Yogurt for Faster Hair Growth

Q: Is it true that yogurt promotes hair growth? Do you have to eat it or put it on your hair for faster growth?

A: For those people who are trying to optimize their diets to promote the best possible conditions for hair growth, it is important to remember that hair is made of protein, and therefore protein-rich foods are an important part of your dietary needs.

Yogurt is an example of a protein-rich food, and can be extra helpful for some women who are suffering from hair loss as a result of Gastro-Intestinal problems. In these cases, yogurts containing active acidophilus cultures help to regulate digestion and promote Gastro-Intestinal health.

While it doesn't really help with "growth" of the hair, yogurt can be used ON the hair as well, and works as a good conditioner and to help make the hair smooth and shiny. In this case, the yogurt should be applied like a "masque" added to the hair and allowed to sit, covered, for 10-15 minutes, and then should be rinsed away and the hair shampooed using a gentle shampoo.

The protein in the yogurt can help to mask cuticle damage and split ends, and the acid of the yogurt helps to contract the cuticle layer making the hair appear smoother and shinier. The combined effects of the smoothing and contracting of the cuticle also help the yogurts moisturizing ability to give longer lasting benefits..

Note: do remember that a yogurt treatment must be followed by a shampoo to cleanse the hair, as not doing so will result in the dairy product sitting on the hair and possibly turning rancid and causing an unpleasant and foul odor.

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See also:

Diet for healthy hair

The level of calcium and long hair

Home made hair masks and moisture treatments

Deep conditioning