The 'best' foods to reduce hair loss and encourage 'strong, healthy' locks

What we eat can show up in our weight, in our skin and, indeed, in the condition of our hair.

Looking for foods high in specific vitamins can promote the healthy growth and shine of your hair, according to hair transplant experts at Vera Clinic.

They said: "A healthy diet is one of the best ways to reduce hair loss. According to Healthline, foods rich in vitamins B and E, selenium, zinc, and protein are essential for strong, healthy hair.

"These include, but are not limited to, eggs, blackberries, lentils, and salmon. People can also take supplements to reduce hair loss, from collagen and omega-3."

Certain vitamins can strengthen or stimulate hair growth, and these can be found in the food you eat or taken as supplements.

External factors can also affect hair growth and the experts recommended treatments that include melatonin.

They said: "Melatonin is a hormone that regulates the body’s circadian rhythms. According to Healthline, melatonin can also be used as a topical treatment to encourage hair growth.

"It does this in multiple ways, including prolonging the growth phase of the hair cycle, also known as the anagen phase.

"Melatonin also has antioxidant properties that protect the hair follicles that lessen hair thinning."

Many at-home hair growth serums and oils contain melatonin and a study published in the National Institutes of Health suggested it can improve scalp hair growth, density and hair shaft thickness.

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The experts continued: "Melatonin can be applied directly to the scalp in the form of a cream, serum, foam, or spray, with the ideal dosage being between 0.0033 per cent and 0.1 per cent applied once daily for 90 to 180 days, according to a 2023 study.

"By following these simple steps, people can reduce the risk of seasonal hair loss throughout the autumn and winter months."

Other at-home solutions can help the condition of your hair, including rosemary oil and doing a rice water rinse.