Some people are genetically gifted with beautiful, strong, health hair, but for everyone else, the quest for healthy hair can be challenging. According to a 2002 survey by the manufacturer of popular hair product line Pantene, the average American woman spends about half an hour a day on her hair. With all the styling products, tools, accessories and other things designed to make our hair appear healthy, people often underestimate the importance that proper daily nutrition has on getting healthy hair.

Contrary to popular belief, the use of high-end shampoos and conditioners with added features, such as protein rich formulas, will not make your hair healthy. A shampoo with added protein can help smooth frayed hair shafts, but it cannot help you achieve healthy hair. Healthy hair comes from the inside out, and by the time hair sprouts from your head, if you do not have the proper nutrition, the hair will not be healthy. 

To keep your hair healthy or to get healthy hair, make sure you are eating enough calories. Some experts are concerned with younger generations cutting too many calories from their diets in hopes of staying slim or getting thinner. 

While too many calories can lead to obesity and obesity related illnesses and effects, not enough calories is also dangerous, affecting your health and will show up in the skin and hair. Getting good sources of dietary fat, like safflower oil, nuts, seeds and almonds will prevent your hair from looking dull and dry. 

Getting enough vitamin C, which can be found in citrus fruits and vegetables, is essential for healthy hair because it adds to the production of oil in the sebaceous gland. Lacking vitamin C might be evident by breaking or splitting hair. Another essential vitamin for healthy hair is vitamin A. Vitamin A, found in sources like, leafy green vegetables, eggs and dairy products, helps produce healthy sebum in the scalp. 

Nutrition is essential for overall good health and healthy hair growth. Changing your diet to include a variety of essential vitamins and minerals will ensure body functions specific to healthy hair growth have you looking your best, but miracles do not happen overnight.  After a couple months of consistently eating healthy, well-balanced nutritious meals, healthy hair rewards should begin to appear. 

As long as you regularly commit to sticking to a healthy lifestyle, your healthy hair will continue to impress. Avoid over-styling your hair with drying products and heat tools.  Exposing your hair to chemical processes can weaken your hair, making it more vulnerable to breakage and split ends. Make sure any chemical process is performed by a qualified hair specialist after first assessing the condition of your hair. 

Finding a style that works best for your features and hair type can prevent overstyling and protect your hair from damage.