Hair health is one of those things you’re better off prioritizing well ahead of it becoming an issue. (Read: Ideally, you’ll mind your mane before you start to battle the likes of hair loss, thinning, and breakage.) That said, consider this your wake-up call to go beyond your standard shampoo and conditioner and fortify your hair care routine with game-changing products, foods, and supplements.
We tapped a hair stylist and a dietitian to see which items are all-stars for hair health that might not be in your current lineup but probably should be.
1. Clarifying Shampoo
Dealing with dull and lifeless strands? If so, a clarifying shampoo can come to your rescue. “It’s such a great way to bring the life back in to your hair, especially if you tend to use a lot of styling products and/or only wash once per week,” says Michelle Cleveland, a celebrity hair stylist, extension artist, and owner of Hair Addict Salon and Extension Bar in Toms River, New Jersey.
For ultimate shine and bounce, she suggests using a clarifying shampoo for the first wash and using your regular shampoo for the second. (How often you should use it will depend on a range of factors like your hair type, water quality, and the products you use. Once or twice a month could be good to start and gauge your results.)
2. Bond Repairing Treatment
According to Cleveland, bond repair and bond-multiplying products are another underused but overperforming product for healthy hair. “These types of treatment not only strengthen the hair but also increase shine and elasticity and promote hair growth,” she says.
Need inspo? Olaplex is a leader in bond-repairing products and a staple on many “best of” lists for hair health. I’m also a big fan of Ranavat’s Regenerative Shampoo and Conditioner, featuring the clean beauty brand’s proprietary Veda Bond Complex that supports hair resilience and promotes softer, silkier strands. (The jasmine scent is also divine.)
3. Hair Oil
Hair oil is one of my own personal hair health staples as of late. Better yet, it’s an excellent multitasker, so you can whittle down your product arsenal without skimping on results. “Hair oil serums can provide a multitude of benefits such as frizz control, UV protection, heat protection, and shine,” Cleveland shares.
4. Minoxidil
“This is by far the most underused hair growth product available today,” says Cleveland. Best of all, you can buy it without an Rx, and it’s easy to apply. According to Cleveland, two to three months of consistent use is all it takes to witness significant changes in hair density.
5. Eggs
Let’s pivot to surprising dietary game-changers for hair health. Umo Callins, MS, RDN, CSSD, CPT, a sports dietitian and fitness coach with Well Rooted Health and Nutrition in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, calls out eggs for their robust nutritional profile. “They’re high in protein and biotin as well as other nutrients like vitamins A, D, and E, which are all beneficial for hair and scalp health,” she says.
6. Salmon
Perhaps you’re privy to the fact that salmon is great for your skin. But did you also know that fatty fish is also fantastic for hair health? “Salmon is rich in both omega-3 fatty acids and protein, which are both beneficial for your hair and scalp health,” says Callins. “Omega-3s can help reduce inflammation and may be helpful in cases of severe scalp inflammation.”
P.S. In case salmon doesn’t make it on your plate regularly, check out omega-3 supplements like HUM’s OMG! Omega the Great.
7. Biotin Supplements
On the supplement front, biotin stands out as a tried-and-true all-star for hair health. “Biotin is frequently featured in hair supplements because it supports the production of keratin, which is the main protein that makes up hair,” Callins explains. She says that biotin deficiency is rare, and many people who eat foods with biotin—including eggs, salmon, sunflower seeds, sweet potatoes, and almonds—should get enough of it in their diet already.
However, if you really want to take your locks to the next level, adding a supplement with biotin to your routine can help. Extra points go to those that contain other power players for hair health, such as HUM’s Hair Strong capsules. In addition to biotin, Hair Strong also offers:
- Fo-Ti (to support healthy hair growth + maintain healthy color)
- Zinc and vitamin B12 (to promote follicle health)
- Folic acid (to support hair growth)
- PABA (which may help maintain hair color)
Don’t forget: As is the case with most supplements, consistency is key for best results. (In case you forget to take them, try habit stacking. You can also opt for Hair Strong Gummies, enjoying them as a post-meal sweet treat daily.)
