote hair growth, iron, zinc, and biotin. Zinc helps to create a healthy scalp, and without it, dandruff and flakiness can occur and can lead to hair shedding. Biotin is often recommended for strengthening hair and nails. Deficiency in Biotin is extremely rare, as intestinal bacteria generally produce an excess of the body's daily requirement.

Salmon

I love vegetables!! When I heard that there was a group in my neighborhood who is starting a CSA Farm share this summer....I knew I had to participate!!....Organic Vegetables delivered every week from a farm upstate NY. If you live in NY, you can find out if there is a CSA Farm share in your area by going to the "Just Food" website. Every CSA Farm share is different but generally the price that you pay depends on your income. It's very affordable!!

This week I received:

• 1/2 lb. Snap Peas
• 1 bunch Baby Bok Choy
• 1/2 lb. Green Beans
• 1 head Cauliflower
• 1 bunch Beets
• 1 bunch Japanese Turnips
• 1/2 lb. Salad Greens
• 1 lb. Cucumber
• 1 lb. Zucchini
• 1 lb. Summer Squash

I love infusing oils. The process involves grinding freshly dried herbs and allowing it to steep in oil over a period of time. I like to infuse my herbs in extra virgin olive oil. I leave my infusions out in a sunny location to let the sun gently heat the oils to allow the herbs to release all of its potent nourishing properties. I use this potent infusion in my hair oils and hair butters. It's a potent blend of herbs to stimulate hair growth and soothe the scalp.

I used the following herbs in this Infusion:

Organic Burdock: Maintains and Promotes healthy Scalp, encourages hair growth, Improves Hair Strength, Shine and Body.

Comfrey Root: Most well known herb for healing Skin, Offers relief to dry itchy skin.

Organic Neem: Repairs Damaged Hair, Restores Sheen, Encourages Hair Growth.

Organic Chamomile: Heals inflamed Skin

Organic Nettle: Antifungal properties, Simulates the Scalp and encourages Hair Growth

Black Walnut Hull: Antibacterial, Antiviral, Anti parasitic

Organic Calendula Flowers: Nourish the skin, healing and Anti fungal

Try a scalp massage. Scalp massages are vital for beautiful healthy hair. Massages should be done with the pads of your fingertips or with the heels of your hands.

With a few drops of your favorite hair oil, gently massage scalp in a circular motion. I do this right before I go to bed at night. Massaging the scalp will increase blood flow to the hair roots stimulating hair growth. It also helps keep the scalp flexible and stimulates the secretion of the lymph glands. Massages are very soothing to the nerves and promotes relaxation.

Some experts have asserted that reduced circulation in the scalp can contribute to hair loss.