Having healthy, shiny, and strong hair is a desire for many of us. And while there are numerous hair care products in the market, it’s important to remember that what we put inside our bodies also plays a significant role in the health of our hair. In this post, we will discuss some of the best foods to eat if you’re looking to naturally darken your hair or maintain its black color. From essential vitamins and minerals to specific foods that promote hair growth and thickness, we’ve got you covered. So, if you’re curious to learn more about how your diet can impact your hair, keep reading!
More: Which Vitamin Is Good for Black Hair?
12 foods that make hair black
Hair is an essential part of our appearance, and we all want to maintain its natural color and shine. Black hair is considered one of the most attractive hair colors, but it can be challenging to maintain. However, there are several ways to get back your black hair naturally, and one of them is through your diet. Here are some essential nutrients you should incorporate into your diet to keep your hair black and shiny.
More: How to Soften Natural Black Hair W/ 5 Easy Tips
1. Calcium
Calcium is an essential mineral that promotes healthy hair and helps absorb iron. Iron is necessary to prevent hair loss and premature greying. You can obtain calcium from dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt. Other sources of calcium include leafy green vegetables like kale, broccoli, and spinach.
2. Copper
Copper is another mineral that helps prevent hair thinning and shedding. You can obtain copper from foods like peanuts, lentils, almonds, and white mushrooms. Incorporating these foods into your diet can help keep your hair healthy and prevent premature hair loss.
More:Â My Black Hair Is Turning Brown. What Should I Do?
3. Iron
Iron is important for preventing hair loss and premature greying. You can find iron in beans, peas, lentils, spinach, broccoli, and tofu. Including these foods in your diet can help maintain your natural hair color and prevent hair loss.
4. Protein (Keratin)
Protein is necessary for hair color, and keratin is the primary protein that makes up the hair. You can obtain protein from poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy products. Consuming protein-rich foods can aid in the production of melanin and prevent hair color loss.
5. Vitamins
Vitamins, including B-5, B-6, B-9, B-12, and D, are essential for healthy hair growth and preventing premature greying. You can find these vitamins in foods like fresh green leafy vegetables, bananas, tomatoes, wheat germ, and yogurt. Including these foods in your diet can aid the body in producing sebum and prevent grey hair.
6. Zinc
Zinc protects cells and DNA and regulates hormonal balance to prevent premature hair aging. You can find zinc in foods like oysters, beef, chicken, pumpkin seeds, and lentils. Incorporating these foods into your diet can keep your hair healthy and prevent hair shedding.
7. Fatty Acids
Fatty acids, particularly omega-3, can prevent hair thinning and make hair dark and glossy. You can find omega-3 fatty acids in seafood, walnuts, fatty fish, seeds, and plant oils. Consuming these foods can keep your scalp healthy and prevent dull hair.
Premature graying can be caused by several factors like stress, illness, excessive drinking of tea, coffee, and alcohol, and eating too much fried, oily, spicy, sour, and acidic foods. However, by incorporating the above essential nutrients into your diet, you can prevent premature greying and maintain your natural hair color.
Here are some specific foods and practices you can adopt to get back your black hair naturally.
More: How to Do a Hot Oil Treatment for Black Hair
8. Raw Amla
Amla, also known as Indian gooseberry, is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. Eating raw amla daily in the morning can increase the melanin in your body and prevent premature greying.
9. Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and grapefruits are rich in vitamin C, which increases melanin production in the body. Including these fruits in your diet can help prevent premature greying.
10. Curd
Curd is a good source of protein and calcium, which are essential for healthy hair growth. Including curd in your diet can keep your hair healthy and prevent hair loss.
11. Black Tea
Black tea is a rich source of antioxidants and caffeine. Drinking black tea regularly can prevent premature greying and also make your hair darker and shinier.
12. Sesame Seeds
Sesame seeds are rich in copper, which is important for hair health and color. You can sprinkle sesame seeds on your salads or stir-fries or consume them as a snack to help maintain your hair’s black color.
More: How to Grow Natural Black Hair in a Week
Final thoughts
Maintaining healthy black hair requires a combination of both internal and external factors. While hair care products can certainly help, it’s important to remember that what you eat and how you take care of yourself can also have a significant impact on your hair’s health and appearance. By incorporating the essential nutrients listed above and adopting healthy habits, you can help maintain your hair’s natural black color and keep it looking shiny and strong.
More: Why Is My Hair Poofy After I Straighten It (Black Hair)
