Silky, shiny tresses are one of the first outward signs of glowing health; stress, diet and environment, however, can leave hair dull, lifeless and lacking in enviable shine. But there is no need to spend a fortune on expensive treatments and products if you’re worried about the condition of your locks. From diet to at-home masks, we’ve rounded up the best natural remedies to help you get thicker, shiner and more voluminous hair that will have you turning heads!

Eat More Protein
All hair is made from the protein keratin, so ensuring you include enough of it in your diet is the key to owning strong and healthy tresses. With low-protein diets being linked to hair loss, we suggest heading to your supermarket sharpish to sort out upping your intake. Chicken, eggs and fish are extremely good sources for non-vegetarians, however, plant-based protein including spirulina (60% protein), nuts, legumes and seeds are also great, bio-available sources of hair-strengthening protein.

Coconut Oil
Believe us when we say that a coconut oil hair mask can be a little miracle worker. Simply add a small scoop of raw organic coconut oil to the ends of your hair twice a week, before leaving in overnight and rinsing out with shampoo the next morning. The fatty acids in the coconut oil are so deeply nourishing, that you will be amazed to find your hair bouncier and shiner than ever before! L’Oreal, look out!

Eat Your Greens
At Hip & Healthy we are always strong advocates of adding more greens to your plate, with spinach, kale et al being regular superstars on our plate. Dark, leafy greens are great sources of iron and calcium as well as vitamins A and C, which your body needs to produce sebum, the oily substance secreted by your hair follicles – otherwise known as the body’s natural conditioner. Ergo, eating your greens really will give you swish-worthy tresses.

Try Natural Hair Products
The majority of common shop-bought shampoos and conditioners are often packed with impossible to pronounce ingredients and chemicals that damage rather than nourish your hair follicles. Our favourite healthy-blogger, Deliciously Ella (who we can confirm has truly enviable locks) recommends Faith In Nature’s natural range, which cares for both you and the planet. The founders of Faith in Nature believe that our wonderful planet has more than enough to offer us when it comes to beauty and health, that there is no need for artificial ingredients and that we should care for the planet in turn. We couldn’t agree more! If you can’t decide from the huge array of fragrances, the gorgeous smelling coconut range is a particular favourite.

Get Your Vitamins
Some essential vitamins and minerals help promote hair growth – most notably Vitamin C and Biotin. Vitamin C helps to produce collagen, which is essential for healthy hair and skin, so add plenty of broccoli and citrus fruits to your diet. In addition, the water-soluble B vitamin Biotin, found in eggs, nuts and berries, promotes faster, stronger hair growth. Pimp your morning porridge with fruits, nuts and berries and whip in an egg white for a dreamy, creamy, hair-beautifying start to the day.

Make Your Own Mask
Carve out some time in your diary to give those locks some TLC by creating an at-home hair mask. Avocados aren’t just for toast – whisk this creamy source of good fats with an egg yolk and a spoonful of honey and slather onto damp, clean, hair before rinsing thoroughly half an hour later. The natural oils in the avocado, protein within the egg and moisture in honey will provide shiny, soft locks! Just be sure to rinse thoroughly…

Use A Wide Toothed Comb
Most women make the mistake of using a narrow toothed comb post shower to tease any tangles. This can actually cause strands to break, so switch to a wider tooth, which carefully separates strands without causing any damage at all.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Yes we know this sounds strange, but vinegar is one of the most promising agents for making hair shiny and clean. If your tresses are feeling a little limp then simply mix apple cider vinegar with water and add to your hair after conditioning. This will help balance out hair that is damaged from too many products. For those of you who colour your hair, add vinegar to a tablespoon of yoghurt for a deep-conditioning treatment with a difference.

Eat Your Omega 3’s
Essential omega-3 acids are needed to support scalp health, helping hair to grow and giving it that essential natural shine. Pack oily fish such as salmon and mackerel into your diet, or include one to two tablespoons of flaxseed into a daily smoothie for a punch of plant-based fats that will have you flaunting cover-worthy hair in no time!

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