The nutrients you eat today help strengthen the hair follicle - from which each strand is born - and the scalp that surrounds it.

Of course, there's more to your hair than what you eat. Smoking, hormonal imbalances, and not enough sleep can also affect how your hair appears and feels. No magic nutrient can make up for those concerns.

Here are the foods that can help your hair grow healthier...

Salmon: Besides being rich in protein and vitamin D (both are the key to strong hair) the omega-3 fatty acids found in this tasty cold-water fish are the true superstar. About 3% of the hair shaft is made up from these fatty acids.

Walnuts: These are the only type of nut that have a significant amount of omega-3 fatty acids. They're also rich in biotin and vitamin E, which helps protect your cells from DNA damage. Walnuts also have copper, a mineral that aids keep your natural hair color rich and shiny.

Sweet potatoes are a great source of the antioxidant beta carotene, which your body turns into vitamin A. "Basically, every cell of the body cannot function without enough A," It also helps protect and produce the oils that withstand your scalp.

Great sources of protein, eggs are loaded with four key minerals: zinc, selenium, sulfur, and iron. Iron is important, because it helps cells carry oxygen to the hair follicles, and too little iron is the main cause of hair loss, particularly in women.