We’re busy gearing up for a vibrant Veganuary, says Paula Inglis.
Paula has been a confirmed Vegan for 5 years so knows from first-hand experience what is required to ensure energy and good health.
Veganuary is now a worldwide event, helping to publicise the health benefits of veganism for people and the planet.
“However, a vegan diet can affect the condition of your hair quite quickly,” cautions Paula “and you may need to change or adapt your haircare routine.”
So, if you’ve made the vegan vow, make sure you keep the wow factor too by following our haircare tips for Veganuary and beyond.
Your hair and veganism
A vegan diet may make hair thinner and more likely to break as it becomes weaker and more brittle.
Why does this happen? Well, to stay strong and healthy our hair needs a good supply of protein. This is because our hair, skin and nails are mostly made of keratin which is a type of protein.
It’s easy to get enough protein when eating meat, but don’t despair says Paula. You can get enough protein to keep your hair happy and healthy by ensuring you eat a wide range of plant foods such as soya-based dishes, lentils, beans, chickpeas, peanut butter, cashew nuts, pumpkin seeds, quinoa, seitan and coconut.
You can also try protein shakes which blend different types of plant-based ingredients to ensure you’re getting all the good stuff that your hair really needs.
Iron, B12 and calcium for healthy hair
“Make sure your vegan diet does not lead to a lack of iron or B12 in your body. Both play a vital part in your overall health and if you don’t keep your levels topped up your hair may start to fall out,” advises Paula.
Look out for soy milks and vegan cereals that are fortified with B12 or take a supplement.
You can also find cereals that are fortified with iron, plus make sure you eat foods that contain iron such as dark green veg, beans, dried apricots, prunes and figs, prune juice soybeans, pulses, almonds, and beets. Be a little careful if you take iron supplements as too much iron can be harmful.
Calcium is important because it helps your body to absorb iron. Dark green veg is good for calcium, as well as foods such as tofu and pinto beans.
Vegan hair care
When following a vegan diet, it’s even more important to ensure your hair is really well cared for. As part of your hair appointment, we can offer a range of repairing and strengthening options, including:
• Pre-shampoo treatments to moisturise, protect and improve the elasticity of your hair.
• Restructuring treatments to help repair damage and add protein – perfect for strengthening brittle and chemically treated hair.
• Kerastase Fusio Dose treatments to protect coloured hair and boost its long-term health and strength.
“We can also recommend vegan-friendly self-care products that you can use between salon visits to keep your hair nourished and in tip-top condition, we stock Windle Lab a vegan haircare range which is free from Parabens, Silicones, Sulphates and Gluten Free” explains Paula. “Give us a call for advice – we love to help.”
Paula’s top tip for vegans
When buying products for your hair always check the ingredients list. Products can be marked ‘organic’, ‘natural’ and ‘cruelty-free’, but may still contain animal-related ingredients such as honey.
Also, look out for ingredients such as ‘biotin’, ‘gelatine’, ‘hyaluronic acid’, ‘keratin’ and ‘stearic acid’ which are all animal related.
Ask us about vegan hair
As well as stocking Windle Lab vegan haircare products some of our treatments are vegan. Please do call 01592-201212 to chat through the options or ask your stylist at your next appointment. It’s very important to us – so please do ask.
