An Nutrient-Rich Tea This Herbalist Loves For Hair Health

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 buildup-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. 

But it's not just beauty pros who know a thing or two about how to keep hair healthy—since nutrition and lifestyle also play a huge factor in hair growth, I often like to get other health professionals' takes too, be it an M.D. and nutritionist or even more holistic professionals like an herbalist. 

"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, FWTS, agrees: Iron is the most critical mineral for the 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." Gaunitz 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. Always speak to your doctor before adding an iron-containing supplement to your routine.