As important as our skin, the shine of our hair strongly influences our mental state: proof of this is that a visit to the hairdresser and the famous "good hair day" are enough to boost our self-confidence. An outward sign of health, a shiny and sexy mane conveys assurance, a symbol inevitably associated with femininity, regardless of its length.
Step number 1: a balanced and diverse diet
The crucial factor, for both hair and skin? Even before considering cosmetic solutions, it goes without saying that the health of our hair depends on a varied and balanced diet. The key? Sufficient protein intake, which allows for the synthesis of keratin, the true cement of which hair is composed of 95% . Of course, we can obtain the necessary amount of protein from white meats, fish, and eggs, but not only that: far from being limited to animal sources, protein is also present in many plant-based foods. Spirulina, soy, pumpkin and hemp seeds, tempeh, walnuts, spelt, and chia seeds are also excellent sources of protein that contribute to our hair health in addition to renewing our muscle tissue.
Other factors that contribute to the shine of our hair include the 18 varieties of amino acids that make up keratin . Key to hair growth and vitality, they are boosted by zinc and copper in particular: trace elements that reinforce their respective actions and play an essential role in protein metabolism, which is found in abundance in seafood, nuts, unrefined grains and dried vegetables.
Finally, essential for hair nutrition and beauty, vitamins are a prerequisite for radiant hair: welcome anti-hair loss shields, especially postpartum or during seasonal transitions when hair tends to accumulate on our brushes, vitamins E and D are found in oily fish, avocados, almonds and hazelnuts, and vegetable oils. To protect hair from external aggressors and hydrate it from within, we also stock up on vitamins B5 and B8, found in brewer's yeast, spinach, legumes, cauliflower, and mushrooms.
And what about superfoods? We also incorporate into our healthy routines protein-rich algae, rocket known to stimulate the hair bulb , Maca which would slow down hair loss, green tea, but also garlic, shallot and onion, a trio rich in sulfur which contributes to the synthesis of trace elements.
Step 2: Opt for nutritional supplements
Provided they contain no preservatives or additives, dietary supplements allow you to easily, purely, and effectively incorporate all the benefits of plants into your lifestyle and compensate for an insufficiently varied diet. The best dietary supplements for beautiful hair are those containing spirulina, arugula, brewer's yeast , and horsetail —true natural elixirs to boost hair growth and make it stronger.
Step 3: Listen to your hormonal cycle
While they strongly influence the appearance of our skin, hormonal variations also play yo-yo with our hair by dictating the life cycle of our precious locks: our male/androgen hormones — including testosterone — boost the hair cycle , while female hormones, the group to which progesterone belongs, participate in hair growth by slowing its growth and prolonging its anagen phase.
This binary system explains why women are not prone to baldness, except in cases of specific hormonal imbalances or health problems. Taking the pill can also influence hair loss, depending on the dosage and how well the body tolerates it. A period of upheaval and hormonal fluctuations par excellence, motherhood is also a parenthesis that disrupts the hair's life cycle: during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, the female body secretes an increased number of female hormones, resulting in hair that is almost entirely in the anagen phase. This blessed period unfortunately has its downside, with hair loss significantly increasing after childbirth, once estrogen levels have stabilized.
Pro tips
Whatever your hair type, scalp massages are essential, as Caroline Greyl, daughter of Leonor Greyl and head of the eponymous botanical beauty brand, emphasizes. By boosting blood circulation and improving blood flow to this area of the scalp, the effect on your hair will be even more beneficial. Another must for regenerating your hair? Oil treatments, to be done regularly, summer and winter alike.
"It's essential to use the right amount of oil, especially non-dry oils. They can weigh hair down," explains Caroline Greyl. "My tip is to use a very small amount, about the size of a hazelnut, and warm it in your hands before applying it, starting at the ends and working your way up the lengths. Above all, never apply it to the scalp! Then, to prevent it from sitting on the surface, brush your hair with a boar bristle brush. This will distribute the oil more evenly and allow it to penetrate the hair fiber more effectively."
The Top 3 allies for radiant hair, to use alone or in combination
Want mermaid hair ? Hair damaged by the sun and coloring? Hair volume seriously reduced post-pregnancy? Don't panic: adopt this powerful trio of nettle, horsetail and Freja™, the signature active ingredient of Atelier Nubio.
Looking for a growth booster : craving XXL claws and lengths as the warmer weather approaches? Opt for this quintet of 100% French plants that combine rocket, bamboo, horsetail, spirulina and brewer's yeast.
Bone Brother The "Bone Broth" collagen broth, rich in proteins and minerals, provides density and volume to the hair!
