The secret to achieving luscious locks could be hidden in your diet, and a food group should take centre stage more often in breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Beauty fanatic Natalie O'Neill has claimed that her hair growth became "uncontrollable" after increasing her protein consumption, transforming her once dry hair into a "silky" mane.
Experts from Harley Street Hair Clinic backed the science behind this beauty revelation, explaining that our hair is primarily composed of protein.
The fairly straightforward link between diet and hair quality offers a simple solution for Britons seeking to improve their tresses.
Natalie shared her hair transformation journey, saying: "Without a doubt, the one thing I have done that has taken my hair from not growing very fast to literally growing at a point where I can't keep up and change the quality of my hair. It used to be quite dry and now it's quite silky.
"It's something I didn't even intentionally do that I started doing when I was 16 and got into the gym, which is eating a lot of protein," she explained.
"Nobody talks about the fact that if you don't eat enough protein, your body doesn't have enough resources to make hair - let alone healthy hair that grows at a really fast rate," she noted.
Harley Street Hair Clinic confirmed the link: "The hair is made up of a protein called keratin, which is responsible for healthy hair growth."
They explain that "without enough protein, the hair quickly becomes brittle, which can lead to breakage and even hair loss".
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Protein deficiency manifests in several ways beyond hair problems, according to Harley Street Hair Clinic. Swelling in hands, feet and legs may occur due to poor blood circulation. Muscle weakness and fatigue are common symptoms, particularly affecting those over 50.
Persistent hunger, especially for carbohydrates, can indicate insufficient protein intake. Brittle nails and dry skin often accompany hair issues, as these are also built from proteins like collagen and elastin.
Slow-healing injuries provide another warning sign, as protein is essential for tissue repair.
Incorporating protein-rich foods into your diet is the most obvious approach to hiking up your protein intake, with options including "eggs, red meat, seeds, nuts, tofu, chickpeas, avocado, poultry, seafood, milk, and cheese," Harley Street said.
'The hair is made up of a protein called keratin, which is responsible for healthy hair growth,' Harley Street Hair Clinic said
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They recommend consuming varied protein sources "for a healthier lifestyle and thicker hair", although monitoring intake is essential, with experts suggesting "0.75g of protein per kilo of body weight".
Protein supplements and powders offer convenient alternatives, easily added to "smoothies, soups, yoghurts, oatmeal, and much more".
Still, Natalie has cautioned against underestimating protein requirements, noting many people mistakenly believe they're consuming sufficient amounts.
She recommended around 20-30g of protein each meal, minimum, is the rule that she goes by, adding: "You wouldn't plant fruits and vegetables and then keep them in the dark and not water them.
"You just wouldn't expect them to grow if that were the case, and that's kind of the same with your hair."
