How to Keep Your Hair Healthy

Last updated: March 2026

Your hair provides a window into your deeper health. How it looks, feels, and grows can identify underlying health problems, psychological issues, or nutritional deficiencies. It’s time to embrace health through your hair and promote growth from the roots to the tips of your luscious locks. 

Grow, Rest, Shed: The Hair Growth Cycle

Hair grows in a three-stage cycle (grow, rest, shed), and we lose 100 to 150 hairs per day. When the body lacks nutrients or is chronically inflamed, more hairs are lost than replaced. Excessive hair loss is much more than a cosmetic issue.

Several hormones and endocrine glands are involved in the regulation of hair growth. Chemicals in plastics and around our environment disturb hormone production, disrupting hair’s growth cycle. Trauma and stress also impact hair growth, creating even more hormonal imbalances that intensify shedding.

What Causes Dry, Damaged Hair?

Hormonal Imbalances

• Estrogen: Excess estrogen creates extended periods of shedding or excessive growth in unwanted areas. Eliminate excess estrogen by eating more fiber, and balance estrogen production with Dr. Sebi's Estro.
• Testosterone: Prostate inflammation creates a more potent form of testosterone (dihydrotestosterone – DHEA), responsible for scalp thinning, receding hairline, and the typical patterns of baldness. Eat approved foods high in zinc (garbanzo, brazil nuts, sesame seeds) to protect the prostate, and balance testosterone with Dr. Sebi's Testo.
• Thyroid: A healthy thyroid means healthy hair! But inflammation, toxins, or damage to the thyroid gland can cause hair texture changes and excess shedding. Many people with thyroid issues lack iodine, found abundantly in seaweed (and Dr. Sebi’s Sea Moss Gel).

Nutritional Shortages and Mineral Gaps

Follicles need plenty of iron, selenium, iodine, and zinc to grow healthy hair. But, when allocating resources, like iron, the body's natural intelligence prioritizes critical substances like blood over hair.

This resource management means hair gets the nutritional 'leftovers' and more easily becomes mineral deficient. 

Make sure you’re eating a variety of foods from the Nutritional Guide, as well as these foods to address nutrient deficiencies. Additionally, Dr. Sebi's Green Food can help fill any remaining nutritional gaps making hair weak and brittle over time. When your hair is vibrant and alive, it’s because you are well-nourished on the inside.

Autoimmunity and Inflammation

Hair falling out in patches or over large areas can indicate issues with the immune system. Skin disorders that damage follicles are often the result of toxicity, as the body tries to get rid of harmful substances through the skin.

Inflamed follicles and flaky skin don't provide a fertile ground for happy hair. Reducing the body's total toxic load and increasing nutrition restores the immune balance.

Environmental Damage

• Environmental toxins: Heavy metals, bacteria, fungus, and environmental toxins damage the skin surrounding the follicle, preventing it from effectively growing hair.
• Sun: UV rays from the sun can damage hair proteins and cause the cuticle (the outer layer of hair) to become weaker and more prone to breakage. This can lead to dryness, split ends, and a dull appearance.
• Humidity: Humidity can cause hair to absorb excess moisture, which can lead to frizz and a lack of definition in curls or waves. Additionally, humidity can make hair more prone to tangling and breakage, as the excess moisture can weaken the hair shaft.
• Saltwater: Saltwater can dehydrate hair, leading to dryness and brittleness. Additionally, the salt can cause the cuticle to lift and become rough, which can make hair more prone to tangling and breakage.
• Chlorine: Chlorine is a common chemical found in swimming pools, and it can be especially damaging to hair. Chlorine can strip the natural oils from hair, leaving it dry and brittle. Like saltwater, it can damage the cuticle, leading to tangling and breakage.

Tips for Keeping Your Hair Healthy

To keep hair healthy all year long, it's important to take steps to protect and nourish it. Here’s what to do to keep your hair healthy:

1. Use natural and organic hair products: Switch to natural and organic hair products that don't contain harsh chemicals or synthetic fragrances that can strip your hair of its natural oils and damage it further. Look for products that are made with natural, plant-based ingredients that nourish and strengthen hair, such as batana, coconut oil, or shea butter.
2. Deep condition your hair regularly: Deep conditioning your hair regularly can help restore moisture, improve elasticity, and prevent breakage. You can use natural ingredients like avocado or coconut oil to prepare your DIY hair masks, or use a natural, organic hair conditioner that contains nourishing ingredients.
3. Avoid heat styling: Excessive heat styling can damage hair, especially during summer when it's already exposed to the sun and humidity. Try air-drying your hair or using natural styling methods like braids, twists, or buns.
4. Eat a healthy, balanced diet: A healthy diet rich in nutrients and minerals can promote hair health from the inside out. Eat plenty of leafy greens, fruits, nuts, and seeds, which are all rich in hair-healthy nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids. (See below for more.)
5. Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help keep your hair hydrated and healthy. Aim to drink at least one gallon of spring water a day and avoid sugary or caffeinated drinks that can dehydrate your body and hair.
6. Protect your hair from the sun: Wear a hat, scarf, or use natural hair products that protect your hair from the damaging effects of the sun.

4 Best Foods for Healthy Hair

1. Leafy greens: Leafy greens like kale or arugula are rich in nutrients that help produce sebum, the oily substance that helps moisturize and protect your scalp and hair.
2. Nuts and seeds: Walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which help promote healthy hair growth and reduce inflammation on the scalp.
3. Avocado: Avocado is rich in healthy fats, which help moisturize the hair and scalp and promote healthy hair growth. 
4. Berries: Berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries are rich in antioxidants & nutrients that strengthen hair and promote healthy hair growth.

Try This Hair Treatment for Damaged Hair

If you're looking for a natural, organic, and effective solution for keeping your hair healthy all year long, try Dr. Sebi's Hair Food Oil.

With its unique blend of oils and extracts, Dr. Sebi's Hair Food Oil can help protect your hair from the damaging effects of sun, saltwater, and chlorine. It's made with Batana Oil which helps strengthen hair and promote growth, and coconut oil, which helps moisturize and protect the scalp. Along with Olive Oil and French Vanilla, which help reduce frizz and provide nourishment from the scalp to the ends of your hair. 

Unlike many commercial hair products that contain harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrances, Dr. Sebi's Hair Food Oil is made with only the highest-quality natural and organic ingredients. It's free from sulfates, parabens, and other harmful chemicals, so you can feel good about what you're putting on your hair and scalp.

For targeted scalp nourishment, Dr. Sebi's Hair Follicle Fortifier works alongside Hair Food Oil to support stronger, healthier hair from the roots.

"Batana will make your hair grow, and it will give it luster, it is just the best." - Dr. Sebi

For a complete hair care regimen, the Dr. Sebi Healthy Hair & Skin Kit combines our best botanicals for nourishing hair and skin from the inside out.