Hair loss in Females

Indian Diet plan for Hair Growth & Premature Greying

Dr Surbhi, MD (Dermatology)

Dermatologist, founder of Dermatocare · Last updated

✓ Reviewed by a dermatologist

Hair health is a reflection of internal wellness. In recent years, increasing cases of hair fall, thinning, and premature greying—even among teenagers—have raised concerns about lifestyle, environmental stressors, and, more importantly, nutritional deficiencies. While topical treatments and medications offer temporary relief, lasting improvement begins from within.

An Indian diet, rich in traditional superfoods, seasonal produce, and Ayurvedic principles, offers a holistic and sustainable approach to hair care. This guide presents a scientifically backed Indian diet plan that targets the root causes of hair loss and premature greying—nutritional gaps, oxidative stress, and hormonal imbalances.

By incorporating the nutrients given below, you can not only boost hair growth but also delay the greying process naturally:

Nutrient

Role

Best Sources

Protein

Builds keratin, the main component of hair

Lentils, eggs, dairy, tofu, quinoa, lean meats

Biotin (B7)

Enhances hair strength & thickness

Eggs (yolk), nuts, seeds, whole grains

Vitamin B12

Prevents premature greying, supports pigmentation

Dairy, eggs, fish, fortified cereals

Folate & B6

Enhance blood circulation to scalp, reduce greying

Spinach, avocado, legumes

Iron

Improves oxygen supply to hair roots

Spinach, beetroot, jaggery, legumes, dates

Zinc

Prevents shedding, supports follicle function

Pumpkin seeds, whole grains, legumes

Vitamin D

Boosts hair follicle cycling and regrowth

Sunlight, fortified milk, mushrooms

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Nourish scalp & reduce inflammation

Walnuts, flaxseeds, chia seeds, fatty fish

Copper

Delays greying by melanin synthesis

Sesame seeds, mushrooms, lentils, shellfish

Antioxidants

Protect hair follicles from oxidative stress

Berries, green tea, amla, dark leafy greens

Indian Vegeterian Diet Plan for hair growth

Breakfast

You should include the following items daily in breakfast:

  • Nuts: 5 almonds, five raisins, one walnut – 60kcal

  • Mix pumpkin, flax and sunflower seeds. Take one spoonful of the mixture- 40 Kcal.

Choose one of the following high-protein breakfasts:

1 katori/pc of

Cals

Proteins

Dal Chilla

125

8

Multigrain Oats with milk

140

6

Black chana Salad

110

5

Vegetable Upma

150

8

Poha with peanuts

130

5

Dal Methi Roti

110

4

Salted vegetable Dalia

227

3

Egg Recipe

68

5.5

Recommended potions:

Males –  3 servings

Females- 2 servings

Increase serving by one if you workout

Morning snacks

Mixed fruit juice or salad would provide approximately 50-100 cals depending on the choice and number of fruits. Try to include four colors of fruits/vegetables daily:

  • Red/purple group: Anaar, Purple Angoor, Jamun

  • Yellow/ Orange group: Orange, papaya

  • Green: Grapes

  • White/tan: Apple, Banana, Guava

Lunch

Males:

  • 3 katori dal

  • 3 roti/2 katori rice

  • 1 katori curd

  • salad

Females:

  • 2 kataori dal

  • 2 roti/1 kaotori rice

  • 1 katori curd

  • Salad

Evening snacks

  • One glass(250 ml) of milk/ green tea

  • Roasted namkeen: Makhana/Peanuts/Moong dal

Dinner

Males:

  • 2 katori dal

  • 1 katori sabji

  • 3 roti/2 katori rice

Females

  • 2 kataori d

  • 1 katori sabji

  • 2 roti/1 katori rice

Non-Vegetarian Diet Plan for Hair growth

Morning (Empty Stomach)

  • 10 almonds (soaked overnight)

  • 2 walnuts

  • 1 tsp flaxseeds or chia seeds

  • 1 glass warm water with fresh amla juice or lemon juice

Breakfast (8:00–9:00 AM)

  • 2 boiled eggs or 1 egg omelette with spinach and tomato

  • 1 slice multigrain toast with a thin layer of nut butter

  • 1 cup green tea or black coffee (no sugar)

Nutritional benefit: High-quality protein + B12 + iron + antioxidants

Mid-Morning Snack (11:00 AM)

  • 1 orange or guava (rich in Vitamin C)

  • 2–3 dates (iron and copper source)

Lunch (1:00–2:00 PM)

  • Grilled or curried chicken (150 g) – low oil

  • 1 cup cooked red or brown rice (for iron and fiber)

  • Cucumber-carrot-beet salad with lemon juice

  • 1 bowl curd or raita (for probiotics and calcium)

Evening Snack (4:00–5:00 PM)

  • 1 cup green tea or amla tea

  • 1 small handful of roasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds

Dinner (7:00–8:00 PM)

  • Grilled fish (salmon/mackerel preferred – 150 g) or egg curry (2 eggs)

  • Sautéed spinach and broccoli in olive oil (iron, vitamin A, C, folate)

  • 1 small multigrain roti or quinoa (optional if very active)

Bedtime (Optional)

  • 1 glass of warm turmeric milk (if tolerated) 

5 Dietary Mistakes that cause hair fall

1. Unbalanced diet:

 Most youngsters eat junk more than 3-5 times a week, which does not provide essential nutrients.

2. Eat healthily, but do not take enough calories:

You must consume more than 1800 calories/ day in females and 2000 calories/day in males. Nutrients will not reach the hair follicle if you fail to reach the calorie requirement. The HealthifyMe app can be used to calculate the calorie intake of the Indian diet.

3. Burn more calories than consuming: 

Fitness freaks tend to burn more calories than they consume, though their diet is healthy. It would be best if you increase your protein and calorie intake based on the intensity of the workout.

4. Skipping meals: 

Many patients with hair fall skip meals because they don’t feel hungry. This disturbs the delicate hormone balance because our body compensates for the missed meal.

5. Taking tea/coffee/milk with meals: 

These inhibit the absorption of minerals and vitamins from meals. Please keep a gap of 1 hour between meals and these tea/coffee/milk.

8 Super food for hair re-growth

While we all want to eat a healthy diet, everyone does not have time to follow the diet ideas in the next section. If you are tight on your schedule or living a hostel life, the food items below are worth trying.

1. Carbamide Forte Vegan Protein Powder

carbamide-forte-protein

AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.IN

Carbamide Forte Vegan Protein Powder is must must-try option for all those who cannot take enough protein in the form of pulses or meat. One scoop provides 25 grams of protein and a boatload of vitamins, minerals, and herbal extracts. You could add this protein powder to milk, a smoothie or water to make a quick and healthy drink. 

2. True Elements Daily Dose Trail Mix

True-Element-Mutigrain-Oatmeal

AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.IN

This has mixtures of nuts, berries and seeds- Almonds, Cashew nuts, Watermelon seeds, Dried Cranberries (Cranberries, Sugar, Sunflower Oil), Pumpkin seeds, Black Raisins, Dried Blueberries (Blueberries, Sugar, Sunflower Oil), Flax seeds, Sunflower seeds, Dried Dates, Walnuts, Apricot, Pecan, Pistachio, White Sesame seeds. 1 spoonful of the mixture can provide omega-3 fatty acids, proteins, vitamins and minerals.

3. Yoga Bar Protein Bar

AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.IN

You can satisfy your taste buds and health with this cereal bar. It is an excellent source of protein, fibre and omega-three fatty acids, flavoured with honey. The single bar can provide 8 g of protein.

4. Roasted Protein-Rich Snacks

AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.IN

When you feel like munching in the evening or while watching TV, get the help of these roasted oil-free snacks made of Mung dal, Soya beans and Kala channa.

5. Roasted Makhana

AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.IN

Makhana or fox nuts are a rich source of protein; they are light to eat and digest.

6. Roasted Quinoa namkeen

AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.IN

This tasty and healthy snack contains Quinoa, Pearl Millets, Soybeans, Green Grams and Dew Beans.

7. Kapiva Masala Supergrain Mix

AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.IN

This is a quick breakfast recipe. All you need to do is boil the contents in water. You can add carrot, cucumber, coriander and tomatoes to garnish. It provides 6g of protein and 4.4g of fibre in every serve. It has Oats, Ragi, Green Gram, Amaranth, amla, turmeric, ginger, etc.

8. NutroActive BrownXatta Atta High Protein & Low Carb

AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.IN

This is a good and easy way to consume more proteins and still lose weight. This atta has Wheat bran, Soya, Lentile, oats and amaranthus. It is rich in both protein and fibre.

7 Must try Recipie for hair re-growth

I have listed seven protein-rich vegetarian dishes that you can be included in your diet for good skin and hair:

1. Chickpeas (Safed/Kala chana): 

One bowl of chickpeas provides approximately 10 g of protein, calcium, zinc, iron and Vitamin C. You can either make curry or mixed vegetable salad with chickpeas, as shown below:

2.Oats: 

One serving of oats (30 gm ) with milk provides 12 gm of protein, fibre, Vitamin B1, minerals and antioxidants. You can add nuts and seeds to oats to make a wholesome meal.

3. Soybean: 

One bowl of soybeans provides approximately 8 g of protein, omega-two fatty acids, antioxidants, Vitamin B1, Vitamin K, Molybdenum, copper, etc. However, avoid high intake because it might suppress your thyroid gland or cause diarrhoea. You can try this tangy soya chunk recipe:

4. Vegetables Stir fry: 

Vegetables like Broccoli, sweet pepper, spinach, avocadoes, and peas are rich in proteins and provide vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. This vegetable stir fry comes with the goodness of mushrooms:

5. Paneer: 

One serving of Paneer(30 gm) provides 7 gm of proteins, calcium, and phosphorus. Paneer is integral to many Indian dishes and starters; try the one you like.

6. Mung beans (moong sabut dal) sprouts:

 One bowl of Mung beans provides approximately 10 grams of proteins, fibres, magnesium, iron, zinc, and amino acids. You can either make curry or, even better, try this super healthy salad with multiple health benefits:

7.Dal Chillas:

Try these high protein Chillas; they are easy to make and would give you a good amount of proteins:

In the quest for healthy, lustrous hair, topical treatments can only go so far. True transformation lies in nourishing your body from within. The Indian diet—abundant in proteins, antioxidants, essential fatty acids, and age-old herbs—offers a time-tested solution to strengthen hair roots, stimulate growth, and delay the signs of premature greying.

Consistency is key. Incorporate the recommended foods, hydrate well, manage stress, and combine this dietary approach with a healthy lifestyle. In most cases, results become visible within 8–12 weeks, as hair responds slowly but surely to internal changes.

Remember, your hair is an extension of your body’s health. Feed it right, and it will thrive.

Not sure which one is right for you?

Answer a few questions and get a full AM and PM routine built for your skin — free, and put together by a dermatologist.

Build my free routine →