hair and nails in women

Section 1: Anatomy and physiology of hair and nails

1.1. Hair: Structure and growth

Hair is a filamentary subordinate skin, consisting mainly of keratin, durable fibrillar protein. The structure of the hair includes three main layers: cuticle, cortex and medulla.

• Cuticle: The most outer layer consisting of the overlapping scales of keratin, resembling a tile on the roof. The cuticle protects the inner layers of the hair from damage, gives shine and determines porosity. A healthy cuticle is smooth and tightly adjacent to the cortex. Damage to the cuticle caused by chemical treatments, thermal effects or mechanical friction leads to moisture, brittleness and split ends.

• Cortex: The thickest layer that makes up the bulk of the hair. The cortex contains melanin, a pigment that determines the color of the hair. There are also keratin fibers in the cortex, which give hair strength, elasticity and texture. Chemical processes, such as staining and curling, affect the cortex, changing its structure.

• Medulla: The central layer of hair, which is not in all hair, especially in thin hair. The function of the medulla is not completely studied, but it is assumed that it contributes to the isolation and flexibility of the hair.

Hair growth occurs cyclically and consists of three phases:

• Anaagen: Active growth phase, lasting from 2 to 7 years. In this phase, the cells of the hair follicles are actively divided, forming a new hair. The duration of the anagen determines the maximum length of the hair.

• Catagen: The phase of the transition period, lasting about 2-3 weeks. In this phase, hair growth slows down, the hair onion is separated from the papilla and moves closer to the surface of the skin.

• Telogen: The resting phase lasting about 3 months. In this phase of the hair, it stops growing and remains in a hair follicle until it pushes new hair in the anagen phase.

Normally, about 90% of the hair are in the anagen phase, 1% in the catagen phase and 9% in the heterogene phase. Violations in hair growth cycles can lead to hair loss.

1.2. Nails: composition, structure and growth

Nails are hard, protective plates located at the tips of the fingers and legs. Nails consist of keratin, the same protein that makes hair. The structure of the nail includes several components:

• Nail plate: The visible part of the nail consisting of tightly packed keratin cells. The nail plate is smooth and transparent, and its color is determined by the color of the nail bed under it.

• Nail bed: The skin under the nail plate containing blood vessels and nerve endings. The nail bed provides power and support for the nail plate.

• Matrix: The area at the base of the nail, hidden under the cuticle. The matrix is ​​responsible for the growth of the nail. Matrix cells are divided and differentiated into keratin cells that form a nail plate.

• Cuticle: A thin strip of skin surrounding the nail plate at the base. The cuticle protects the matrix from infections and damage.

• Lunked: The white semi -moon region at the base of the nail, which is a visible part of the matrix.

• Nail rollers: The skin surrounding the nail plate on the sides and at the base.

Nail growth occurs continuously, but slowly. The nails in the hands grow faster than the nails 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 growth rate of nails depends on various factors, such as age, nutrition, health status and season.

1.3. Factors affecting the health of hair and nails

Many factors affect the health of hair and nails, including:

• Genetics: A genetic predisposition plays an important role in determining the type of hair, hair color, hair growth rate and nails, as well as a tendency to certain problems, such as hair loss or fragility of nails.

• Nutrition: A balanced diet, rich in vitamins, minerals and proteins, is necessary for the health of hair and nails. The lack of certain nutrients, such as iron, zinc, biotin and vitamins of group B, can lead to hair loss, fragility of nails and other problems.

• Hormonal background: Hormonal changes associated with pregnancy, birth, menopause or thyroid diseases can have a significant effect on hair and nails.

• Age: With age, hair and nail growth slows down, the hair becomes thinner and gray, and the nails become more brittle and dry.

• Stress: Chronic stress can negatively affect the health of hair and nails, causing hair loss, fragility of nails and slowing down their growth.

• Hair and nail care: Incorrect hair and nail care, such as frequent use of thermal tools, chemical processing, aggressive detergents and lack of moisturizing, can lead to damage to hair and nails.

• Diseases: Some diseases, such as anemia, thyroid diseases, autoimmune diseases and fungal infections, can affect the health of hair and nails.

• Medicines: Some drugs, such as chemotherapeutic drugs, anticoagulants and antidepressants, can cause hair loss or other problems with hair and nails.

Section 2: common hair problems in women

2.1. Hair loss (alopecia)

Hair loss, or alopecia, is a common problem in women. There are various types of alopecia, each of which has its own causes and symptoms.

• Andogenetic alopecia: The most common type of hair loss in women, also known as female alopecia on the male type. Androgenetic alopecia is due to the genetic predisposition and exposure to androgens (male sex hormones) on the hair follicles. It is characterized by the gradual thinning of the hair in the crown and forehead, while preserving the hair growth line.

• Telegnum alopecia: Temporary hair loss resulting from stress, pregnancy, childbirth, diseases, taking drugs or diets. It is characterized by an increase in the amount of hair that falls out in the queen phase (resting phase).

• Focal alopecia: Autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the hair follicles, causing focal hair loss. It is characterized by the appearance of round or oval sections of baldness on the head or other parts of the body.

• Rickeeper alopecia: Hair loss caused by damage to the hair follicles and the formation of cicatricial fabric. It can be caused by injuries, burns, infections or autoimmune diseases.

• Traction alopecia: Hair loss caused by constant hair tension, for example, when wearing tight hairstyles, such as braids, tails or African pigtails.

2.2. Serving tips (trichoptilosis)

Serving tips is a common problem that occurs as a result of damage to the hair cuticle. The damaged cuticle cannot protect the inner layers of the hair, which leads to the breakdown of the ends.

Causes of split ends:

• Thermal exposure (hair dryers, ironing, curling iron)
• Chemical processing (staining, curling, straightening)
• Mechanical friction (combing, rough wiping with a towel)
• Insufficient moisture
• Exposure to sunlight and wind

2.3. Dry hair

Dry and brittle hair is the result of a lack of moisture and lipids in the hair. Dryness and brittle hair can be caused by various factors, such as:

• Insufficient moisture
• Frequent washing of the head with aggressive shampoos
• Thermal exposure
• Chemical treatments
• Exposure to sunlight and wind
• Unstable nutrition
• Thyroid diseases

2.4. Dandruff (seborrheic dermatitis)

Dandruff is a common condition characterized by peeling of the scalp. Dandruff can be caused by various factors, such as:

• Fungal infection (Malassezia Globosa)
• Dry scalp
• Seborrheic dermatitis
• Hair irritation
• Stress

2.5. Bold hair

Bold hair is the result of excessive production of sebum with the sebaceous glands of the scalp. Bold hair can be caused by various factors, such as:

• Genetic predisposition
• Hormonal changes
• Improper nutrition
• Stress
• Improper hair care

2.6. Damaged hair

Damaged hair is hair, the structure of which was disturbed as a result of exposure to various factors, such as:

• Thermal exposure
• Chemical treatments
• Mechanical friction
• Exposure to sunlight and wind
• Improper hair care

Section 3: common problems with nails in women

3.1. Fragility of nails (onhoshisis)

The fragility of nails is a common problem characterized by the fact that the nails are easily broken, split or lay down. The fragility of nails can be caused by various factors, such as:

• Moisture lack
• Frequent hand washing
• Exposure to aggressive chemicals (detergents, solvents)
• Inal meals (disadvantage of biotin, iron, zinc)
• Thyroid diseases
• Age

3.2. Nail fungal infection (onychomycosis)

Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of nails, which leads to a change in color, shape and thickness of the nail plate. The fungal infection of the nails can be caused by various types of mushrooms, and often occurs on the nails of the legs.

3.3. Increased nail (onychocryptosis)

An ingrown nail is a condition in which the edge of the nail grows into the skin of a nail roller. The ingrown nail can be caused by various factors, such as:

• Incorrect nail haircut
• Close shoes
• Nail injury
• Genetic predisposition

3.4. Transverse furrows (line BO)

The transverse grooves on the nails, also known as the Bo lines, are horizontal recesses that go across the nail plate. Bo lines can be caused by various factors, such as:

• Disease
• Nail injury
• Chemotherapy
• Stress

3.5. White spots on the nails (leikonichia)

White spots on the nails, or leukonichia, is a common condition characterized by the appearance of white dots or strips on the nail plate. It was previously believed that leakonichia is associated with a deficiency of calcium or zinc, but most often it is caused by injury to the nail.

3.6. Changing the color of the nails

Changing the color of the nails can be caused by various factors, such as:

• Fungal infection
• Nail injury
• Taking drugs
• Diseases (for example, psoriasis, jaundice)
• Using nail polish (especially dark shades)

Section 4: Diagnosis of problems with hair and nails

4.1. Anamnesis collection and physical examination

Diagnosis of problems with hair and nails begins with the collection of an anamnesis and physical examination. The doctor asks questions about the symptoms, duration of the problem, factors that can aggravate or relieve symptoms, as well as a medical history, the drugs taken and the lifestyle of the patient.

During a physical examination, the doctor examines the hair, scalp, nails and skin around the nails to detect signs of the disease or damage.

4.2. Trichoscopy

Trichoscopy is a non -invasive method for studying the hair and scalp using a special microscope called a trichoscope. Trichoscopy allows the doctor to evaluate the structure of the hair, the condition of the cuticle, the presence of dandruff, as well as the condition of the hair follicles and blood vessels of the scalp.

4.3. Phototrichogramma

A phototrichogram is a method of hair research that allows you to evaluate hair density, hair growth rate and hair ratio in various growth phases. To conduct a phototrichogram, the doctor takes photos of a small area of ​​the scalp, shaving a small area. After a few days, the doctor repeats the photos and analyzes changes in hair growth.

4.4. Biopsy of the scalp

A biopsy of the scalp is an invasive research method in which the doctor takes a small sample of the scalp for microscopic examination. A biopsy of the scalp can be necessary for the diagnosis of certain diseases, such as focal alopecia, cicatricial alopecia or lichen.

4.5. Microscopic examination of nails

A microscopic examination of nails is a research method in which the doctor takes a sample of the nail for microscopic examination. A microscopic examination of nails may be necessary to diagnose a fungal infection of nails or other nail diseases.

4.6. Blood tests

Blood tests can be necessary to exclude or confirm diseases that can affect the health of hair and nails, such as anemia, thyroid diseases, autoimmune diseases or deficiency of vitamins and minerals.

Section 5: Hair treatment and care

5.1. Treatment of hair loss

Treatment of hair loss depends on the cause of hair loss.

• Andogenetic alopecia: Treatment includes the use of minoxidil (externally) and finsteride (inside) to stimulate hair growth and slow down the hair loss. Laser therapy and hair transplant can also be used.

• Telegnum alopecia: Treatment is aimed at eliminating the cause of hair loss, such as stress, disease, or nutrient deficiency. In most cases, the heaponal alopecia takes place independently after eliminating the cause.

• Focal alopecia: Treatment includes the use of corticosteroids (local or systematically) to suppress the immune system and stimulate hair growth. Minoxidyl, laser therapy and immunotherapy can also be used.

• Rickeeper alopecia: Treatment is aimed at preventing further damage to the hair follicles. In some cases, hair transplant can be carried out.

• Traction alopecia: Treatment includes the cessation of wearing tight hairstyles and the use of hair strengthening products. In some cases, surgical intervention may be required.

5.2. Dry and brittle hair care

• Use moisturizing shampoos and air conditioners.
• Limit the frequency of washing your head.
• Use heat protection products before using a hair dryer, ironing or curling iron.
• Make moisturizing hair masks regularly.
• Avoid chemical treatments.
• Eat in a balanced and use enough water.

5.3. Bold hair care

• Use oily hair shampoos.
• Do not apply air conditioning to the scalp.
• Limit the use of hair styling products.
• Wash the combs and makeup brushes regularly.
• Eat in a balanced and avoid eating fatty and fried food.

5.4. Care for damaged hair

• Use restorative shampoos and air conditioners.
• Make masks to restore hair.
• Limit the use of thermal tools.
• Avoid chemical treatments.
• Cut the split ends.

5.5. Professional hair procedures

There are various professional procedures that can help improve the condition of the hair, such as:

• Keratin straightening
• Hair lamination
• Botox for hair
• Mesotherapy for hair
• Plasmolyphing for hair

Section 6: Treatment and nail care

6.1. Treatment of fragility of nails

• Moisturize your nails and cuticle regularly.
• Use protective gloves when doing housework.
• Avoid frequent contact with water and aggressive chemicals.
• Eat in a balanced and use foods rich in biotin, iron and zinc.
• Take additives with biotin, if necessary.
• Avoid the use of acetone to remove varnish.

6.2. Treatment of fungal nail infection

Treatment of fungal nail infection can be long and include the use of antifungal drugs (locally or inside). In some cases, surgical removal of the affected nail may be required.

6.3. Treatment of an ingrown nail

Treatment of an ingrown nail depends on the severity of the condition. In mild cases, you can try to raise the ingrown edge of the nail and put a cotton swab under it. In more severe cases, surgical intervention may be required.

6.4. Nail care

• Cut your nails regularly.
• Give the nails the shape with a file.
• Do not cut the cuticle.
• Use a moisturizer for hands and nails.
• Avoid using aggressive varnish remedies.
• Let the nails take a break from the varnish from time to time.

6.5. Professional Nail procedures

There are various professional procedures that can help improve the condition of the nails, such as:

• Manicure
• Pedicure
• Nail extension
• Strengthening nails with gel or acrylic

Section 7: Prevention of problems with hair and nails

7.1. Proper nutrition

A balanced diet, rich in vitamins, minerals and proteins, is necessary for the health of hair and nails. Make sure that in your diet there is enough iron, zinc, biotin, vitamins of group B and other important nutrients.

7.2. Moisturization

Sufficient hydration is necessary for the health of hair and nails. Drink enough water and use moisturizers for hair and nails.

7.3. Sun protection

The effects of sunlight can damage hair and nails. Use sunscreen for hair and hands to protect them from the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays.

7.4. Restriction of thermal exposure

Frequent use of a hairdryer, ironing or curling iron can damage hair. Limit the use of these tools and use thermal protection products before using them.

7.5. Avoiding chemical treatments

Chemical treatments, such as staining, curling and straightening, can damage hair and nails. Avoid the frequent conduct of these procedures and choose milder means.

7.6. Proper hair care and nails

Proper care of hair and nails includes the use of quality products, regular wash of the head (if necessary), the correct haircut of nails and regular moisture.

7.7. Stress management

Chronic stress can negatively affect the health of hair and nails. Find the ways to control stress, such as yoga, meditation or walking in the fresh air.

7.8. Regular medical examinations

Regular medical examinations can help identify diseases that can affect the health of hair and nails.

Section 8: Modern technologies and innovation in hair and nail care

8.1. Personalized hair and nails

Modern technologies allow you to create personalized hair and nails, taking into account the individual characteristics of each person, such as the type of hair, the condition of the scalp, the type of nail and preferences in aroma and texture.

8.2. Smart hair care devices

There are smart hair care devices that allow you to track the condition of the hair, analyze their structure and recommend optimal care.

8.3. 3D-toy nails

3D printing technology allows you to create unique nail designs using various materials and colors.

8.4. Artificial intelligence in the diagnosis of problems with hair and nails

Artificial intelligence is used to analyze hair and nail photographs to identify signs of diseases and recommend optimal treatment.

8.5. Gene therapy for the treatment of hair loss

Currently, studies are being conducted on the use of genetic therapy for the treatment of hair loss aimed at restoring the function of hair follicles.

Section 9: Myths and errors about hair and nails

9.1. Frequent haircut accelerates hair growth

This is a myth. A haircut does not affect the speed of hair growth, since hair growth occurs in hair follicles located under the skin. A haircut helps to get rid of split ends, which makes the hair more healthy and beautiful.

9.2. Stress causes hair sowing

Stress can accelerate the process of hair graying, but is not its only reason. Hair is mainly due to the genetic predisposition and a decrease in the production of melanin with age.

9.3. Nails should breathe

Nails do not breathe. They get food from blood vessels of the nail bed. However, it is important to give the nails to relax from the varnish from time to time to avoid dehydration and damage to the nail plate.

9.4. White spots on nails mean calcium deficiency

Most often, white spots on the nails are caused by nail injury, and not a deficiency of calcium.

9.5. Nail polish strengthens the nails

Nail polish can protect nails from external damage, but does not strengthen them. Some varnishes containing strengthening components can temporarily improve the condition of the nails.

Section 10: Conclusion

The health of hair and nails is an important aspect of the general well -being of a woman. Maintaining the health of hair and nails requires an integrated approach, including proper nutrition, hair and nail care, stress management and regular medical examinations. Modern technologies and innovations offer a wide range of opportunities to improve the condition of hair and nails.