5 Super Surprising Ingredients That Promote Hair Growth

Jim Markham, Celebrity Stylist and serial brand founder (he’s responsible for Sebring®, Markham®, ABBA® Pure & Natural, PureOlogy Serious Colour Care® and ColorProof Evolved Color Care®) definitely knows a thing or two about hair growth. Searching for the best ingredients to wake up the scalp and increase strands has basically became a way of life for Jim, which is why we’re stoked that he’s shared his personal top five list of surprise ingredients that actually lead to hair growth. And according to the expert, all you need for thicker strands can be found your kitchen.

Apples
“An apple a day really does keep the doctor away,” notes Jim of his top selection. Apples contain essential minerals including: magnesium, potassium, copper and calcium—all of which help decrease hair loss. They also contain nutrients that help restore and regenerate new cell turnover and are loaded with antioxidants that help prevent buildup. “The specific chemical – procyanidin B-2 – found in apples, is actually proven to aid in hair growth,” he confirms.

Grape Seed Oil
“Grape seed oil, which comes from the seeds of grapes that are thrown away during the process of wine making, also has superb benefits,” adds Jim. This is because grapes are packed with Vitamin E, which is essential for hair growth. “Vitamin E helps block the production of DHT, a hormone that causes hair loss.” Grape seed oil applied directly to the scalp will also encourage the spread of other natural oils, a process which relaxes hair follicles and encourages growth overall.

Eggs
“Eggs aren’t just food for us, they’re also for our hair,” says Jim. Full of proteins and minerals, egg yolk can actually help hair grow back—this is because it contains biotin and B-complex vitamins. “Make yourself an at-home mask by applying egg yolk directly to the roots of hair follicles, massaging into the scalp for maximum benefits,” he advises. “Aside from actually applying the yolk to your hair, incorporating eggs into your diet can also help with hair growth.”

Onion
Onions make the list because they are super rich in chemical sulfur, which has been proven to aid in hair growth. There are also many natural antioxidants found in onions, which works against build-up and bacteria to regenerate hair growth. To reap the full benefits of this miracle vege “use the juice from 2-3 onions and apply it directly to scalp the before shampooing,” Jim advises.

Potato
“Potatoes are made up of vitamin B and C, zinc and iron – all ingredients that are scientifically proven to encourage hair growth,” says Jim. Like onions, juicing 2-3 potatoes and applying this liquid to your roots can actually aid in the hair growth process. The tasty vegetable also has natural ingredients that can “cleanse any accumulation forming on the scalp, which can help refresh your hair for growth.”
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This article first appeared on Mane Addicts