Sophia Delgado
Hair, skin, and nails are all made up of the protein keratin, which is produced by keratinocytes. Keratin is also present in animal hooves. Hair and nails grow from matrix cells below the skin, and both grow through different patterns of cell division. Nails grow steadily from the matrix cells, which sit under the skin at the base of the nail. These cells divide, pushing the older cells forward. As they grow, the new cells slide along the nail bed. A hair also starts growing from the matrix cells, eventually forming the visible part of the hair – the shaft. The hair shaft grows from a root that sits under the skin and is wrapped in a sac known as the hair follicle. Genetics, age, hormones, nutrition, sex, exercise, and the time of year can affect the growth of hair and nails.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Composition | Hair, skin, and nails are made up of protein, primarily keratin. |
| Growth | Hair grows faster than nails. Nails grow steadily from matrix cells, pushing older cells forward. Hair grows from matrix cells into a follicle, forming the hair shaft. |
| Factors Affecting Growth | Genetics, age, hormones, nutrition, sex, exercise, and seasonality. |
| Health Indicators | Hair and nails can indicate overall health. Diseases, malnutrition, and medications can affect growth and appearance. |
| Protection | Hair, skin, and nails provide protection against microbes and help regulate body temperature. |
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What You'll Learn
Genetics, age, hormones and nutrition
Genetics play a role in the health of hair, skin, and nails. Inherited disorders affecting hair and nails can often involve other epithelial components and present with multiple anomalies. For instance, a family with "pure" hair-nail ectodermal dysplasia has been linked to chromosome 12p11.1-q14.3 without a KRTHB5 gene mutation.
Age also plays a role in the condition of hair, skin, and nails. As we age, our bodies and faces lose hair, and the remaining facial hair can become coarser, especially around the lips and chin for women. Men may experience longer and coarser eyebrow, ear, and nose hair. Nails also change with age, growing more slowly and becoming dull, brittle, yellowed, and opaque. Toenails may become hard and thick, and fingernails may develop lengthwise ridges and be more prone to breaking.
Hormones have an impact on hair, skin, and nails. Oestrogen, for example, helps to keep water in body tissues, promoting hydration in nails and skin. Higher levels of oestrogen during pregnancy can lead to rapid nail growth. On the other hand, lower levels of oestrogen can contribute to dull, yellowish fingernails. Additionally, oestrogen promotes collagen production, skin hydration, thickness, elasticity, and improved barrier function.
Nutrition is a critical factor in the health of hair, skin, and nails. A balanced diet that includes vitamins A, E, and D, iron, healthy fats, carbohydrates, and protein is essential. These nutrients help to maintain hydrated skin, shiny hair, and strong nails. Lack of proper nutrition can lead to thinning and brittle hair and worsen the condition of hair, skin, and nails.
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Keratin and melanin
Keratin is a protein that is naturally produced by the human body. It is present in hair, nails, skin, glands, and organs, and it provides support and
Keratin is not a single substance but consists of many different proteins, including various types of keratins, keratin-associated proteins (KFAPs), and enzymes drawn from animal tissues. There are 54 kinds of keratin in the human body, which can be categorized into two types: Type I and Type II. Type I keratins consist of acidic, low-weight proteins, while Type II keratins consist of basic-neutral, high-weight proteins. Alpha-keratin, a type of keratin found in hair, epidermis, horns, and nails of mammals, belongs to both Type I and Type II categories.
Melanin, on the other hand, is a natural pigment that determines the colour of hair and skin. It is produced by melanocytes, special cells that make melanin and insert it into small sacs called melanosomes. These melanosomes are then transferred into the keratinocyte cells of the epidermis. Melanin provides pigmentation not only to hair and skin but also to the eyes. There are five basic types of melanin: eumelanin, pheomelanin, neuromelanin, allomelanin, and pyomelanin. The first two types, eumelanin and pheomelanin, are responsible for the range of skin and hair colours observed in humans. Eumelanin is responsible for darker colours in hair, skin, and eyes, while pheomelanin contributes to reddish and pinkish colours in the body, including hair.
The production of melanin slows down as people age, resulting in hair turning grey or white. This process is known as melanogenesis and is influenced by genetics and external factors such as toxins, pollutants, and climate. Melanin also has a protective function, as it shields the body from the sun's ultraviolet radiation. This protective role is more significant in individuals with darker skin tones, who have higher concentrations of melanin, thus reducing their risk of skin cancer.
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Skin, hair and nails as indicators of health
Skin, hair, and nails are made up of a protein called keratin, which is produced by keratinocytes. They are all modified types of skin and serve protective functions, acting as a barrier against harmful substances and microbes, regulating body temperature, and facilitating environmental interaction.
Skin, hair, and nails can also provide clinicians with valuable information about a person's health status. For example, changes in the colour, texture, or shape of nails can indicate an underlying disease. White spots on nails, known as leukonychia, can sometimes signify liver or kidney failure, although they are usually harmless. Vertical ridges are typically a sign of ageing, whereas horizontal ridges, or Beau's lines, can indicate a severe illness or reduced nail matrix activity. Dry, cracked, or brittle nails are often caused by lifestyle factors such as swimming, frequent dishwashing, or low humidity, but can also be a symptom of hypothyroidism. Yellow nails can be caused by smoking, nail lacquers, or acrylic nails, but can also be a sign of yellow nail syndrome, which is associated with respiratory issues and limb swelling. Curved nails, or clubbing, can be a harmless trait, but can also indicate an underlying disease.
Similarly, hair can provide insights into health status. Melanocytes produce melanin, a protein pigment that gives hair its colour. Over time, melanocytes stop producing melanin, resulting in white hair as people age.
Nail health is closely associated with overall bodily health. Dr. Sara Norris, a naturopathic doctor, notes that "brittle, weak, and peeling nails are...more often the result of a poor diet than of systemic disease." While nail issues can be a sign of vitamin deficiencies or chronic conditions, they often occur due to injury or overexposure to moisture.
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Hair growth rate
Nutrition is another critical factor in hair growth. A well-balanced diet that includes healthy fats, carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, and minerals is essential for optimal hair growth. A deficiency in essential nutrients can not only hinder hair growth but also lead to thinning and brittle hair. Specifically, consuming an adequate amount of protein is crucial since hair is primarily composed of a protein called keratin. Keratin is produced by follicular keratinocytes in the hair follicle, and these cells replicate a set number of times before the hair stops growing and falls out.
The growth rate of hair can also be influenced by the time of year, with summer being the fastest season for hair growth. This seasonal variation remains unexplained by scientists. Interestingly, hair growth is not uniform across all areas of the scalp, and at any given time, only about one in ten hairs is in the resting phase. On average, a person loses between 100 and 150 hairs daily, which is barely noticeable considering the typical scalp has around 100,000 hairs.
While hair growth rates differ, it is a myth that hair continues to grow after death. The appearance of longer hair or nails post-mortem is due to the dehydration of the body, causing the skin to shrink and recede. This phenomenon is addressed by morticians who may inject tissue filler into the deceased's fingertips to mitigate this effect.
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Skin's role in protection
Skin is the body's largest organ, accounting for about one-seventh of body weight. It is a living organ that undergoes significant changes throughout a person's life. It is made up of water, protein, fats, and minerals.
Skin's most important role is as the first line of defence between our bodies and the external environment. It acts as a protective barrier that guards the entire body from external aggressors, including harmful substances and germs. The epidermis, the outermost layer of skin, is a tough protective layer that varies in thickness across the body. It is thin in some areas, such as the elbows and the back of the knees, and thicker in other areas like the soles of the feet and palms of the hands. The epidermis is made up of cells that produce keratin, a protein that helps create a protective barrier. Keratinocytes, the cells that produce keratin, also contain melanin, which gives skin its colour. When exposed to sunlight, melanocytes produce more melanin, resulting in darker skin that protects against harmful UV rays.
The epidermis constantly renews itself, shedding old skin cells daily and replacing them with new cells. This renewal process, along with Langerhans cells, helps protect the body against infections. The epidermis also protects against external elements like rain and sun.
Beneath the epidermis lies the dermis, the middle layer of skin. The dermis contains collagen and elastin fibres, which give the skin its strength, elasticity, and firmness. The dermis also houses blood vessels, nerve endings, sweat glands, and hair follicles. The blood vessels in the dermis provide nutrients to the epidermis, keeping the skin layers healthy. The dermis regulates body temperature through sweating and helps prevent dehydration.
The deepest layer of skin is the hypodermis or subcutaneous tissue. This fatty layer acts as a cushion, protecting muscles and bones from injuries. It contains connective tissue that connects the skin to the muscles and bones. The hypodermis also helps regulate body temperature, preventing the body from getting too cold or hot.
Overall, the skin plays a crucial protective role in maintaining health by shielding the body from external threats, regulating temperature and fluid balance, and enabling sensory functions.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, hair grows from matrix cells below the skin.
Hair grows from a root that sits under the skin and is wrapped in a sac known as the hair follicle. The hair follicle contains oil-producing glands that lubricate the hair and a tiny muscle that makes your hair stand up when it's cold.
Hair is made of a strong protein called keratin, which is also present in skin and nails.
Genetics, age, hormones, nutrition, sex, exercise, and the time of year all contribute to hair growth.
Eating a diet high in protein and healthy fats can support hair growth by providing the body with the nutrients it needs.
