Do you remember when natural hair YouTube first came about and most videos were of natural hair gurus and pioneers whipping up DIY hair masks in their kitchens?
It was the perfect solution to our problems back then. They provided a cheaper alternative to the advertised natural hair products that were so expensive compared to the Pink Lotion and Blue Magic that we were used to. Let us also not forget the added promised miracles of overnight hair growth and all other problems you may have vanishing with just one application.
Let’s not lie to ourselves, most of us have been enchanted by the promises of the now rebranded ‘Cardi B Mask’ and other avocado, egg, honey and mayo recipes. Yup, I’ve tried it too and quite frankly, it seemed to have worked well on my hair. But ain’t nobody got the time or energy to be whipping up smoothie hair masks and deal with all the mess that inevitably comes with doing this. I’m talking about spending hours picking out chunks of unblended banana from your hair (yes I am sadly speaking from personal experience), and the smoothie splodges all over your bathroom and bedroom floor.
Well what if I told you that in order to reap the benefits of all these fruits and veggies you don’t actually need to apply it topically on to hair? That’s right, you guessed it, you can just eat it! Or drink it, which is what this blog post will be all about. This post is all about different smoothie recipes for healthy hair growth and how they help!
Benefits of smoothies
If you’re not a big vegetable or fruit eater, smoothies are an easy and yummy way to implement these goodies into your diet.
But before I give you guys some recipes, let’s talk about why these smoothie recipes will aid with your healthy hair growth.
Vitamin A:
Vitamin A acts as a guardian for your hair follicles, fortifying them in their mission to maintain scalp health. It orchestrates the production of sebum, a natural oil that keeps your hair well-hydrated, effectively thwarting the troublesome onset of dry flakes. Moreover, it assumes a pivotal role in the orchestration of cell growth, ensuring that emerging hair strands are greeted with the optimal conditions to confidently showcase their beauty.
Vitamin B6:
Vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine, is a hair health superstar. It fortifies hair follicles as it is involved in the metabolism of keratin, reducing the risk of hair loss and breakage, while also promoting the production of melanin for vibrant hair growth. By regulating sebum production, it maintains a healthy scalp, reducing dandruff and supporting an environment for robust hair. Additionally, vitamin B6 enhances blood circulation, ensuring hair follicles get the nutrients and oxygen they need for optimal growth. This vitamin is a must-have!
Vitamin B7/Biotin:
Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is a vital nutrient for your hair. This water-soluble vitamin plays a crucial role in supporting healthy hair growth and keeping it strong and shiny. Biotin is essential for the production of keratin, the protein that forms the foundation of your hair strands, making them more resistant to damage and breakage. Additionally, it helps in maintaining a well-nourished scalp, preventing dryness and flakes. Including biotin in your diet or as a supplement can contribute to healthier and more beautiful hair, ensuring it’s always ready to shine.
Vitamin C:
If your hair could talk, it would thank vitamin C for its natural shine and strength. It’s essential because it plays a pivotal role in collagen production, the protein that gives your hair its structure. Additionally, it assists your body in absorbing iron, another important nutrient for hair health.
Vitamin E:
Vitamin E helps shield your curls, coils and kinks from damage caused by factors like oxidative stress and sun exposure. Beyond that, it also supports healthy blood circulation to your scalp, ensuring your hair roots receive the nourishment they need.
Vitamin K:
Vitamin K, often overlooked but nonetheless a backstage hero for your locks, plays a crucial role in maintaining hair health. This unsung nutrient promotes blood circulation, ensuring that your hair follicles receive the nutrients they need to flourish. A well-nourished scalp equals happy and vibrant hair. So, while it might not be in the spotlight, vitamin K quietly works its magic, contributing to the lush and radiant hair you love to flaunt.
Zinc:
Zinc is like the construction worker behind the scenes, building the foundation for hair growth. It helps with cell division and repairing tissues, ensuring that your hair follicles stay strong and steady.
Iron:
Iron is your hair’s personal chauffeur, delivering oxygen to the hair follicles. Without enough iron, your hair can become weak and brittle. It’s like giving your hair the energy boost it needs to stay vibrant and full.
So there you have it – these vitamins and minerals are like the A-listers in your personal hair care entourage, ensuring your coils and kinks remain in check. Keep them in your dietary spotlight!
Recipes
Now that we’re aware of the benefits that smoothies can bring to the table for healthy hair growth, let’s dive into some delicious and nutritious smoothie recipes!
Green Juice/Smoothie
Kale: Kale is a nutritional powerhouse containing vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate and manganese. If you don’t remember, vitamin A supports sebum production for scalp health, while vitamin C aids collagen production, essential for hair structure and strength.
Spinach: Spinach is rich in iron, vitamins A and C, biotin and folate. Iron is vital for oxygen transport to hair follicles, and vitamins A and C promote scalp health and hair strength.
Lettuce: Lettuce provides vitamins A and K.
Celery: Celery is a source of vitamin K. It also contains silica, which can help strengthen hair.
Cucumber: Cucumbers offer vitamins A and K, as well as silica, contributing to overall hair health and strength.
Kiwi: Kiwi is packed with vitamin C, ensuring your hair stays strong and resilient.
Apple: Apples contain vitamin A and vitamin C..
Lemon: Lemons are high in vitamin C.
Orange: Oranges are another vitamin C powerhouse.
With this smoothie recipe you will reap the benefits of so many of the A-list vitamins and minerals for healthy hair growth! If you’re worried about the taste of this smoothie don’t worry, the fruit completely masks the bitterness of the vegetables.
Tango Paradise
(Yes.. I had to get creative and make up some names myself because orange smoothie and red smoothie were too boring 😉 )
If you’re looking for a tangy and sweet smoothie recipe to boost your hair growth then this is for you! As well as oranges, other fruits in this delicious smoothie include…
Banana: Bananas are not only delicious but are also a good source of biotin and vitamin C.
Pineapple: Pineapples offer vitamin C, which is essential for collagen production and overall hair strength.
Carrots: Carrots are loaded with vitamin A and biotin. A healthy scalp is the foundation for strong and shiny hair. So, munch on those carrots for a double dose of hair health—strong roots and gorgeous lengths!
Passion Fruit: Passion fruit is a source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and iron, all of which contribute to hair health and growth.
Berry Blast
Raspberry: Raspberries are rich in vitamin C and E.
Beetroot: Beetroot contains iron, zinc, vitamin B6 and vitamin C, both essential for maintaining optimal hair health and growth.
Red grapes: Grapes provide vitamin C, which aids in collagen production and ensures your hair remains strong and resilient.
Strawberries: Strawberries are rich in vitamin C.
Blackberries: These are similar to raspberries and strawberries by providing vitamin C and a small amount of biotin.
Other already mentioned delicious fruits to include are apples and pineapples.
Instructions:
- Wash all the vegetables and fruits thoroughly.
- Cut the kale into smaller pieces, and remove the stems.
- Peel and chop the fruits and veggies into smaller, blendable pieces. (btw if you’re looking for extra fibre you can include the skin inside the smoothie.)
- In a blender, combine all the ingredients – kale, spinach, carrot, cucumber, kiwi, strawberries, raspberries, beetroot, grapes, and chia seeds.
- Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. If it’s too thick, you can add a splash of water. Your preferred choice of milk would go great with the berry blast as an alternative to water.
- Pour the smoothie into a glass and enjoy your nutrient-packed, hair-loving treat!
- To make a juice instead of a smoothie, use a sieve to separate the pulp from the liquid juice.
Final words
Incorporating a variety of these nutrient-rich foods into your diet can contribute to maintaining gorgeous and healthy hair.
Now the only question left to ask is which one of these smoothie recipes for healthy hair growth will you be trying first?! x
For more hair growth advice check out our compiled hair growth guide here!