Your hair is a component of your body. Just like the many other parts of your body, in order for your hair to be strong, it has to be healthy. The main ingredient to staying healthy is a balanced diet. Sometimes the effects of an unhealthy diet or stress are immediate; however it may take longer for these aspects to effect your hair. Having a well-balanced diet will help to nourish the hair follicle, where each new strand of hair comes into being. If your follicles are healthy you have a healthy scalp, and that is the true key to healthy, strong hair.

There is more to achieving healthy hair than your diet—hormonal imbalances, smoking and stress can affect your hair negatively, and there is no magic cure for these issues. There are, however, some foods that can help nourish your hair and minimize the negative effects.

Salmon is very rich in vitamin D and protein, both of which are key ingredients of strong hair. But the true hero of these delicious fish is the omega-3 fatty acids. Your body needs these acids for hair growth, but your body can’t produce them on its own. About 3 percent of each shaft of hair is made up of omega-3 fatty acids, and they can also be found in cell membranes and in your scalp’s skin. Here it helps to keep the scalp hydrated, promoting healthier hair.

There are also herbs that are known to improve the strength of your hair. One of the best known examples is horsetail. This herb contains large amounts of silica, a substance that strengthens your nails, bones and hair. As a result, it gives your hair resilience and reduces thinning and breakage. Applying rosemary to your scalp will increase the circulation, and help to gently remove dandruff and excess sebum, both of which will inhibit the growth of healthy hair.