Many people believe healthy hair is a result of outside factors. Lather, condition and rinse may be the standard advice from your hairstylist. However, to get the healthiest hair possible it starts from within.

Your hair's health is a result of your hormones, the pills you may have taken and what you may or may not have eaten. When a woman is pregnant the level of female hormones progesterone and estrogen may be at an all-time high, helping to strengthen your mane. Following delivery, the level of hormones reduces and a significant amount of hair may reduce as well.

Conversely, contraceptives, which also contain levels of progesterone and estrogen, may not be good for your hair. According to Neil Sadick, MD, a New York-based dermatologist, the hormones in birth control pills cause some women's hair to thin. The hormone progesterone may breakdown as a male-like hormone.

Another factor that can thwart your efforts of maintaining healthy hair may be the pills you're popping. Antidepressants and pills for high blood pressure can also cause your hair to thin.

However with so many factors blocking healthy hair growth there are several foods that can give you shiny, healthy hair:

Seafood, such as shellfish and wild salmon are foods that pack a healthy punch. Seafood contains the highest amount of zinc, which helps keep hair looking healthy. Wild salmon is loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, which is necessary to support scalp health.

Dark green vegetables, such as spinach, broccoli and Swiss chard contain plenty of vitamins A and C. Both are responsible to produce sebum which is your body's natural hair conditioner.

Fruits that contain high levels of antioxidants are great foods to consume for healthy hair. Antioxidants help protect the skin from damage from free radicals. Consuming antioxidants can help protect your hair from environmental damage and nutrient deficiencies.

Eggs contain biotin and vitamin B-12, which are essential beauty nutrients, according to Web MD.

Whole grains are a great source of several minerals and vitamins, especially iron. Iron is essential for hair turnover and replenishment, according to Sadick.

Poultry is also a good source of iron. Without an adequate amount of poultry one may experience brittle hair.

When deciding to start any type of diet, keep in mind the affects it may have on your hair or skin.

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