Growing longer, stronger, fuller hair isn't a one-product ordeal. It takes tending to the hair and scalp in a myriad of ways, from protecting the strands you do have to making sure the scalp is build-up free to, finally, the sort of nutrients you're ingesting. And most beauty professionals have a few tips they rely on for their own hair growth—which I'm always eager to test out.
Why this herbalist loves this iron-rich tea for hair health
Rachelle Robinett, herbalist and founder of Supernatural, says: "For hair growth, you want herbs that are high in minerals and nutrients, but primarily minerals like iron. I always encourage people to ingest their herbs by steeping them in water to make a tea, which helps the absorption rate," she says. "A perfect example is alfalfa tea. The alfalfa plant (aka alfalfa grass) is a natural source of iron, antioxidants, and other minerals, so I always recommend it for hair health.”
Certified trichologist and founder of advanced Trichology, William Gaunitz agrees: Iron is the most critical mineral for hair. “Ferritin is your iron storage protein, and when that is low because you don’t have enough iron regularly input into your diet, your hair volume will decline to compensate for your body's need for iron." He says the hair will only return once there's enough iron being consumed on a regular basis.
Alfalfa tea isn't the only option, either. Iron-rich foods include beef, chicken, eggs, spinach, sweet potatoes, and beans.
It's not just iron that the herb is high in. One cup of alfalfa sprouts contain 5% vitamin C and 13%v vitamin K, giving it antioxidant properties too. Antioxidants can support hair growth by improving scalp health and neutralising oxidate stress, one cause of shedding.
The Vintage Avenue Team x
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