Your hair may be just a bunch of dead cells, your scalp, on the other hand is very much alive. That's why you can't feel touch on the ends of your hair, but you can near the roots.

A healthy scalp makes for a good head of hair. How your tresses appear can indicate your state of health and the nature of your diet. For instance, thinning hair can sometimes spell a deficiency in iron and or anemia. So, if your locks are lacking in lustre, this could be an indicator that you may also be lacking in a number of essential vitamins found in the hair superfoods below.

1. Salmon: These fish are packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which give your locks a lustrous shine. Naturally, a serious lack of omega-3 can cause the scalp to become dry making your hair appear dull and lifeless.

2. Spinach: The dark, leafy greens your parents made you eat contain large amounts of vitamin A and C, which the body uses to make sebum. This oily substance secreted by your hair follicles acts as a natural conditioner and a treatment for dandruff.

3. Kidney beans: These meaty legumes provide valuable proteins that help your hair to grow. They also contain biotin which keeps your hair strong. A lack of biotin can cause hair to become weak and brittle.

4. Brazil nuts and walnuts: Rich-tasting Brazil nuts are an excellent source of selenium, an essential mineral for a happy scalp. They are also heavy on calories so be sure to eat in moderation. Another excellent nut, walnuts are high in zinc and a zine deficiency can cause hair to fall out.

5. Chicken: Even though they don't have hair, chickens are great for your tresses in so many ways. Chicken contains high-grade protein and amino acids that keeps strands strong, improves thickness and maintains color. Too little protein can result in brittle hair and turn you gray faster than you'd like. Chicken is also high in vitamin B6, which helps aid red blood cell health and carry oxygen to the scalp.

6. Eggs: Another beauty food from our friends the chickens. Eggs are not only an excellent source of protein, they also contain valuable nutrients for hair. In fact, a raw egg can add new life to a dull head of hair. High in vitamins A, D and E, these nutrients can be used to treat hair loss. While the yolk may have been vilified for its high cholesterol, it also contains fatty acids that make hair shiny and manageable. Fatty acids have also been proven to fight dandruff, psoriasis and flaky scalp. In need of a good conditioner? Why not crack an egg on your head?

7. Whole Grains: Found in foods like whole wheat bread and whole grain cereals, these healthy grains are full of healthy hair ingredients like zinc, iron and vitamin B. They also contain copper, which helps maintain the structure of the hair and magnesium which promotes regrowth.

8. Oysters: Not only will they make you feel sexy, but they'll make you look sexy as well. They contain a smorgasbord of hair vitamins including zinc, iron, copper and vitamin B12.

9. Low Fat Dairy: Everybody knows the calcium found in dairy is good for bones. It's also a vital mineral for hair growth. Furthermore, dairy also includes whey and casein, two proteins that are excellent for a healthy mane.

10. Carrots: These contain vitamin A, a key ingredient for a healthy scalp. A healthy scalp is what makes the difference between dry, brittle hair and a shiny, supple tresses.

Sources: WebMD, Stophairlossnow.com and naturalfitsupplements.com.