
Best Foods for Hair Growth: What to Eat for Stronger, Thicker Hair
Share
Most men look for magic serums, pills, or treatments for hair loss. Few ask the more important question — what is your hair actually made of? And are you eating enough of it?
Hair is built from protein, minerals, and healthy fats. It grows slower, weaker, and thinner when your diet is trash — even if you’re using all the right products externally.
If you want better hair, start with your plate.
Here’s exactly what to eat if you want stronger, thicker, healthier hair for the long term.
The Critical Nutrients Your Hair Needs
Protein (Especially Collagen)
Hair is primarily made of a protein called keratin. If your protein intake is low, your hair has nothing to build with. Collagen, in particular, supports the structure of the hair follicle and improves scalp elasticity.
Best sources:
-
Grass-fed collagen powder
-
Bone broth
-
Steak, chicken, fish
-
Eggs
Aim for at least 1 gram of protein per pound of bodyweight daily.
Zinc
Essential for hair follicle repair, DHT regulation, and scalp health. Zinc deficiency is common in men, especially those who train hard or sweat a lot.
Best sources:
-
Oysters
-
Grass-fed beef
-
Pumpkin seeds
-
Eggs
Supplement if needed, but food-first is always better.
Magnesium
Supports stress regulation, sleep, and hormonal balance. Hair loss is often worsened by chronic stress and poor recovery.
Best sources:
-
Dark leafy greens
-
Pumpkin seeds
-
Almonds
-
Dark chocolate (real, not candy)
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Fights inflammation in the scalp, improves blood flow, and supports follicle health.
Best sources:
-
Wild-caught salmon
-
Sardines
-
Mackerel
-
Fish oil supplements (high quality only)
Iron
Low iron weakens hair structure and slows growth. Especially critical if you’re vegetarian or eat low-meat diets.
Best sources:
-
Red meat
-
Liver
-
Spinach
-
Lentils
Vitamin C
Supports collagen production and iron absorption.
Best sources:
-
Citrus fruits
-
Bell peppers
-
Berries
-
Kiwi
What to Avoid for Hair Health
If you’re eating right but still hammering your body with garbage, progress will be slow or nonexistent.
Avoid:
-
Seed oils (canola, soybean, sunflower)
-
Processed junk food
-
Excessive sugar
-
Alcohol (dehydrates scalp, disrupts hormones)
-
Caffeine overload without adequate hydration
Sample Hair Growth Diet for a Day
Breakfast:
-
4 eggs cooked in grass-fed butter
-
Bone broth with collagen powder
-
Berries
Lunch:
-
Grass-fed steak
-
Spinach salad with olive oil
-
Pumpkin seeds
Snack:
-
Greek yogurt with dark chocolate and honey
-
Orange slices
Dinner:
-
Wild-caught salmon
-
Roasted sweet potatoes
-
Broccoli
Optional:
-
Zinc + Magnesium supplement before bed
-
Fish oil with dinner
Nutrition Will Not Save Dead Follicles
Eating for hair health is powerful — but it’s not a replacement for blocking DHT if you’re already thinning.
Nutrition builds stronger, healthier new growth. It fuels scalp recovery. It makes your topical stack work better.
But if your temples are receding or your crown is thinning, you still need:
-
RU58841 (blocks DHT locally)
-
Caffeine + peppermint oil (boosts circulation)
-
Microneedling (stimulates growth)
Food is your foundation. Treatments are your tools.
Handle both.