Hair and nails are both made of proteins called keratins. These amino acid chains that are held together by peptide bonds are considered hard keratins making hair and nails resistant to water and enzymes that would dissolve soft keratin found in skin. The factors that affect the health of nails and hair and the requirements for proper care are similar.
Weather
Hair and nails grow faster in warmer climates and the summertime. Although hair will look longer because humidity stretches hair, warm weather increases oil production, fostering healthy growth of both the nails and hair.
Massage
Massage is beneficial for nail and hair growth. A five minute daily scalp massage stimulates hair follicles by increasing blood flow and circulation to help hair grow. Using your fingertips to massage each individual nail for five minutes daily stimulates nail growth, too.
Nutrition
Nutrition is key in proper nail and hair growth. Excessive junk foods, caffeine, alcohol and nicotine can cause dry, brittle hair and nails that are slow to grow. A multivitamin taken every day will ensure proper nutrition in addition to a healthy diet. Nails and hair especially need B vitamins and iron, which are found in adequate amounts in a multivitamin supplement.
Olive Oil
Nails and hair need to stay clean and hydrated for proper growth. Olive oil is naturally clarifying as well as moisturizing and is a beneficial option for treating scalp and cuticle problems. As a scalp treatment, olive oil can be applied to the scalp before bed and covered with a shower cap to heal damaged hair follicles and prevent dandruff. It is simply washed off hair the next morning during your normal shampoo routine. Olive oil can also be massaged into the cuticles to prevent infection and tearing.
Proper Care
Proper hair and nail care are critical for growth. Neither hair nor nails should be exposed to extreme heat as this can weaken them and cause breakage. When brushing tangled hair, never start at the root. Start to brush hair at the ends and work up the hair shaft in sections until hair is tangle-free. When filing nails, never file the corners. This makes nails weak and prone to chips.
References
- Tress Distress: Natural Remedies for Thinning Hair
- Health.MSN: Skin, Hair, and Nails
- Prevention's Healing With Vitamins: The Most Effective Vitamin and Mineral Treatments for Everyday Health Problems and Serious Disease: 1996
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