Hair and nails are both part of skin. Hair grows inside a bulbous sac under the scalp, where cells multiply and create keratin, which gives the hair its strength. The hair that is visible from the scalp is actually dead cells and keratin that grows from the hair follicle. For most people, hair grows an estimated 1/4 of an inch per month, according to KidsHealth. Similar to the hair, the nails grow through keratinization, a process by which cells accumulate and then push out from the nail plate. Several items affect both nail and hair growth, including diet and even the season of the year.
Step 1
Increase the amount of protein in your diet by eating lean protein sources, such as fish, nuts, eggs, chicken, low-fat yogurt, peanut butter, soy and tofu. Because protein is the building block of both hair and nails, consuming enough protein ensures your body has one of the proper nutrients it needs to grow healthy nails and hair.
Step 2
Stimulate hair growth by massaging the scalp with your fingertips. This motion helps to boost your circulation, which means more blood flow the hair follicles, encouraging hair growth. The same is true for the nails--although instead of massaging them, you can simply exercise your hands through typing or participating in another activity that involves extended use of the hands.
Step 3
Take a daily multivitamin. In addition to needing nutrients such as protein, your body also needs B and other vitamins to enhance growth. For this reason, taking a daily multivitamin can enhance growth both for your nails and hair.
Step 4
Get seven to nine hours of sleep each night. The amount of sleep you regularly get is helpful to extending your hair and nail growth cycle because adequate sleep promotes cell growth.
Step 5
Reduce the amount of stress in your life through engaging in stress-relieving activities, such as meditation, deep breathing, journaling, exercising or any other activity that helps you feel better. Stress can inhibit cell reproduction and in some severe instances can slow hair or nail growth, and hair can even fall out as a result. By eliminating stressful activities, you can ensure your hair and nails grow to their full potential.
Things You'll Need
- Daily multivitamin
Member Comments