The Ultimate Beauty Breakfast

A Nutrient-Dense Pudding for Healthy Hair & Glowing Skin

I used to joke that I had "two anorexic strands of hair" that I would rub together in a desperate attempt to create the illusion of volume. For years, I relied on strategic highlights, overpriced, and possibly endocrine-disrupting, volumizing products, blow outs, and an extensive at home blow-dry routine to fake what I didn’t have. I grew weary of the headspace that the calculus of synchronizing my wash/blowout routine with my social and professional calendar took. And, the reliance on the coiffing to feel like I looked even halfway decent seemed ridiculous. The question emerged: instead of allocating the time, money, and technique into masking my perceived problem, could that energy be better spent reverse engineering and building healthy hair? 

I researched and put together a multi-pronged plan to achieve the Disney princess hair of my dreams. Then nixed the blowouts. Cut down on the hair dryer usage. I swapped my Olaplex for natural hair care products, and started the practice of oiling my hair and doing a deep oil massage of my scalp with The Herbalist's Elixir once a week. The nutritional intervention included protein-forward diet and a twice weekly serving of The Raw Beauty smoothie and this Chia pudding. Since Bolor had interests in her own hair glow up, convinced she was shedding too much, we added this chia pudding to our beauty lunch agenda as a morning starter right after our Raw Beauty smoothie.

I kept up with these changes and diligently enjoyed the chia pudding and smoothie protocol twice a week. I didn’t think much of it until about six months in, when my hairdresser (unprompted!) pointed out that my growth between visits had noticeably increased. I had fewer flyaways, less breakage, and, for the first time ever, my hair had developed a sturdiness to it. After a year, there was no denying it, my hair was thicker. And now, three years later, I barely recognize my own hair in photos. It's shiny, strong, and fuller. Is it Disney princess hair? No. But the transformation has shown me how impactful it can be to focus on the health of the hair. 

Try this pudding and you’ll totally get why it's an easy staple to stick with. Its fun to switch up the toppings seasonally, play around with different spices, poached fruit, you name it, infinite iterations are possible. It’s packed with many critical nutrients that your hair (and skin) needs to grow stronger, shinier, and more resilient. The right nutrients can bring life back to stressed-out skin and fragile strands. With collagen-boosting antioxidants, hormone-balancing seeds, and deeply nourishing superfoods, this pudding is a super simple and satisfying way to support your must luscious chapter yet. 

How These Ingredients Work Together for Hair & Skin Health

Each ingredient in this pudding works synergistically to support collagen synthesis, hydration, and hair follicle strength. Here’s why it’s the ultimate beauty bowl:

• Chia Seeds (2 tbsp) – One of the best plant-based sources of omega-3s, chia seeds reduce inflammation, strengthen hair follicles, and boost skin elasticity. Their high soluble fiber content also supports gut health, which is directly linked to clear, glowing skin.
• Milk of Choice (½ cup) – If using raw milk, you’ll get biologically available vitamin A, protein, and probiotics, all essential for collagen production and skin repair. If opting for nut milk, be sure to choose one without seed oils or additives for optimal benefits.
• Pumpkin Seeds – A zinc-rich powerhouse, pumpkin seeds help clear acne, regulate oil production, and support keratin synthesis for stronger, shinier hair.
• Black Sesame Seeds – A TCM beauty staple, black sesame seeds are loaded with copper and B vitamins, which are essential for hair pigmentation, preventing premature graying, and strengthening hair shafts.
• Hemp Seeds – A complete protein source, hemp seeds provide the essential amino acids needed for collagen formation and keratin production. They’re also rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which deeply hydrates the skin and scalp.
• Brazil Nuts – Just one nut a day provides your daily dose of selenium, an essential mineral for hair growth, thyroid balance, and reducing oxidative stress in the skin.
• Mixed Berries – Packed with vitamin C, anthocyanins, and polyphenols, berries protect skin from environmental stress, promote collagen synthesis, and enhance scalp circulation for healthier hair growth.
• Bee Pollen – A natural multivitamin, bee pollen contains silica, B vitamins, and amino acids, all of which support hair thickness, skin hydration, and cellular regeneration.
• Honeycomb (for garnish) – More than just a pretty touch, honeycomb is a natural humectant, drawing moisture into the skin while providing enzymes and antioxidants to protect against premature aging.

How to Make Frondescent’s Chia Pudding

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp chia seeds

• 1/3 organic rolled oats (not instant)

• ½ cup milk of choice (raw milk, coconut, almond, or your favorite alternative)
  
  Topping

• 1 tbsp pumpkin seeds

• 1 tsp black sesame seeds (ground)

• 1 tbsp hemp seeds

• 1-3 Brazil nuts, finely chopped

• 2 tbsp Goji berries

• ½ cup mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, blackberries)

Optional:

• ½ tsp bee pollen

• 1 small slice of raw honeycomb for garnish

Directions:

1️. In a bowl or jar, mix chia seeds with milk and stir thoroughly. Keep stirring for a few minutes to ensure the chia is evenly saturated—no clumps!
2️. Let it sit overnight in the refrigerator for the perfect thick, creamy texture.
(Optional step for more protein: add a bit more milk to the pudding and stir in some protein powder)
3. The next morning, remove from the fridge and garnish generously with pumpkin seeds, black sesame, hemp seeds, chopped Brazil nuts, Goji berries, and mixed berries.
4️. Sprinkle with bee pollen and top with a small slice of raw honeycomb for an added touch of hydrating enzymes and minerals.
5️. Enjoy immediately!

Beauty Ritual: Stir well before eating to activate the nutrients and ensure every bite delivers hydrating, collagen-boosting, and follicle-strengthening power.

Nutritional Benefits for Hair & Skin Per Serving (Approximate values based on ingredient selections)

Eat for Stronger Hair & Glowing Skin

Consider this Chia Pudding your daily dose of hair and skin-loving nutrients, packed with protein, omega-3s, antioxidants, and essential minerals to promote collagen production, strengthen hair, and keep skin deeply hydrated.

Make this a staple in your beauty routine, and let your glow speak for itself. 

What are you mixing in?