There’s more to strong, healthy hair than shampoo and clippers. What you feed your body — and how you live — has a direct impact on what’s happening up top. At Iron Born Barbershop, we’re all about helping you look sharp, but we’re also here to help you grow your best hair from the inside out.
Because great hair isn’t just cut. It’s built — with food, sleep, water, and a bit of discipline.
1. Protein = Power
Hair is made mostly of keratin, a protein. If your diet’s lacking in protein, your hair’s going to pay the price — think slower growth, weaker strands, and more breakage.
What to eat:
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Lentils, beans, tofu
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Nuts and seeds
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Quinoa, oats, and whole grains
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Vegan mock meats with clean ingredients
Not enough protein = dull hair. Fuel right and let your follicles flex.
2. Iron and Zinc Keep the Roots Strong
Low iron is one of the biggest causes of hair thinning and shedding, especially if you’re on a plant-based diet or don’t eat much red meat. Zinc is another key player — it supports scalp health and oil production.
Iron-rich options:
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Spinach, lentils, pumpkin seeds, quinoa
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Eat with vitamin C-rich foods to boost absorption
Zinc sources:
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Chickpeas, hemp seeds, cashews, mushrooms
If your hair’s falling out more than usual, get your bloodwork done. You might need a boost.
3. Omega-3s for Scalp Health & Shine
These fatty acids help keep your scalp hydrated and reduce inflammation that can mess with hair growth.
Sources:
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Chia seeds, flaxseeds, walnuts
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Algae-based omega-3 supplements
A dry, itchy scalp or frizzy strands? Add more omegas and watch the texture transform.
4. Hydration = Happy Hair
Dehydrated hair is brittle hair. If your body’s running dry, your strands will too. Hydration also helps your scalp stay balanced and flake-free.
The fix:
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Aim for 2+ litres of water a day
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Limit caffeine and alcohol (or balance them out with water)
And no, a daily oat latte doesn’t count as hydration.
5. Sleep, Stress, and Hormones
You could eat all the right things, but if you’re burning out, your hair will show it. Stress raises cortisol, which disrupts the hair growth cycle and leads to shedding. Poor sleep affects hormone balance, recovery, and circulation — all bad news for your hair.
Tips:
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Aim for 7–9 hours of real sleep
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Incorporate breathing, stretching, or short walks to reduce daily stress
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Limit screen time before bed to improve sleep quality
Your nervous system and your hair are more connected than you think.
6. Lifestyle Habits That Help
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Don’t overwash your hair — 2–3 times per week is enough for most
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Avoid excessive heat styling or harsh chemical treatments
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Massage your scalp weekly to improve circulation and stimulate follicles
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Use quality products suited to your hair type — not what’s trending online
At Iron Born, we’ll help you choose products that actually support your hair’s health, not just mask problems temporarily.
Final Thoughts: Grow It Right, Wear It Well
Hair health doesn’t start at the barbershop — it starts with your plate, your sleep, your stress levels, and your overall care. The sharper you are with your lifestyle, the stronger your hair will be.
At Iron Born Barbershop, we don’t just shape what’s already there — we help you grow the foundation, too.
📍 Need Hair Advice That Goes Beyond the Clippers? Book with Iron Born Barbershop in Southampton. Expert barbers. Honest guidance. No fluff — just facts, skill, and style.