hair and nails

Hair and nails: a guide for health, beauty and care

I. Anatomy and physiology of hair:

1.1. Hair structure:

Hair is a filamentary keratinized formation, which is the appendage of the skin of mammals, including a person. It consists of three main layers:

• Steriques (Lat. Scapus Pili): The visible part of the hair protruding above the surface of the skin. Its structure is determined by the type of hair (straight, wavy, curly) and the condition of the cuticle.

  • Cuticula pili): The most outer layer, consisting of thin, flat, overlapping scales, located like a tile on the roof. These scales, consisting of keratin, protect the inner layers of the hair from damage, moisture loss and harmful effects of the environment. A healthy cuticle is smooth and dense, reflects the light, giving the hair shine. The damaged cuticle becomes rough, porous and dull.
  • Bark (lat. Cortex pili): The thickest layer of hair, which is its main mass. Contains cells rich in keratin, as well as melanin pigment, which determines the color of the hair. The structure of the bark determines the strength, elasticity and texture of the hair. Damage to the bark leads to brittleness and loss of elasticity.
  • Core (lat. Medulla pili): The central, the inner layer of the hair. It consists of loose cells filled with air and keratin. The core is not present in all types of hair, more often found in thick hair. Its role in the structure and function of the hair has not been fully studied.

• Volosion Follicle (Lat. Followulus Pili): A bag in the skin in which the hair is formed and grows. Located in the dermis and hypoderma (subcutaneous fat).

  • Hair onion (lat. Bulbus pili): The expanded part of the follicle is at its base. Contains cells that actively divide and form new hair. Inside the bulb there is a dermal paper containing blood vessels and nerves that feed the hair.
  • Hair papilla (lat. Papilla pili): The connective tissue growth at the base of the hair follicle containing capillaries and nerve endings. He plays a key role in the growth and development of the hair, regulating its cycle and structure.
  • Sebaceous iron (lat. Glandula sebacea): Located at the base of the follicle and distinguishes skin lard (sebum), which lubricates and protects the hair, preventing its drying and brittleness.
  • The muscle lifting the hair (lat. Musculus arrector pili): Smooth muscle attached to the follicle. Its contraction causes “goose skin” and raises the hair, contributing to thermal insulation.

1.2. Hair composition:

The main hair component is Keratin – Durable, insoluble protein containing a large amount of sulfur. Keratin consists of amino acids associated with peptide bonds. Other important hair components:

• Water: The water content in the hair affects its elasticity and strength. The lack of moisture leads to dryness and brittleness.
• Lipids: Lipids, such as skin lard, protect the hair from moisture loss and give it shine.
• Pigment Melanin: Determines the color of the hair. There are two main types of melanin: Eumlanin (is responsible for dark shades) and Feomlanin (is responsible for light and red shades).
• Microelements: Zinc, iron, copper, silicon and other trace elements play an important role in the growth and development of hair. Their deficiency can lead to loss and deterioration of hair quality.

1.3. Hair growth cycle:

The life cycle of the hair consists of three main phases:

• Anagen (growth phase): The longest phase lasts from 2 to 7 years. In this phase, the cells of the hair follicles are actively divided, forming a new hair, which grows by an average of 1-1.5 cm per month. The duration of the anagen phase determines the maximum length of the hair.
• Katagen (recression phase): The transition phase lasts about 2-3 weeks. In this phase, hair growth stops, the hair follicle separates from the dump papilla and begins to rise to the surface of the skin.
• Telogen (Phase Salm): The phase of rest lasts about 3 months. In this phase, the hair remains in the follicle, but does not grow. At the end of the hebogene phase, 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 are in the anagen phase, 1-2% in the catagen phase and 10-15% in the bodyogen phase. Loss up to 100 hair per day is considered normal. Increased hair loss can be a sign of various diseases or deficiency.

1.4. Hair types:

The type of hair is determined by the amount of sebum secreted by the sebaceous glands, and the shape of the hair follicle. There are the following main types of hair:

• Normal hair: Healthy, shiny hair with a moderate content of sebum. Easily combed and fit.
• Dry hair: Hair with insufficient amount of skin fat. They look dull, brittle, split, difficult to comb and electricize.
• Bold hair: Hair with an excess of skin fat. They quickly become dirty, look dull and sticky.
• Combined hair: Fat at the roots and dry at the ends.

1.5. Hair health factors:

The health of the hair is affected by many factors, both internal and external:

• Genetics: A genetic predisposition plays an important role in determining the type, color and density of hair.
• Hormonal background: Hormonal changes, such as pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, as well as thyroid diseases, can have a significant effect on hair growth and hair loss.
• Nutrition: Balanced diet, rich in proteins, vitamins and minerals, is necessary for the health of the hair. The deficiency of nutrients can lead to loss, brittleness and deterioration of hair quality.
• Stress: Chronic stress can negatively affect hair growth and cause their loss.
• Hair care: Incorrect care, such as frequent staining, a chemical curl, the use of a hairdryer and an iron, can damage the hair and lead to its dryness, brittleness and split ends.
• Scalp diseases: Fungal and bacterial infections, such as seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis, can cause itching, peeling and hair loss.
• Medications: Some drugs, such as chemotherapeutic agents, antidepressants and anticoagulants, can cause hair loss as a side effect.
• Age: With age, the hair becomes thinner, dry and lose the pigment.

II. Anatomy and physiology of nails:

2.1. The structure of the nail:

Nails are horn plates located on the dorsal (upper) surface of the end phalanges of the fingers and legs. They serve to protect the fingers, facilitate the seizure of small objects and play an important role in tactile perception. The nail consists of several main parts:

• Nail plate (lat. Lamina unguis): A hard, visible part of the nail consisting of keratin.

  • Free edge (lat. Margo Liber): The distal part of the nail plate protruding beyond the edge of the nail bed.
  • Telo nails (Lat: Corpus unguis): The main part of the nail plate adjacent to the nail bed.
  • Nail root (lat. Radix unguis): The proximal part of the nail plate hidden under the skin fold.

• Nail bed (lat. Lectus unguis): The skin under the nail plate, to which it fit tightly. Contains numerous blood vessels and nerve endings that provide nutrition and sensitivity of the nail.

• Nail matrix (lat. Matrix unguis): The area under the root of the nail, where the formation of new cells forming the nail plate occurs. The condition of the matrix determines the thickness, shape and growth rate of the nail. Damage to the matrix can lead to deformation or complete cessation of the growth of the nail.

• Nail roller (lat. Vallum unguis): The skin fold surrounding the nail plate on three sides (proximal and lateral rollers).

• Kutikula (Latin Cuticula unguis): A thin layer of skin covering the base of the nail. Protects the matrix from infections and damage.

• Lunula (Latin: Lunula): The whitish semi -moon region at the base of the nail, which is a part of the matrix, which has not yet been completely keratinized. Usually more pronounced on the thumbs.

2.2. Nail composition:

The main component of the nail is Keratin – Durable, fibrillar protein containing a large amount of sulfur. Keratin of the nail is more solid and dense than keratin of the hair, due to the greater content of disulfide bonds. Other nail components:

• Water: The water content in the nail affects its flexibility and strength. The lack of moisture leads to brittleness and stratification.
• Lipids: Lipids protect the nail from moisture loss and give it brilliance.
• Microelements: Calcium, zinc, iron, silicon and other trace elements play an important role in the growth and development of nails. Their deficiency can lead to brittleness, thinning and a change in the shape of the nails.

2.3. Nail growth:

Nails grow from the matrix, where cells are actively divided and gradually keratinizing, turning into a hard nail plate. The growth rate of nails depends on the age, gender, nutrition, hormonal background and the general state of health. On average, the nails in the hands grow faster than the nails on the legs. The full update of the nail plate on the hands takes about 6 months, and on the legs-about 12-18 months.

2.4. Factors affecting the health of the nails:

The health of the nails is affected by many factors, both internal and external:

• Genetics: A genetic predisposition plays a role in determining the shape, thickness and speed of nail growth.
• Nutrition: Balanced diet, rich in proteins, vitamins and minerals, is necessary for the health of nails. The deficiency of nutrients can lead to brittleness, thinning and a change in the shape of the nails.
• Age: With age, nails become thinner, dry and more slowly.
• Injuries: Matrix injuries can lead to deformation or complete cessation of the growth of the nail.
• Fungal infections: Fungal infections (onychomycosis) are a common cause of color change, thickness and shape of the nails.
• Bacterial infections: Bacterial infections can cause inflammation and purulent lesion of the periologeal roller (paronichia).
• Skin diseases: Psoriasis, eczema and other skin diseases can affect nails, causing their change in shape, thickness and color.
• System diseases: Some systemic diseases, such as thyroid diseases, anemia and diseases of the cardiovascular system, may appear changes in nails.
• Nail care: Excessive use of varnish, acrylic and other cosmetics, as well as improper performing manicure and pedicures, can damage the nails and lead to their brittleness and stratification.
• The effect of chemicals: Long -term exposure to chemicals, such as detergents, solvents and disinfectants, can lead to dry nails.

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

3.1. Hair problems:

• Hair loss (alopecia): There are many causes of hair loss, including genetic predisposition, hormonal changes, stress, nutrient deficiency, scalp diseases and side effects of drugs.
  • Decision: Diagnosis of the cause of hair loss is a key step. Depending on the cause, drugs (minoxidil, finsteride), vitamins and minerals, special shampoos and lotions, as well as procedures, such as mesotherapy and plasmolifting, can be prescribed.
• Brighten hair: The fragility of the hair can be caused by dryness, damage to the cuticle, a lack of nutrients and aggressive care.
  • Decision: Moisturizing and nutritious hair masks, the use of soft shampoos and air conditioners, restriction of hair dryer and ironing, avoiding chemical curls and staining, as well as balanced nutrition, rich in proteins, vitamins and minerals.
• Serving tips: Serving tips arise due to damage to the cuticle and splitting of the hair at the ends.
  • Decision: Regular haircut of the ends of the hair, the use of special means for split ends, avoiding aggressive combing and using a hair dryer and ironing, as well as moisturizing and nutrient masks for hair.
• Dandruff (seborrheic dermatitis): Dandruff is the condition of the scalp, characterized by peeling and itching. The cause of dandruff may be a fungal infection, increased activity of the sebaceous glands or an allergic reaction.
  • Decision: The use of special shampoos against dandruff containing antifungal components (ketoconazole, zinc pyrithion, selenium sulfide), anti -inflammatory components (salicylic acid, tar) and moisturizing components. In severe cases, a dermatologist consultation may be required.
• Bold hair: Bold hair occurs due to increased activity of the sebaceous glands.
  • Decision: The use of special shampoos for oily hair containing components that regulate the production of sebum (salicylic acid, zinc), avoiding frequent shaking of the head, as well as a balanced diet with a limitation of oily and spicy foods.
• Dry hair: Dry hair occurs due to a lack of skin fat and damage to the cuticle.
  • Decision: The use of moisturizing and nutrient shampoos and air conditioners, hair masks with oils and other moisturizing components, avoiding frequent washing of the head, as well as limiting the use of a hair dryer and ironing.

3.2. Problems with nails:

• Browneness of nails (onhoshisis): The fragility of the nails can be caused by dryness, nutrient deficiency, injuries, the effects of chemicals and fungal infections.
  • Decision: Moisturizing creams and nail oils, the use of gloves when working with water and chemicals, balanced nutrition, rich in proteins, vitamins and minerals, as well as avoiding frequent use of varnish and acrylic. If a fungal infection is suspected, you must contact a dermatologist.
• Nail stratification (onycholysis): Nail stratification is the separation of the nail plate from the nail bed. The cause of stratification may be injury, fungal infection, psoriasis, eczema and the effect of chemicals.
  • Decision: Protection of nails from injuries and exposure to chemicals, maintaining nails in a dry state, using antifungal drugs in the presence of a fungal infection, as well as treatment of the underlying disease that caused stratification.
• Changing the color of the nails: Changing the color of the nails can be caused by a fungal infection, injury, medication, system diseases and the use of nail polish.
  • Decision: Diagnosis of the reason for changing nail color is a key step. If a fungal infection is suspected, you must contact a dermatologist. In other cases, the treatment of the underlying disease that caused a change in the color of the nails is necessary.
• Nail fungal infection (onychomycosis): The fungal infection of the nails is a common disease that causes a change in color, thickness and shape of the nails.
  • Decision: Treatment of fungal nail infection can be long and complex. Antigritor drugs for local use (varnishes, creams, solutions) and for oral administration can be prescribed. In severe cases, it may be required to remove the nail plate.
• Paroniyies: Paronichia is an inflammation of the periosaal roller caused by a bacterial or fungal infection.
  • Decision: The use of antiseptic solutions and ointments, in some cases, you may take antibiotics or antifungal drugs. In severe cases, surgical drainage of the abscess may be required.
• Cross furrow on nails (line BO): Cross furrows on the nails can be a sign of a disease, stress, injury or medication.
  • Decision: Typically, lines of BO disappear independently as the nail grows. It is important to identify and eliminate the cause of their appearance.
• Longitudinal combs on the nails: Longitudinal combs on the nails can be a sign of aging, iron deficiency or psoriasis.
  • Decision: Usually longitudinal ridges do not require treatment. It is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle and a balanced diet. If psoriasis is suspected, you need to contact a dermatologist.

IV. Hair care:

4.1. Washing hair:

• Washing frequency: The frequency of washing the hair depends on the type of hair and individual needs. Bold hair can require daily wash, while dry hair can be washed 2-3 times a week.
• Choosing shampoo: Choose a shampoo corresponding to your hair type. Avoid shampoos containing aggressive sulfates (SLS, Sles), which can dry hair.
• Washing technique: Apply shampoo to wet hair, massage the scalp with your fingertips for 1-2 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Repeat the procedure if necessary.
• Air conditioner: Use air conditioning after each hair washing to moisturize and smooth your hair. Apply the air conditioner to the length of the hair, avoiding the roots.

4.2. Hair drying:

• Natural drying: Natural drying is the most gentle way of drying hair.
• Using a hair dryer: If you use a hairdryer, choose a low temperature mode and hold a hair dryer at a distance of at least 15 cm from the hair. Use thermal protection products to protect hair from damage.

4.3. Combing hair:

• CHOSE CHIED: Choose a comb with wide teeth or a brush with soft bristles so as not to damage the hair.
• Combing technique: Comb the hair carefully, starting from the tips and gradually rising to the roots. Do not comb wet hair, as it is more vulnerable to damage.

4.4. Hair styling:

• Restriction of the use of thermal tools: Frequent use of a hairdryer, ironing and curling iron can damage the hair. Use thermal protection products to protect hair from damage.
• Choosing tools for laying: Choose styling products corresponding to your hair type. Avoid tools containing alcohol that can dry your hair.

4.5. Scalp care:

• Scalp massage: Regular scalp massage improves blood circulation and stimulates hair growth.
• Piling of the scalp: Piling of the scalp helps to remove keratinized cells and improve the penetration of nutrients.
• Scalp masks: Masks for the scalp can help moisturize, nourish and calm the scalp.

V. Failure care:

5.1. Nail hygiene:

• Regular hand washing: Wash your hands with soap regularly to prevent the spread of infections.
• Maintaining nails in a dry state: Keep your nails in a dry state to prevent the growth of fungi.
• Using gloves: Use gloves when working with water and chemicals to protect the nails from damage.

5.2. Manicure and pedicure:

• Correct nail cutting: Cut your nails straight to prevent nails. Do not cut the cuticle too short, as this can lead to infection.
• Using quality tools: Use high -quality tools for manicure and pedicure so as not to damage the nails.
• Sterilization of tools: Sterilize tools for manicure and pedicure before each use to prevent the spread of infections.

5.3. Moisturizing nails:

• Using creams and oils for nails: S regularly use creams and oil oils to moisturize and nourish your nails.
• Nail massage: Regular nail massage improves blood circulation and stimulates the growth of nails.

5.4. Nail protection from damage:

• Avoiding injuries: Try to avoid nail injuries.
• Limiting the use of varnish and acrylic: Frequent use of varnish and acrylic can damage nails. Let the nails take a break from varnish and acrylic.
• Using the basic coating: Use the basic coating before applying varnish to protect the nails from pigmentation.

VI. Nutrition for healthy hair and nails:

A balanced diet, rich in proteins, vitamins and minerals, is necessary for the health of hair and nails.

6.1. Squirrels:

Proteins are a building material for keratin, the main component of hair and nails. Use a sufficient amount of protein from sources such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy products, legumes and nuts.

6.2. Vitamins:

• Vitamin A: It is necessary for the growth and development of cells, including hair and nail cells. Sources: carrots, pumpkin, spinach, broccoli, liver.
• Vitamin C: Antioxidant, protects the cells from damage, is necessary for the synthesis of collagen. Sources: citrus fruits, kiwi, strawberries, pepper, broccoli.
• Vitamin D: Plays an important role in hair growth. Sources: fatty fish, eggs, mushrooms, enriched products, sunlight.
• Vitamin E: Antioxidant, improves blood circulation in the scalp. Sources: vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, avocados.
• B vitamins: It is necessary for the growth and strengthening of hair and nails. Sources: whole grain products, meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy products, legumes, nuts.
  • Biotin (Vitamin B7): Especially important for the health of hair and nails. Biotin deficiency can lead to hair loss and fragility of nails. Sources: eggs, liver, nuts, seeds, avocados.

6.3. 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. Sources: meat, poultry, fish, legumes, spinach.
• Zinc: He plays an important role in the growth and restoration of tissues, including hair and nail tissue. Sources: meat, poultry, oysters, legumes, nuts, seeds.
• Silicon: Strengthens hair and nails. Sources: whole grain products, cucumbers, pepper, onions.
• Magnesium: It is necessary for many biochemical processes in the body, including hair and nail growth. Sources: dark green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes, whole grain products.
• Selenium: Antioxidant, protects the cells from damage. Sources: Brazilian walnut, tuna, eggs, sunflower seeds.

6.4. Omega-3 fatty acids:

Omega-3 fatty acids are necessary for the health of the scalp and hair growth. Sources: fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines), linen seed, walnuts, chia seeds.

6.5. Water:

Sufficient water consumption is necessary for hydration of the body, including skin, hair and nails. Drink at least 8 glasses of water per day.

VII. Folk remedies for hair and nail care:

There are many folk remedies that can be used to care for hair and nails. However, before using folk remedies, it is necessary to make sure that there is no allergy and consult a doctor.

7.1. Folk hair products:

• Hair masks with oils: Oils (olive, coconut, burdock, castor) nourish and moisturize their hair, give it brilliance and strengthen it.
• Hair rinsing with herbal decoctions: Decoctions of herbs (chamomile, nettle, burdock, sage) strengthen hair, give it shine and stimulate growth.
• Egg mask for hair: Eggs contain protein and vitamins that strengthen the hair and give it shine.
• Honey mask for hair: Honey moisturizes the hair and gives it shine.
• Lemon juice for hair lightening: Lemon juice can lighten the hair into several tones.

7.2. Folk remedies for nails:

• Baths for nails with salt and iodine: Strengthen the nails and prevent their brittleness.
• Oil baths for nails: Oils (olive, coconut, castor) nourish and moisturize their nails.
• Lemon juice to strengthen nails: Lemon juice strengthens the nails and gives them shine.
• Nail wax: The wax nourishes and protects the nails from damage.

VIII. Professional procedures for hair and nail care:

There are many professional procedures that can be done in a beauty salon for hair and nails.

8.1. Professional hair procedures:

• Haircut: Regular haircut helps to get rid of the split ends and give the hair a shape.
• Hair dyeing: Hair dyeing can change hair color and hide gray hair.
• Perm: A chemical curl creates curls or waves on the hair.
• Hair straightening: Hair straightening makes hair smooth and straight.
• Hair lamination: Lamination of hair creates a protective film on the hair, giving them shine and smoothness.
• Keratin hair straightening: Keratin hair straightening smoothes hair and makes it more obedient.
• Botox for hair: Botox for hair nourishes and restores damaged hair.
• Mesotherapy of the scalp: Mesotherapy of the scalp stimulates hair growth and improves their quality.
• Plasmolifting of the scalp: The plasmolifting of the scalp stimulates hair growth and improves their quality.

8.2. Professional nail procedures:

• Manicure: The manicure includes giving shape to the nails, removing the cuticle and applying varnish.
• Pedicure: The pedicure includes nail care and the skin of the feet.
• Nail extension: Nail extension allows you to increase the length and change the shape of the nails.
• Gel polish: Gel polish is a durable nail coating that lasts up to several weeks.
• SPA-procedures for nails: SPA-procedures for nails include peeling, massage and nail masks.

IX. Conclusion:

The health and beauty of hair and nails depend on many factors, including genetics, nutrition, care and general health. Following the recommendations presented in this article, you can improve the condition of your hair and nails and preserve their beauty for many years. It is important to remember that in case of serious problems with hair and nails, you must consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.