Staying hydrated is crucial for maintaining healthy hair, as a lack of water can result in dry and fragile strands. Besides water, beverages such as green tea, coconut water, orange juice, and beetroot juice can contribute to a thicker, more voluminous head of hair, especially when combined with a balanced diet, sufficient sleep, and regular exercise.
Hair thinning or shedding can stem from numerous causes, including genetic factors, stress, physical trauma, nutrient shortages, and certain medications. While consulting a doctor to identify the specific cause and appropriate treatment is essential, it’s also beneficial to remember which drinks can promote better hair health. In an insightful Instagram post, registered dietitian, nutritionist, and content creator Aman (@diet_dynamo_) highlighted five beverages that support this goal and explained their benefits.
5 ‘Powerful’ Drinks Experts Recommend To Reduce Hair Fallout And ‘Hydrate’ The Scalp
1. Amla Juice
The health expert noted in the aforementioned post that amla juice "strengthens hair, prevents breakage and boosts collagen." Amla juice is a drink crafted from the fruit of the amla tree, commonly referred to as Indian gooseberry (Phyllanthus emblica). This juice is packed with vitamin C, an antioxidant that aids in bolstering the immune system. Additionally, it contains other beneficial antioxidants like polyphenols and flavonoids. The juice also offers essential minerals, including iron, calcium, and magnesium.
2. Carrot & Beetroot Juice
Next, Aman noted that these two similar juices "improve blood circulation, provide biotin, and strengthen hair." Carrot and beetroot juice contain biotin, a B vitamin also referred to as vitamin H or B7. This nutrient, naturally occurring in both carrots and beetroots, is essential for metabolism, aiding in the digestion of fats and proteins. Biotin is known to support healthy hair, skin, and nails.
3. Aloe Vera Juice
This type of juice, made from the aloe vera plant, can "reduce dandruff, nourish the scalp and promote hair growth," the dietitian and nutritionist wrote. Aloe vera juice is a natural ingredient that offers several potential benefits for hair health. It contains polysaccharides that help attract and retain moisture in the hair, making it soft, shiny, and hydrated. It is also rich in vitamins (A, C, E) and minerals (zinc, potassium) that nourish and strengthen hair follicles, potentially stimulating growth. Aloe vera also has anti-inflammatory properties that can calm an irritated or itchy scalp, reducing dandruff and other conditions. It's important to use pure, unadulterated aloe vera juice for these benefits.
4. Coconut Water
Coconut water "hydrates the scalp, prevents dryness, and reduces breakage," Aman wrote. Coconut water is packed with electrolytes like potassium and magnesium that help hydrate and nourish hair, reducing dryness, frizz, and breakage. It also contains vital nutrients such as vitamins C and B complex, which support healthy hair growth and strengthen strands. Rich in antioxidants, including cytokinins, coconut water shields hair from damage caused by free radicals, environmental stress, and UV rays. Its anti-inflammatory properties soothe the scalp, alleviating dandruff, itching, and irritation, according to experts.
5. Methi Water
Methi water, commonly referred to as fenugreek water, is a beverage prepared by soaking or boiling fenugreek seeds in water. Fenugreek, a flowering herb, is rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. As Aman notes, this drink "strengthens hair roots, prevents thinning and reduces hair fall." Methi seeds are rich in protein and nicotinic acid, which help prevent hair loss and dandruff. They address scalp issues such as dryness and thinning. The seeds contain lecithin, which hydrates hair and strengthens roots. Methi water promotes hair growth, combats dandruff, and improves scalp health. It also strengthens hair roots, reduces breakage, and makes hair soft and shiny. Additionally, methi water conditions and detangles hair.
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The Bottom Line
Staying hydrated encourages hair growth by ensuring the scalp and hair follicles are well-moisturized, a critical factor for maintaining healthy hair. When the body lacks sufficient water, hair follicles underperform, resulting in fragile strands that easily break. Drinking enough water aids in collagen production around the follicles, which strengthens the hair and encourages growth. Therefore, incorporating these five beverages into your daily routine, along with water, is beneficial. Additionally, consulting a dermatologist or hair specialist can provide further insights into the reasons behind hair loss or thinning.
