As product junkies, we know what a difference the best volume-boosting shampoo and gloss-inducing serum can make to our mane. But for truly healthy hair that radiates health, it really does start from within.

Expert Joanne Dodds at Hairtrade.com explains:

“Small changes to your diet could make a big difference to your hair and beauty regime and give you the look you’ve been wanting… Important vitamins and minerals can all be found in common foods that will make a big impact.”

In order to up your gloss game, make sure these root-boosting foods make their way on to your plate.

Blueberries

We all know they’re a superfood, but did you know that these sour fruit pops also promotes healthy hair growth? That’s thanks to the high vitamin C content that helps produce collagen, aiding the health and appearance of skin and hair. Recent studies have also shown that regularly eating flavonoid-rich berries like these can also boost your sex life and shrink your waistline. Need another reason to switch your snacks? We thought not.

Oily fish

Experts at hairtrade.com recommend adding Omega-3 rich oily fish to your diet, such as salmon, which is a wonder for your overall health. When it comes to hair, it’s anti-inflammatory abilities helps to calm skin conditions, including those on the scalp, helping with dry and sore skin and dandruff.

Fortified cereals

It can be hard to get zinc into your diet if you’re meat-free, but a lack of the mineral can lead to to hair loss as well as a dry, itchy scalp. Not ideal. Opt for fortified cereals in the morning to ensure you’re keeping your hair thick and full of vitality.

Chicken

If you are a meat eater however, then protein-rich chicken can boost your locks. As hair is made up of proteins, a diet deficient in it can lead to brittle hair that snaps off or falls out easily.

Eggs

We're not bothered which one came first, all we know is your morning egg can also do wonders for your hair, and your appetite! Egg yolks contain a substance called biotin, which when our body is lacking in, causes hair to grow brittle and thin, and even fall out. Omelette, anyone?

Linseeds

Hair colour expert at Naturtint Kerry Capewell

recommends adding linseeds (also known as flax seeds) into your diet. "They are packed with nutrients such as protein, calcium, iron and omega 3 fatty acids, which are required for the growth of your hair. A healthy intake of Linseed will make your hair stronger, healthier, and more vibrant." They're also one of the key extracts in their new and improved Naturtint Permanent Hair Colour range.

Kale

No, curly kale won’t give your ringlets, but it sure will give your hair some va va voom. The high-iron superfood help enriches your blood supply with iron, meaning once this blood flow reaches the scalp, it brings hair follicles to life, promoting growth and retention. Is there anything kale can’t do?

Sweet potatoes

It’s not just carrots that are crammed with vitamin A, don’t you know - sweet potatoes are a great source of the stuff too. As well as the old wives tale of improving your vision, vitamin A enables the body to produce sebum, the oily substance produced by our hair glands to keep hair and scalp happy and healthy.

Nuts

Regularly snacking on nuts such as cashews, Brazil nuts and almonds can do wonders for both your skin and hair. Protein, selenium and essential fatty acids in the little guys help keep your hair in tip-top condition, adding shine and density to your ‘do.

Lemon-infused water

Ok, so technically this is not eating your way to healthy hair, but we think it’s a worthy tip anyway. Guzzling 6-8 glasses a day is always recommended, but if you needed another reason, it’s excellent for a glossy mane – especially when infused with lemon thanks to the added vitamin C.

Sunflower Seeds.

"Sunflower seeds are another great superfood to add to your diet. These delicious seeds contain plenty of hair loss preventing nutrients including protein, potassium and calcium and like Linseed, they are also high in omega-6 fatty acids, which promote hair growth," recommends Kerry. Just sprinkle over salads and ceraeal for a simple hair-boosting extra.