hair and nails

Hair and nails: a mirror of health and beauty

I. Anatomy and physiology of hair

1.1. Hair structure:

Hair is a ceratinized thread protruding above the surface of the skin. It consists of three main layers:

• Cuticle: The most outer layer formed by the overlapping scales of keratin cells, like a tile on the roof. The cuticle is responsible for protecting the cortex and gives the hair shine. Her condition directly affects the appearance and health of the hair. The damaged cuticle makes the hair dim, brittle and subject to damage.
• Cortex: The thickest layer that makes up the bulk of the hair. The cortex consists of long, spindle -shaped keratin cells oriented parallel to the hair axis. In the cortex there is a melanin pigment that determines the color of the hair. Cortex is also responsible for the strength, elasticity and shape of the hair.
• Medulla (core): The most inner layer, which is not in all hair, especially in thin and bright hair. Medulla consists of loose, air -containing cells. Its function has not been fully studied, but it is assumed that it can play a role in thermoregulation and giving the hair additional stiffness.

1.2. The structure of the hair follicle:

Hair follicle is a bag -shaped recess in the skin in which the hair is formed. It consists of:

• Dermal papilla: A structure located at the base of the follicle containing blood vessels and nerves. The dermal papilla provides for the nutrition and regulation of hair growth.
• Hair onion: The expanded lower part of the follicle surrounding the dermal papilla. In the bulb there is an active division of cells that form the hair.
• Internal root vagina: A layer of cells surrounding the growing hair inside the follicle.
• External root vagina: The continuation of the epidermis surrounding the inner root vagina.
• Sebaceous gland: Located next to the follicle and emits the skin lard (sebum), which lubricates the hair and scalp, protecting them from drying out.
• Muscles raising hair: A small muscle attached to the follicle. Its reduction leads to hair raising (goose skin).

1.3. Hair growth cycle:

Hair growth occurs cyclically and consists of three main phases:

• Anagen (growth phase): The longest phase lasts from 2 to 7 years. In this phase there is an active division of cells in the hair onion and hair growth. The duration of the anagen determines the maximum length to which the hair can grow.
• Katagen (recression phase): A short transition phase lasting about 2-3 weeks. In this phase, hair growth stops, the hair follicle is reduced, and the hair is disconnected from the dermal papilla.
• Telogen (Phase Salm): The resting phase lasts about 3 months. In this phase of the hair remains in the follicle, but no longer grows. At the end of the heterogene, the hair falls out, and in its place the new hair in the anagen phase begins to grow.

Normally, about 85-90% of the hair is in the anagen phase, 1-2% is in the catagen phase and 10-15% in the heterogene phase. Little hair is considered normal.

1.4. Hair types:

The type of hair is determined by the amount of skin fat, which is secreted by the sebaceous glands of the scalp. The following types of hair are distinguished:

• Normal hair: Moderately brilliant, easily combed, do not split, not fatty and not dry.
• Bold hair: They quickly become fat, look dull and sticky, require frequent washing.
• Dry hair: Dull, brittle, split, difficult to comb, are often subject to static electricity.
• Combined hair: Fat at the roots and dry at the ends.

1.5. Factors affecting the growth and health of hair:

The growth and health of the hair is influenced by various factors, both internal and external:

• Genetics: The genetic predisposition determines the type of hair, growth rate, color and tendency to loss.
• Age: With age, hair growth slows down, hair is thin and can turn gray.
• Hormones: Hormonal balance plays an important role in the regulation of hair growth. Hormonal changes associated with pregnancy, birth, menopause or thyroid diseases can affect the condition of the hair.
• Nutrition: The disadvantage of vitamins and minerals, such as iron, zinc, biotin, vitamins of group B, can lead to hair loss and deterioration of their condition.
• Stress: Chronic stress can negatively affect hair growth and cause their loss.
• Diseases: Some diseases, such as anemia, thyroid diseases, autoimmune diseases, can lead to hair loss.
• Medicines: Some drugs, such as anticoagulants, antidepressants, chemotherapeutic drugs, can cause hair loss.
• Hair care: Incorrect hair care, such as frequent washing, using aggressive shampoos and styling products, thermal effects (hair dryers, ironing), dyeing and chemical curls, can damage the hair and lead to their fragility and loss.
• Environment: Environmental pollution, exposure to ultraviolet rays, chlorinated water can negatively affect the condition of the hair.

II. Anatomy and physiology of nails

2.1. The structure of the nail:

The nail plate is a solid keratinized structure that protects the tips of the fingers and legs. It consists of:

• Nail plate: The visible part of the nail formed by layers of tightly packed keratin cells. The nail plate does not contain nerves and blood vessels.
• Nail bed: The skin under the nail plate containing blood vessels and nerves, providing nutrition and sensitivity of the nail.
• Nail matrix: The area under the proximal (closest to the body) part of the nail plate, where the cells forming the nail occurs. Matrix is ​​the most important component of the nail, since it determines the growth rate and shape of the nail plate.
• Lunohs (heard): The whitish semi -moon region at the base of the nail, which is part of the matrix.
• Nail rollers: The skin folds surrounding the nail plate from the sides and at the base.
• Eponichia (cuticle): A thin strip of skin overlapping the nail plate at the base. The cuticle protects the matrix from infections.
• Hyponichia: The skin under the free edge of the nail plate.

2.2. Nail growth:

Nails grow continuously from the matrix. The growth rate of nails varies depending on age, gender, nutrition and other factors. On average, the nails on the hands grow approximately 3 mm per month, and the nails on the legs grow slower – about 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.

2.3. Nail functions:

Nails perform several important functions:

• Protection: Protect the fingertips from damage and injuries.
• Sensitivity: Improve the tactile sensitivity of the fingertips.
• Manipulation: Facilitate the implementation of small manipulations with objects.
• Aesthetics: They play an important role in the aesthetic perception of appearance.

2.4. Factors affecting the growth and health of the nails:

The growth and health of the nails are influenced by various factors:

• Genetics: The genetic predisposition determines the shape, thickness and speed of nail growth.
• Age: With age, the growth of nails slows down, the nails become thinner and fragile.
• Nutrition: The lack of vitamins and minerals, such as biotin, iron, zinc, vitamins of group B, can lead to fragility and stratification of nails.
• Injuries: Injuries of the nail plate or matrix can lead to deformation of the nail or violation of its growth.
• Infections: Fungal or bacterial infections can affect the nail plate and cause its color change, thickening or detachment.
• Diseases: Some diseases, such as psoriasis, eczema, thyroid disease, can affect the condition of the nails.
• Medicines: Some drugs, such as chemotherapeutic drugs, can cause color change, fragility or nail exfoliation.
• The effect of chemicals: The frequent exposure to water, detergents, solvents can dry the nails and make them more brittle.
• Nail care: Incorrect nail care, such as cutting cuticle, using aggressive varnish remedies, can damage the nails and lead to their fragility and infections.

III. Common problems with hair and nails and ways to solve them

3.1. Hair problems:

• Hair loss (alopecia): It can be caused by various factors, such as genetic predisposition (androgenic alopecia), stress, hormonal changes, a deficiency of nutrients, thyroid diseases, autoimmune diseases.
  • Decision: Diagnosis of the cause of hair loss and appropriate treatment. It includes the use of local drugs (minoxidil), system drugs (finsteride), correction of nutrient deficiency, treatment of underlying disease, and a decrease in stress. In some cases, hair transplant may be required.
• Dandruff (seborrheic dermatitis): Peeling of the scalp, accompanied by itching.
  • Decision: The use of special shampoos against dandruff containing ketoconazole, zinc pyrithion, salicylic acid, tar. In severe cases, a dermatologist consultation and the use of corticosteroid lotions may be required.
• Brighten hair: It can be caused by dryness, damage to the cuticle, thermal effect, chemical treatment.
  • Decision: The use of moisturizing and nutrient shampoos and air conditioners, hair masks, restriction of hair dryer, ironing and curling iron, sun protection, dyeing and chemical curling only if necessary.
• Serving tips: Spreading the ends of the hair.
  • Decision: Regular haircut of the ends of the hair, the use of ends to care for the ends containing oils and silicones, restriction of the use of a hairdryer, ironing and curling iron.
• Bold hair: Excessive secretion of sebum.
  • Decision: Using shampoos for oily hair, frequent hair washing (if necessary), avoiding the use of air conditioners and masks on hair roots, and the use of dry shampoos.
• Dry hair: Insufficient hydration of hair.
  • Decision: The use of moisturizing shampoos and air conditioners, hair masks containing oils and moisturizing components, restriction of hair washing, the use of indelible hair moisturizing.
• Gray hair: Pigment loss with hair.
  • Decision: Hair dyeing, using gray hair care products that help maintain their shine and softness.

3.2. Problems with nails:

• Browneness of nails (onhoshisis): Nails easily break and lay.
  • Decision: Moisturizing nails and cuticles, the use of strengthening varnishes containing calcium and vitamins, wearing gloves in contact with water and chemicals, the use of foods rich in biotin and other vitamins and minerals.
• Nail stratification (onycholysis): Separation of the nail plate from the nail bed.
  • Decision: Treatment of the main cause of nail stratification (for example, fungal infection or injury), circumcision of the exfoliated part of the nail, and avoiding injury to nails.
• Nail fungal infection (onychomycosis): Infection caused by fungi, leading to a change in color, thickening and deformation of the nail plate.
  • Decision: The use of local antifungal drugs (varnishes, creams) or systemic effects (tablets), depending on the severity of the infection. Treatment can be long and occupy for several months.
• Involved nail (onychocryptosis): The edge of the nail of the nail plate in the soft tissues of the finger.
  • Decision: Wearing comfortable shoes, proper cutting of nails (directly, without rounding of the corners), the use of special devices to lift the edge of the nail, in severe cases, surgical intervention may be required.
• Changing the color of the nails: It can be caused by a fungal infection, injury, drugs, liver or kidney diseases.
  • Decision: Diagnosis of the cause of the nail color and appropriate treatment.
• Sores on the nails (line BO): Horizontal recesses on the nail plate, indicating a temporary cessation of nail growth.
  • Decision: Elimination of the cause that caused the appearance of the grooves (for example, stress, disease or injury).
• White spots on the nails (leikonichia): Small white spots on the nail plate, often associated with injury or zinc deficiency.
  • Decision: Usually they do not require treatment and disappear as the nail grows. In case of zinc deficiency, it is recommended to take zinc additives.

IV. Hair and nail care: basic principles

4.1. Hair care:

• Washing hair: Wash your hair as necessary, using a shampoo corresponding to the type of hair. It is not recommended to wash your hair too often, as this can lead to overdrying the scalp and hair.
• Conditioning: Use air conditioning after each hair washing to moisturize and smooth the hair.
• Hair masks: Use hair masks 1-2 times a week to feed and restore hair.
• Combing: Comb the hair carefully, starting from the tips and gradually rising to the roots. Use a comb with wide teeth or a brush with natural bristles.
• Thermal protection: Use thermal protection products before using a hair dryer, ironing or curling iron.
• Sun protection: Protect hair from the sun using a hat, a scarf or hair with SPF.
• Proper nutrition: Eat products rich in protein, vitamins and minerals necessary for hair health.
• Avoiding stress: Try to avoid stressful situations.
• Regular haircut: Cut the ends of the hair regularly to prevent the appearance of split ends.

4.2. Nail care:

• Moisturization: Moisten your nails and cuticle daily using special creams or oils.
• Protection: Wear gloves in contact with water and chemicals.
• Correct circumcision: Cut the nails straight, without rounding the corners to prevent the nail.
• Strengthening: Use strengthening varnishes containing calcium and vitamins.
• Avoiding injuries: Avoid nail injury.
• Proper nutrition: Eat products rich in biotin and other vitamins and minerals necessary for the health of nails.
• Regular manicure and pedicure: Regularly do manicure and pedicure to maintain the health and beauty of nails. Contact qualified specialists using sterile tools.
• Removing varnish: Use varnish remedies that do not contain acetone, since acetone dries the nails.
• Rest from varnish: Give nails rest from varnish so that they can breathe and recover.

V. Enlarm for the health of hair and nails

Healthy nutrition plays an important role in maintaining the health of hair and nails. It is necessary to consume a sufficient amount of proteins, vitamins and minerals necessary for the growth and renewal of cells.

5.1. Squirrels:

Proteins are the building material for hair and nails, which consist mainly of keratin, protein. It is necessary to consume a sufficient amount of protein from various sources, such as meat, fish, eggs, legumes, nuts and seeds.

5.2. Vitamins:

• Biotin (Vitamin B7): It is necessary for the growth and strengthening of hair and nails. Contained in eggs, dairy products, nuts, seeds, liver.
• Vitamin A: It is necessary for the growth and differentiation of cells, including hair and nail cells. Contained in carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, pumpkin.
• Vitamin C: It is necessary for the synthesis of collagen, which strengthens hair and nails. Contained in citrus fruits, berries, kiwi, broccoli.
• Vitamin D: He plays a role in the regulation of hair and nail growth. It is synthesized in the skin under the influence of sunlight. Also contained in fatty fish, eggs, dairy products.
• Vitamin E: Antioxidant, protects the cells from damage by free radicals. Contained in nuts, seeds, vegetable oils, spinach.
• B vitamins B: It is necessary for the normal growth and functioning of cells, including hair and nail cells. Contained in whole grain products, meat, fish, eggs, dairy products, legumes.

5.3. Minerals:

• Iron: It is necessary to transport oxygen to cells, including hair and nail cells. Iron deficiency can lead to hair loss and fragility of nails. Contained in red meat, liver, legumes, spinach.
• Zinc: It is necessary for the growth and division of cells, as well as for the synthesis of protein. Zinc deficiency can lead to hair loss, fragility of nails and the appearance of white spots on the nails. Contained in meat, seafood, nuts, seeds, whole grains.
• Selenium: Antioxidant, protects the cells from damage by free radicals. Contained in Brazilian nuts, seafood, meat, eggs.
• Silicon: Strengthens hair and nails. Contained in oats, barley, rice, cucumbers, pepper.

5.4. Other beneficial substances:

• Omega-3 fatty acids: Improve blood circulation in the scalp and contribute to hair growth. Contained in fatty fish (salmon, tuna, sardines), linen seed, walnuts.
• Antioxidants: Protect cells from damage by free radicals. Contained in fruits, vegetables, berries, green tea.
• Water: It is necessary to maintain the hydration of the body and the health of hair and nails. It is necessary to drink enough water during the day.

VI. Cosmetic procedures to improve the condition of hair and nails

There are many cosmetic procedures aimed at improving the condition of hair and nails. It is important to choose procedures corresponding to the type of hair and nails, and contact qualified specialists.

6.1. Hair procedures:

• Hair lamination: Hair coating with a special composition creating a protective film that gives the hair shine and smoothness.
• Keratin hair straightening: Hair straightening with keratin composition, making hair smooth and shiny.
• Botox for hair: Restoring damaged hair using a special composition containing amino acids and other beneficial substances.
• Mesotherapy for hair: The introduction of nutrients in the scalp that stimulates hair growth and improve their condition.
• Plasmolifting for hair: The introduction of blood plasma in the scalp, enriched with platelets, stimulating hair growth and improve their condition.
• Hat haircut with hot scissors: A haircut at which the ends of the hair are sealed, preventing the appearance of split ends.
• Hair dyeing: Changing hair color with hair dyes. It is important to choose paints that do not contain ammonia and other aggressive substances.
• Hair tinting: Giving the hair shade with tinting means.
• Chemical curl of hair: Changing the structure of the hair using a chemical composition creating curls or waves.

6.2. Nail procedures:

• Manicure and pedicure: Failure care, which includes a form, removal of the cuticle, polishing the nail plate and applying varnish.
• Nail extension: Lengthening the nail plate with a gel, acrylic or other materials.
• Strengthening nails with gel or acrylic: Coating the nail plate with gel or acrylic to strengthen and protect against damage.
• Paraffin therapy for hands and legs: Moisturization and nutrition of the skin of the arms and legs using paraffin.
• SPA procedures for arms and legs: Complex skin and legs care, including peeling, massage, masks and other procedures.
• Treatment of fungal diseases of the nails: The use of antifungal drugs of local and systemic action.

VII. Folk remedies for hair care and nails

Along with cosmetic procedures, there are folk remedies that can help improve the condition of hair and nails.

7.1. Folk hair products:

• Hair masks based on oils (burdock, castor, olive, coconut): They nourish and moisturize their hair, give it shine and softness.
• Egg yolk -based hair masks: Strengthen the hair and prevent its loss.
• Honey -based hair masks: Moisturize their hair and give it shine.
• Hair masks on the basis of herbs (chamomile, drop, burdock): Strengthen the hair, stimulate their growth and prevent loss.
• Rinsing hair with a decoction of herbs (chamomile, nettle, burdock): Gives the hair shine and strengthens them.
• Rinsing hair with vinegar or lemon juice: Gives the hair shine and removes the remaining shampoo.
• Scalp massage: Stimulates blood circulation and improves hair growth.

7.2. Folk remedies for nails:

• Nail baths with sea salt: Strengthen the nails and prevent their brittleness.
• Baths for nails with lemon juice: White your nails and strengthen them.
• Nail baths with iodine: Strengthen the nails and prevent their stratification.
• Rubbing oil (olive, coconut, almond) into nails and cuticle: Moisturizes nails and cuticle, prevents their dryness and brittleness.
• Lemon juice for bleaching nails: Bloves his nails and removes the spots.
• Using bee wax to strengthen nails: Strengthens the nails and gives them shine.

VIII. Tips for choosing hair and nail care products

When choosing hair and nail care products, it is necessary to take into account the type of hair and nails, as well as individual needs.

8.1. Haundice choice for hair:

• For normal hair: Choose shampoos and air conditioners containing soft surfactants (surface-active substances) and moisturizing components.
• For oily hair: Choose shampoos containing salicylic acid, zinc pyrithion or other components that regulate the production of sebum. Avoid using air conditioners on hair roots.
• For dry hair: Choose shampoos and air conditioners containing oils, glycerin, panthenol and other moisturizing components.
• For damaged hair: Choose shampoos and air conditioners containing keratin, proteins and other restoring components.
• Avoid means containing sulfates (SLS, Sles), parabens and silicones, especially for sensitive scalp.
• Choose products corresponding to the type of scalp (dry, oily, sensitive).

8.2. Tips for choosing nail tools:

• Choose nail varnishes that do not contain formaldehyde, toluene and dibillant.
• Choose varnish removal that does not contain acetone.
• Choose creams and oils for cuticles containing moisturizing and nutritional components.
• Choose strengthening varnishes containing calcium, vitamins and other beneficial substances.
• Avoid the use of metal nail files, as they can damage the nail plate. It is better to use files with small abrasive.

IX. Prevention of problems with hair and nails

Prevention plays an important role in maintaining hair and nail health.

9.1. Prevention of hair problems:

• Proper nutrition: Eat products rich in protein, vitamins and minerals necessary for hair health.
• Correct hair care: Use shampoos and air conditioners corresponding to the type of hair, avoid frequent use of a hair dryer, ironing and curling iron, protect hair from the sun.
• Reducing stress: Try to avoid stressful situations.
• Regular medical examinations: To be examined by a doctor when there are signs of hair loss or other hair problems.
• Timely treatment of diseases: To treat diseases that can affect the condition of the hair.

9.2. Prevention of problems with nails:

• Proper nutrition: Eat products rich in biotin and other vitamins and minerals necessary for the health of nails.
• Proper nail care: Moisten your nails and cuticle, wear gloves in contact with water and chemicals, cut the nails correctly.
• Avoiding injuries: Avoid nail injury.
• Regular medical examinations: It is examined by a doctor when there are signs of a fungal infection or other problems with nails.
• Timely treatment of diseases: To treat diseases that can affect the condition of the nails.
• Avoid wearing tight shoes: Wear comfortable shoes, especially if there is a predisposition to a nail to grow.

X. The value of dermatological counseling

If serious problems with hair or nails occur, such as severe hair loss, a fungal infection of the nails, you need to contact a dermatologist. The dermatologist will conduct diagnostics, determine the cause of the problem and prescribe appropriate treatment. Self -medication can be ineffective and even harmful. Dermatological counseling will help maintain the health and beauty of hair and nails.

This long-form article is designed to be comprehensive and informative, covering various aspects of hair and nail health. It is organized into clear sections with subheadings for easy navigation. The language used is professional and informative, avoiding colloquialisms. The information provided is based on general knowledge and should not be considered medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for specific health concerns. This detailed article should fulfill the prompt’s requirements for length, detail, SEO optimization, and structure.