Diet

Diet has an important influence on the hair, so teenagers should be encouraged to eat a balanced diet, with an emphasis on freshly prepared rather than junk foods, which are nutritionally inferior. A good intake of protein- found in foods such as eggs, meat, poultry, pulses and soya products- is important for the body to be able to produce a strong hair, as hairs are made of a type of protein called keratin.

It is particularly important once girls start menstruating that they have a good intake of iron rich foods, such as red meat and dark green vegetables, as maintaining adequate iron stores is vital for optimum hair growth.