Hiya Petals,

If you're anything like me then that's a big, fat YES!! Over the past few months I have really started indulging my hair in some nourishing products to keep it happy and healthy, whilst ensuring it stays long and silky smooth :).

So whilst reading up on hair the other day I found some great tips that I wanted to share with you, as well as some of my own :). Did you know that what you eat can influence your hair growth - well they always say you get out what you put in, so I guess it makes sense -?

Here are a few tips for you all to try if you need a little extra help with taming the mane :).

WHAT TO EAT

1. Salmon - salmon is full of vitamin D protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin B-12 all which help keep your scalp healthy, and well moisturised, whilst promoting lustrous and strong hair growth.
2. Yellow Peppers - yellow peppers have nearly five and a half times more vitamin C than an orange. This is great for your hair as vitamin C is an antioxidant that aids in strengthening the shaft of the hair and hair follicles, as well as preventing breakage.
3. Dark Green Veggies - spinach and broccoli are packed with Vitamins A and C which help the body produce sebum - a natural conditioner for our hair -. Leafy green veggies contain iron and calcium which aid in strengthening the hair.
4. Oysters - zinc deficiency is known to cause hair loss and create unhealthy scalp conditions, however oysters are crammed full of zinc.      
5. Egg Yolks - eggs are an excellent source of omega-3, and the yolks contain a relative high biotin content - a vitamin highly recommended for strengthening hair and nails -. 
6. Sunflower Seeds - a few of these babies can supply you with a large quantity of vitamin E, which in turn enhances blood flow to the scalp, therefore promoting quicker hair growth.
7. Avocado - avocados contain a high concentrations of essential fatty acids, which are naturally found in skin cells. They are an old beauty secret and when topically applied to the hair and scalp, they have the ability to stimulate collagen and elastin production. 
8. Nuts - Brazil nuts contain Selenium which helps hair growth thick and strong. Walnuts contain high levels of alpha-linolenic acid and omega-3 fatty acid, helping keep hair moisturised. Walnuts, cashews, almonds and pecans are great sources of zinc - to help prevent hair loss -, with almonds helping your hair grow faster and thicker due to their high biotin content - as mentioned with egg yolks -.

MAINTENANCE 

1. Do NOT brush your hair while it's wet. When hair is wet it is at it's weakest, their is no elasticity in the follicle and by brushing it wet, it has the ability to cause snapping and severely damage your precious locks. If you want to brush your hair while it's wet, use a wide toothed comb and start from the bottom, working your way up.
2. Don't wash your hair everyday. By washing your hair everyday, you are essentially stripping it of all it's natural oils. For the first week you might find your hair is oily but after the initial period your hair will look better than it ever has. I wash my hair three times a week, and I used to be that girl who had to wash my hair daily!!
3. Wash your hair in cold water - as cold as is comfortable obviously -. This nifty little trick helps to seal the hair cuticles, which locks in moisture and gives your hair added shine - I do this EVERY time I wash my hair.
4. Try to avoid heat styling your hair on a daily basis - i.e. straightening, curling etc - and always, always use a heat protectant.
5. Brush with a boar bristle brush. Boar brushes are the best type of brush for your dry hair, they distributed the natural oils in your hair evenly helping your hair stay soft, shiny, and silky smooth.