hair and nails

Hair and nails: a complex guide for health and beauty

I. Anatomy and physiology of hair:

1. Hair structure: Hair is a complex structure, consisting mainly of keratin, fibrillar protein. The main components of the hair:

   • Hair root: Located in a hair follicle, a dermal recess, where cell division and hair growth occur. At the base of the follicle there is a hair papilla containing blood vessels and nerves that provide nutrition and regulation of growth.
   • Hair rod: The visible part of the hair protruding above the surface of the skin. The rod consists of three layers: cuticles, cortex and medulla.
     • Cuticle: The outer layer consisting of overlapping keratin scales similar to tiles. The cuticle protects the hair from damage, determines its luster and texture. The damaged cuticle leads to dullness, brittleness and split ends.
     • Cortex: The main part of the hair, which is about 90% of its mass. The cortex contains keratin fibers located parallel to each other, as well as the melanin pigment that determines the color of the hair. Cortex is responsible for the strength, elasticity and shape of the hair.
     • Medulla: The central layer of hair, which is not in all hair. Medulla consists of loose cells and airspace. Its function has not been fully studied, but it is assumed that it affects the thickness and thermal insulation of the hair.

2. Hair growth cycle: Hair growth occurs cyclically and consists of three phases:

   • Anagen (growth phase): The longest phase lasting from 2 to 7 years. In Anagen, there is an active division of cells in a hair follicle and hair growth. The duration of the anagen determines the maximum length of the hair.
   • Katagen (Phase of Transition): A short phase lasting about 2-3 weeks. In Katagen, the hair growth stops, the hair follicle is compressed and the hair is separated from the hair papilla.
   • Telogen (Phase Salm): The resting phase lasting about 3 months. The hair remains in the follicle in the heater, but does not grow. At the end of the heterogene, the hair falls out, and in its place the new hair in the anagen phase begins to grow.

3. Hair types: The type of hair is determined by the shape of a hair follicle and the amount of skin fat secreted by the sebaceous glands. The main types of hair:

   • Normal hair: Healthy hair with moderate fat content and brilliance. Easy to fit and do not split.
   • Dry hair: Hair with insufficient oily, dull, brittle and prone to the stripping tips. Often arise due to a lack of moisture and aggressive effects of external factors.
   • Bold hair: Hair with excessive oily, quickly becomes dirty and lose volume. The reason is the increased activity of the sebaceous glands.
   • Combined hair: Fat at the roots and dry at the ends. They require special care aimed at balancing fat content and moisture.
   • Thin hair: Hair with a small diameter of the rod, easily loses volume and is subject to damage.
   • Thick hair: Hair with a large diameter of the rod, more durable and voluminous.
   • Straight hair: Hair with a round cross section of the rod.
   • Wavy hair: Hair with an oval cross section of the rod.
   • Curly hair: Hair with a flat cross section of the rod.

4. Hair health factors: The health and appearance of the hair are affected by many factors, both internal and external:

   • Genetics: A genetic predisposition plays an important role in determining the type of hair, growth rate and a tendency to loss.
   • Hormonal background: Hormonal changes, such as pregnancy, menopause or thyroid disease, can significantly affect the condition of the hair.
   • Nutrition: The lack of nutrients, such as protein, iron, zinc, vitamins of group B and omega-3 fatty acids, can lead to hair loss, dryness and brittleness.
   • Stress: Chronic stress can negatively affect hair growth and lead to its loss.
   • Diseases: Some diseases, such as autoimmune diseases, infections and skin diseases, can cause hair loss.
   • Medicines: Some drugs, such as chemotherapeutic drugs and antidepressants, can cause hair loss.
   • External factors: The aggressive effect of external factors, such as the sun, wind, cold, heat treatment, chemical curls and dyeing, can damage the hair and lead to its dryness, brittleness and split ends.
   • Incorrect care: Incorrect hair care, such as frequent washing, using aggressive shampoos and balms, improper combing and drying, can damage the hair and lead to their problems.

II. Anatomy and physiology of nails:

1. Nail structure: The nail is a solid horn plate located on the back surface of the end phalanges of the fingers and legs. The nail protects the fingertips from damage and allows you to perform small manipulations. The main components of the nail:

   • Nail plate: The visible part of the nail consisting of tightly compressed keratin cells. The nail plate is solid, but flexible and permeable for water and some chemicals.
   • Nail bed: The skin under the nail plate, to which it fit tightly. The nail bed contains blood vessels and nerves that provide nutrition and sensitivity of the nail.
   • Matrix (nail root): Located under the rear nail roller and is a place of formation of new cells of the nail plate. Matrix determines the shape, thickness and growth rate of the nail. Damage to the matrix can lead to deformation or stopping the growth of the nail.
   • Lunked: The whitish semi -moon region at the base of the nail, which is the visible part of the matrix.
   • Nail roller: The skin fold surrounding the nail plate. The nail roller protects the matrix and the nail bed from damage and infections.
     • Proximal nail roller: The rear nail roller hanging over the matrix.
     • Lateral nail rollers: Side nail rollers surrounding the side edges of the nail plate.
   • Cuticle: A thin strip of skin growing to the nail plate at the base of the nail. The cuticle protects the matrix from infections and pollution.
   • Hyponichia: The skin under the free edge of the nail connecting the nail plate with the distal phalanx of the finger.

2. Nail growth: Nails grow continuously, but slowly. The growth rate of nails depends on the age, state of health, time of year and other factors. The nails in the hands grow faster than on the legs. On average, the nails on the hands grow by about 3 mm per month, and the nails on the legs are 1 mm per month. The full update of the nail plate on the hands takes about 6 months, and on the legs-about 12-18 months.

3. Nail functions: Nails perform several important functions:

   • Protection: Nails protect the fingertips from mechanical damage, injuries and infections.
   • Sensitivity: Nails help to enhance the tactile sensitivity of the fingertips, allowing you to perform small manipulations.
   • Aesthetics: Nails are an important element of appearance and can reflect the state of human health.

4. Factors affecting the health of the nails: The health and appearance of the nails are affected by many factors, both internal and external:

   • Genetics: A genetic predisposition plays an important role in determining the shape, thickness and speed of nail growth.
   • Age: With age, the nails become more thin, brittle and more slowly.
   • Nutrition: The lack of nutrients, such as protein, iron, zinc, calcium, vitamins A, C, E and group B, can lead to fragility, dryness and nail deformation.
   • Diseases: Some diseases, such as anemia, thyroid diseases, fungal infections and psoriasis, can cause changes in the structure and appearance of nails.
   • Medicines: Some drugs, such as chemotherapeutic drugs and antibiotics, can cause changes in the growth and structure of nails.
   • External factors: The aggressive effect of external factors, such as water, detergents, chemicals, injuries and improper care, can damage nails and lead to their fragility, stratification and infections.
   • Incorrect care: Incorrect nail care, such as the frequent use of nail polish, acetone, nail extension and traumatic manicure, can damage the nails and lead to their problems.

III. Hair problems: Reasons and solutions:

1. Hair loss (alopecia): Hair loss is a common problem that can be caused by various factors.

   • Androgenetic alopecia (baldness according to the male type/female type): The most common cause of hair loss associated with the genetic predisposition and exposure to androgens (male sex hormones). In men, it manifests itself in the form of thinning of the hair on the forehead and crown, in women – in the form of thinning of hair on central parting.
     • Decision: Minoxidil, finsterida (for men), laser therapy, hair transplant.
   • Telogene loss: Temporary hair loss caused by stress, hormonal changes, diseases, drugs or a deficiency of nutrients. It is characterized by an increase in the amount of hair that falls out in the heterogene phase.
     • Decision: Elimination of the cause of hair loss, balanced diet, stress management.
   • Focal alopecia: Autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the hair follicles, leading to the formation of round or oval foci of baldness.
     • Decision: Corticosteroids (local or systemic), immunotherapy, minoxidil.
   • Traction alopecia: Hair loss caused by constant hair tension, for example, when wearing tight hairstyles, weaving pigtails or using hair extension.
     • Decision: Continuation of the use of tight hairstyles, careful hair care.
   • Rickeeper alopecia: Hair loss in which hair follicles are destroyed and replaced by cicatricial fabric. It can be caused by various diseases, such as lichen, lupus or injury.
     • Decision: Treatment of the underlying disease, hair transplant (in some cases).

2. Dry and brittle hair: Dry and brittle hair is the result of a lack of moisture and damage to the cuticle.

   • Reasons: Disadvantage of moisture, frequent use of a hair dryer and ironing, staining and chemical curls, aggressive shampoos, solar exposure, cold and wind.
   • Decision: The use of moisturizing shampoos and balms, hair masks containing oils (argan, coconut, olive), restriction of thermal instruments, hair protection from the sun and cold, sufficient water consumption.

3. Bold hair: Bold hair is the result of excessive activity of the sebaceous glands.

   • Reasons: Genetic predisposition, hormonal changes, stress, malnutrition, frequent hair washing.
   • Decision: The use of shampoos for oily hair, avoiding frequent hair washing, using dry shampoo, balanced diet, stress control.

4. Serving tips: Serving tips – the result of damage to the cuticle and stratification of the hair rod.

   • Reasons: Lack of moisture, thermal effects, chemical processing, improper combing.
   • Decision: Regular haircut of split ends, the use of moisturizers, restriction of thermal exposure, careful combing, the use of oils for hair ends.

5. Dandruff (seborrheic dermatitis): Dandruff is a condition characterized by peeling of the scalp.

   • Reasons: Malassezia Globosa fungus, dry scalp, increased fatty scalp, stress, hormonal changes.
   • Decision: The use of shampoos with antifungal components (ketoconazole, zinc pyrithion, selenium sulfide), moisturizing the scalp, stress control.

6. Psoriasis of the scalp: Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect the scalp, causing the formation of red, peeling plaques.

   • Decision: Local corticosteroids, shampoos with tar, phototherapy, system drugs (in severe cases).

IV. Problems with nails: Reasons and solutions:

1. Brucky nails (onychoshisis and onihorexis): Brucky nails can be spurred (onychoshisis) or crack longitudinally (onihorexis).

   • Reasons: Lack of moisture, frequent wash of the hands, the use of aggressive detergents, lack of nutrients, injuries, thyroid disease.
   • Decision: Moisturization of hands and nails, the use of gloves when working with detergents, a balanced diet, taking vitamins and minerals, avoiding injuries.

2. Fungal nail infections (onychomycosis): Fungal nail infections are a common disease caused by fungi, which affect the nail plate and nail bed.

   • Reasons: Increased humidity, injuries of nails, weakened immunity, wearing tight shoes.
   • Decision: Local antifungal drugs (varnishes, creams), systemic antifungal drugs (tablets), laser therapy.

3. Involved nail (onychocryptosis): An ingrown nail is a condition in which the edge of the nail plate grows into the surrounding skin.

   • Reasons: Incorrect nail cutting, wearing tight shoes, injuries, genetic predisposition.
   • Decision: The correct haircut of the nails (directly, without rounding the corners), wearing comfortable shoes, local antiseptics, surgical removal (in severe cases).

4. Changing the color of the nails: Changing the color of the nails can be a sign of various diseases.

   • White spots (leikonichia): It can be caused by injuries, a lack of zinc, fungal infections.
   • Yellow nails: Can be caused by fungal infections, psoriasis, smoking, the use of some drugs.
   • Blue nails: Can be caused by poor blood circulation, diseases of the lungs or heart.
   • Black stripes (melanonichia): Can be caused by injuries, fungal infections, taking some drugs or, in rare cases, melanoma (skin cancer).
   • Decision: An appeal to a doctor to establish the cause of the change of nail color and prescribe the appropriate treatment.

5. Transverse furrows (Bo Line): The transverse grooves on the nails can be caused by stress, diseases, injuries or taking some drugs.

   • Decision: Elimination of the cause of the grooves, balanced diet, taking vitamins and minerals.

6. Longitudinal crests (onihorexis): Longitudinal ridges on nails are often found with age and can be a sign of natural aging.

   • Decision: Moisturizing nails, polishing the nail plate (if necessary).

V. Hair care: tips and recommendations:

1. Washing hair:

   • Wash your hair as you get dirty, no more than necessary.
   • Use shampoo suitable for hair type.
   • Apply shampoo only to the scalp, massaging it with soft movements.
   • Rinse the shampoo thoroughly with warm water.
   • Use balm or air conditioning after each hair washing, applying it to the length of the hair, avoiding the roots.
   • Rinse your hair with cool water to give a shine.

2. Hair drying:

   • Avoid frequent use of a hairdryer, especially in hot mode.
   • When using the hair dryer, keep it at a distance of at least 15 cm from the hair and direct the air flow in the direction of hair growth.
   • Give your hair to dry naturally when it is possible.
   • Use thermal protection products before using a hair dryer, ironing or curling iron.

3. Combing hair:

   • Comb the hair carefully, starting from the tips and gradually rising to the roots.
   • Use a comb with wide teeth to untie the hair.
   • Do not comb wet hair, as it is more vulnerable to damage.
   • Use a comb made of natural materials, for example, wooden.

4. Hair protection:

   • Protect hair from the sun, wind and cold, putting on a headdress or using special products with SPF.
   • Avoid frequent use of tight hairstyles that can stretch the hair and lead to its loss.
   • Protect hair from chlorinated water in the pool, putting on a hat for swimming.

5. Hair food:

   • Balanced diet, rich in protein, iron, zinc, vitamins of group B and omega-3 fatty acids.
   • Sufficient water consumption.
   • Reception of vitamin complexes for hair (on the recommendation of a doctor).

6. Regular haircut:

   • Regularly cut the ends of the hair (every 6-8 weeks) to prevent split ends.

7. Coloring and chemical curls:

   • Minimize coloring and chemical hair curling.
   • Use high -quality dyes and products for chemical curls containing moisturizing components.
   • Trust staining and chemical curls to professionals.
   • After staining and chemical curls, use special products to care for painted or chemically curled hair.

VI. Nail care: tips and recommendations:

1. Moisturization:

   • Regularly moisturize your hands and nails, especially after washing your hands.
   • Use creams and oils for hands and nails containing moisturizing and nutrient components (shi, glycerin, vitamin E).
   • Apply oil for the cuticle daily.

2. Protection:

   • Use gloves when working with detergents, chemicals and water.
   • Wear comfortable shoes that do not squeeze the toes.
   • Avoid nail injuries.

3. Nail haircut:

   • Cut the nails straight, without rounding the corners to prevent the survey of nails.
   • Sprinkle the edges of the nails with a soft file to avoid a chipper.

4. Manicure and pedicure:

   • Making manicure and pedicure regularly, but not too often.
   • Avoid aggressive removal of the cuticle.
   • Use high -quality nail varnishes and varnish removing that do not contain acetone.
   • Give the nails to “rest” from the varnish from time to time.
   • Follow hygiene for manicure and pedicure to avoid infections.

5. Nutrition for nails:

   • Balanced diet, rich in protein, iron, zinc, calcium, vitamins A, C, E and group B.
   • Sufficient water consumption.
   • Reception of vitamin complexes for nails (on the recommendation of a doctor).

6. Avoiding bad habits:

   • Do not bite your nails.
   • Do not use nails as tools.

7. Appeal to a specialist:

   • If any changes appear in the structure or color of the nails, consult a doctor to establish the cause and prescribe the appropriate treatment.

VII. Nutrition for the health of hair and nails:

1. Protein: Hair and nails consist mainly of keratin, protein. Therefore, sufficient protein consumption is necessary for their health and growth.

   • Sources: Meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy products, legumes, nuts, seeds.

2. Iron: Iron is necessary for transporting oxygen to hair follicles and nail cells. Iron deficiency can lead to hair loss and fragility of nails.

   • Sources: Red meat, liver, spinach, lentils, beans, dried fruits.

3. Zinc: Zinc is involved in the synthesis of keratin and collagen necessary for the health of hair and nails. Zinc deficiency can lead to hair loss, fragility of nails and the appearance of white spots on the nails.

   • Sources: Seafood (oysters, crabs, shrimp), meat, poultry, nuts, seeds, legumes.

4. Vitamin A: Vitamin A is necessary for the growth and differentiation of cells, including cells of hair follicles and nail matrix. Vitamin A deficiency can lead to dry hair, fragility of nails and a slowdown in their growth.

   • Sources: Liver, carrots, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, spinach, broccoli.

5. Vitamin C: Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that protects the cells from damage with free radicals. It is also necessary for the synthesis of collagen, which ensures the strength and elasticity of hair and nails.

   • Sources: Citrus fruits, kiwi, strawberries, pepper, broccoli, spinach.

6. Vitamin E: Vitamin E is also an antioxidant that protects the cells from damage with free radicals. It also improves blood circulation, which contributes to the growth of hair and nails.

   • Sources: Nuts, seeds, vegetable oils, avocados, spinach.

7. B vitamins B: B vitamins play an important role in cell metabolism and are necessary for the health of hair and nails.

   • Biotin (Vitamin B7): It is necessary for the synthesis of keratin. Biotin deficiency can lead to hair loss, fragility of nails and skin problems.
   • Sources: Eggs, liver, nuts, seeds, mushrooms, avocados.
   • Vitamin B12: It is necessary for the formation of red blood cells, which deliver oxygen to hair follicles and nail cells. Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to hair loss and fragility of nails.
   • Sources: Meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy products.

8. Omega-3 fatty acids: Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties and improve blood circulation, which contributes to the growth of hair and nails.

   • Sources: Fat fish (salmon, mackerel, sardins), linen seeds, walnuts, chia seeds.

VIII. Home products for hair and nails:

1. Hair masks:

   • Egg mask: Mix 1-2 eggs with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and apply to the hair for 30 minutes. Rinse with warm water. Nourishes and strengthens the hair.
   • Honey mask: Mix 1-2 tablespoons of honey with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and apply to the hair for 30 minutes. Rinse with warm water. Moisturizes and gives shine to the hair.
   • Avocado Mask: Grow half the avocado and mix with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Apply to hair for 30 minutes. Rinse with warm water. Nourishes and restores hair.
   • Coconut oil: Apply coconut oil to the hair at night and wash off in the morning. Moisturizes and strengthens the hair.

2. Hair rinsing:

   • Vinegar rinsing: Mix 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with 1 liter of water and rinse the hair after washing. Gives shine and softens the hair.
   • Chamomile rinsing: Make chamomile boiling water, cool and strain. Rinse the hair after washing. Soothes the scalp and gives shine to blond hair.
   • Nettle rinsing: Brew the nettle with boiling water, cool and strain. Rinse the hair after washing. Strengthens hair and stimulates their growth.

3. Nail baths:

   • Salt bath: Dissolve 1 tablespoon of sea salt in warm water and hold the nails in the bath for 15-20 minutes. Strengthens the nails.
   • Oil bath: Mix olive oil, jojoba oil and vitamin E. Warm up the mixture and hold the nails in the bath for 15-20 minutes. Moisturizes and nourishes nails.
   • Lemon juice: Wipe the nails with lemon juice for bleaching and strengthening.

4. Circulus massage:

   • Regularly massage the cuticle using oil or olive oil oil. Improves blood circulation and stimulates the growth of nails.

IX. When to see a doctor:

You must consult a doctor if the following symptoms are observed:

• Hair loss:
  • Sudden and abundant hair loss.
  • The formation of foci of baldness.
  • Hair loss, accompanied by other symptoms, such as fatigue, weakness, change in weight, skin rashes.
• Problems with nails:
  • Change of color or shape of the nails.
  • Thickening or deformation of nails.
  • Pain, redness or swelling around nails.
  • Stratification or fragility of nails that do not improve with home care.

The doctor will conduct an examination and prescribe the necessary treatment. A consultation of a dermatologist, trichologist or endocrinologist may be required.

X. Modern methods of treating and caring for hair and nails:

1. Laser therapy: It is used to stimulate hair growth with androgenetic alopecia and focal alopecia.

2. Mesotherapy: Injections of vitamins, minerals and amino acids in the scalp to stimulate hair growth and improve their quality.

3. PRP therapy (plasmolifting): Injections of the patient’s own plasma enriched with platelets into the scalp to stimulate hair growth.

4. Hair transplant: The surgical method of hair restoration with androgenetic alopecia and cicatricial alopecia.

5. Nail extension: Artificial increase in the length and thickness of nails using gel, acrylic or other materials.

6. Hardware manicure and pedicure: The use of special devices for processing nails and skin around them, which allows you to more carefully and safely perform the procedure.

7. Orthonicia: Correction of ingrown nails using special brackets and plates.

8. Medicines: For fungal nail infections, local and systemic antifungal drugs are used.

9. Cosmeceutics: The use of cosmetics with medicinal properties containing active ingredients, such as vitamins, antioxidants, peptides and plant extracts.

XI. Prevention of problems with hair and nails:

• Healthy lifestyle: Balanced nutrition, sufficient water consumption, regular physical exercises, stress management and full sleep.
• Proper care: The use of high -quality cosmetics suitable for the type of hair and nails, a respect for hair and nails, regular manicure and pedicures.
• Protection against external factors: Protection of hair and nails from the sun, wind, cold, chemicals and injuries.
• Regular medical examinations: Preventive examinations of a doctor to identify and treat diseases that can affect the condition of hair and nails.

Compliance with these recommendations will help maintain the health and beauty of hair and nails for many years.