12 Days of Christmas
On the first day of Christmas, my trichologist gave me:
A Turkey from under the tree
Turkey has both red meat (thighs and legs) and white meat (breast and wings) making it a rich source of protein and iron. 85% of your hair is made of keratin which is a protein. The body uses protein to build tissue cells and hair is one of the fastest-growing cells in the body so needs a lot of protein to produce fabulous hair growth.
Iron is a mineral that aids the production of red blood cells. These blood cells carry a protein called haemoglobin, which carries oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicle to feed its need to grow, grow, and grow the building blocks of your hair.
Turkey also has the added bonus of being a rich source of complex B vitamins niacin, B6 & B12, not forgetting the essential nutrient choline. A lack of these can leave your hair dull or thinning.
On the second day of Christmas, my trichologist gave me:
Two Medjool Dates
Dates are packed with minerals, vitamins and iron to aid the elasticity of hair preventing breakage. Mashed with mayonnaise and applied to the hair as a mask can reduce inflammation, and soothe dryness of the scalp. Help prevent oxidative damage to the follicle.
On the third day of Christmas, my trichologist gave me:
Three French Hen Eggs
Eggs are a little powerhouse of protein, minerals and vitamins. Including biotin to strengthen the roots and reduce hair loss. They also stimulate new hair growth for thicker more voluminous hair.
On the fourth day of Christmas, my trichologist gave me:
Four Brazil nuts
Brazil nuts are packed with selenium important in the production of sebum, the natural oil that keeps the scalp moisturised. Selenium is also an antioxidant that can cleanse the scalp of free radicals maintaining hair growth.
On the fifth day of Christmas, my trichologist gave me:
Five Green Sprouts
Brussels sprouts may not be everyone's favourite veg but your hair will love them. High levels of Vitamin C, help with iron absorption, vitamin A and folic acid. A lack of folate can cause the hair to be weak, brittle and thinning. So pile those little green bombs of goodness high on the side.
On the sixth day of Christmas, my trichologist gave me:
Six Walnuts Cracking
Walnuts are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids and biotin. Stimulating dormant hair follicles, improving hair growth and encouraging volume.
On the seventh day of Christmas, my trichologist gave me:
Seven Prawns a Swimming
Starting your Christmas meal with a prawn cocktail couldn’t be a better way to treat your hair. Prawns are a great alternative to red meat to provide protein, vitamin B12, iron and zinc to inhibit hair loss and thinning.
On the eighth day of Christmas, my trichologist gave me:
Eight Maids A Milking
Milk has it all, protein, vitamins, minerals and calcium to promote hair growth. Milk also contains vitamin D, a vitamin that the UK government says all adults need to supplement in the winter months. Take advice from the Egyptian Princess Cleopatra and bath in milk. This can add shine, defrizz and gloss rough ends.
On the ninth day of Christmas, my trichologist gave me:
Nine cranberries saucing
Turkey without cranberries would be like a horse with no cart. Both are functional alone but more powerful together. Cranberries are packed with vitamin C and antioxidants for the proliferation of long, strong locks.
On the tenth day of Christmas, my trichologist gave me:
10 Lentils Leaping
For vegetarians and vegans finding a high protein source can be tricky. Leap up lentils your time is here! Lentils are packed with protein, biotin, iron, folic acid and zinc. So pile your plate high with this alternative to turkey.
On the eleventh day of Christmas, my trichologist gave me:
Eleven Puddings Piping Hot
Christmas pudding is made from dried fruits including sultanas, raisins, currants, lemon and orange peel, spices, eggs and milk. So not a bad combination of follicle-loving nutrients! Raisins contain iron and currants have four times the immune-boosting vitamin C than oranges. Being soaked in Brandy may not bring anything to the hair party but it will light up the table after dinner and all the alcohol is evaporated, so the follicle won’t be dehydrated.
On the twelfth day of Christmas, my trichologist gave me:
Twelve Drops Of Water
12 drops of water won’t cut the mustard, to be honest. The NHS UK recommends 6 - 8 cups of water a day. As Christmas brings the temptation to overindulge in alcohol topping up your water intake is imperative to the health of your hair. Dehydration can cause the hair to be brittle, lacklustre and create an itchy scalp. So drink up the good stuff and follow with a glass of water!
Aderans Trichologists Wish You A Very Merry Christmas And A Happy Hair New Year!
