Is the condition of my hair due to the products or lifestyle?

It contains a record of just how well you have been looking after your body - the nutrients you consume, the mineral balance. No amount of great shampoos, conditioners and sprays are going to rectify hair that is in poor condition through neglect of your diet.

We can get the best out of all hair but there is a limit to what you can do when the hair isn't in great shape. Once it has grown (once it's out of your scalp) it is what it is and products have minimal effect on natural strength and elasticity. 
Your hair reflects all aspects of your environment - harsh weather, pollution, self-inflicted damage, but above all it is what we eat and drink that determines whether our hair is attractive, shiny and generally healthy. It needs the right balance of vitamins and minerals. 

Are multi-vitamins the answer?

Not unless your GP advises that you need them. In every other case you can get all you need from a balanced diet.  

Will dieting affect my hair?

It has been shown that dieting, when following one of the "fashion" diets which cut out one type of foodstuff or concentrate solely on another for a period of time is detrimental to the hair. If some Hollywood star is looking great and telling you it's because all they eat is bamboo shoots please don't follow them. If you want to cut down on your food intake that's fine, but please make sure your getting at least some food from all nutrient groups.

Which foods specifically help hair growth?

Foods which are especially good for hair are those rich in protein, like fish chicken and eggs for example. The best food for hair is oily fish such as tuna, mackerel, and salmon with their Omega-3 fatty acids. Healthy hair also requires a balanced intake of iron, magnesium and potassium (fish once again a good source). Make sure you are getting enough vitamins B6, B12 and folate by eating bananas, potatoes and spinach for example. ​