Both your hair and nails serve as guides to your general health, Women Fitness says. Hair that is shiny, strong and devoid of split ends, and nails that are equally strong, well-maintained and not showing any spots, peeling or other ailments, usually mean a person takes care of herself. Hair and nails that are in poor repair, weak or damaged often indicate problems.
Nail Problems
Nail problems have a broad range, both MayoClinic.com and Women Fitness state. Problems include yellow nails; a condition called Terry's nails, in which nails are discolored with a dark band at the tip; and Beau's lines, marked by horizontal lines across the nails. Nails also can become pitted, can be bent inward like a spoon, or wrap around the top of your fingers, a condition known as nail clubbing. Nails that separate from the underlying nail bed or are chewed up are other signs of poor health, as are nails that are brittle, thin, spotted or peeling.
Hair Problems
Hair also can become brittle and thin, MayoClinic.com and Women Fitness note. It can become easily breakable, damaged with split ends, dull or even start to fall out. Hair loss can occur as thinning, balding or even handfuls of hair coming out in clumps.
Malnutrition
Malnutrition can be the cause of several nail and hair problems, MayoClinic.com and Women Fitness say. Spooned nails often point to a deficiency of iron or vitamin A, while fragile nails or those with ridges sometimes mean you need more vitamin B. Zinc is often lacking in folks with nails that are thin, peeling, spotted or brittle, with the brittleness also pointing to a lack of iron or biotin. Terry's nails and Beau's lines can indicate malnutrition or health conditions, like diabetes. Deficiencies of iron, protein or general poor nutrition can lead to hair loss.
Other Nail Problem Causes
Nail problems often arise from different causes, MayoClinic.com says, noting some of the most common. Yellow nails can come from swollen hands or smoking, but they also can indicate a respiratory problem. Pitted nails can come from injuries or indicate a skin condition like psoriasis. Clubbed nails can indicate insufficient oxygen levels in the blood or other diseases affecting the heart or liver. Nails that separate from the nail bed can stem from infection, injury, abuse of fake nails or other health conditions. Chewed nails point to anxiety or other mental health issues, Women Health adds.
Other Hair Problem Causs
Hair problems can point to other health issues or hair abuse, MayoClinic.com and Women Fitness say. Hair loss can come from changes in hormones, a side effect of some medications, scalp infections or even a disease like lupus or diabetes. Hair that is dry, brittle, dull and damaged often results from outside factors like constant sun, chlorine, salt water, air pollution, heated treatments or chemicals from hair dye or permanents. Constantly wearing your hair in tight bands or hairstyles, like cornrows, can cause balding. Hair pulling, like nail biting, can point to mental health issues.
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