Liam Carter
Keratin is a protein that occurs naturally in the body and is responsible for forming hair, skin, and nails. It is also found in the glands and organs. The strength of hair and nails reflects the amount of keratin in them. Keratin treatments and products can help strengthen nails, making them healthier and harder, which can help them grow longer. Nutritional supplements can also help the body produce more keratin from within.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What is Keratin? | A protein that your body produces naturally |
| Keratin's function | It helps keep your hair, skin, and nails healthy and strong |
| How does it help nails? | It is the hardening protein that builds nails, giving them maximum strength and stopping peeling and chipping |
| How to increase Keratin in nails? | Use a nail treatment such as DemiBlue Deep Nutrition Nail Treatment or Nail-Aid Keratin 3 Day Growth |
| What else affects nail growth? | Age, health status, nutrition, stress, and inherited genes |
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What You'll Learn
Keratin is a protein that forms nails
Keratin is a hardening protein that builds nails. It absorbs into soft, weak nail layers to give them maximum strength, stopping peeling and chipping. This build-up of keratin in nails results in longer, stronger, and healthier nails.
Keratin treatments and products can help improve the strength and appearance of nails and hair. For example, a keratin amino acids treatment can be applied to nails to stop peeling and chipping, resulting in harder and longer nails. Similarly, keratin shampoos and conditioners can help strengthen hair and improve its appearance by reducing frizz.
It is also possible to promote keratin in the body from the inside out by consuming a hair growth vitamin designed to provide the body with the ideal nutrition to support the development of keratin. Additionally, eating keratin-rich foods can help the body produce more keratin.
Nail growth is affected by various factors, including inherited genes, age, health status, and stress levels. Changes in nail colour or growth could be symptoms of a medical condition, poor nutrition, or excessive stress.
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Keratin treatments for nail growth
Keratin is a hardening protein that builds nails. Keratin treatments can help repair damaged, weak, peeling, and brittle nails. The treatment involves applying a keratin amino acids serum to the nails, which absorbs into the nail layers to give them strength and prevent peeling and chipping. This treatment can be done in salons or at home.
Salon treatments, such as the IBX Nail Strengthening Treatment offered at Nails & Brows, typically start by washing and sanitizing the client's hands. Cuticles are then pushed back, and the nails are cleaned with a lint-free pad. Two serums are applied to the nail plate: the IBX Repair and the IBX (step two). A low heat is applied to the nails to activate the process, usually with a handheld hairdryer, and any excess serum is removed before applying cuticle oil to finish.
Home treatments, such as the Nail-Aid Keratin 3 Day Growth, involve applying two coats of the product over dry, clean nails, allowing each coat to dry before applying the next. It can be used alone or as a base and top coat with nail colour. For longest-lasting protection, another coat should be applied every three days, and it can be easily removed with nail polish remover.
Customers who have used keratin treatments report that their nails become stronger and healthier, with a shiny clear finish and fast-drying properties. Some customers note that their nails feel and look thicker, and they experience healthy nail growth. However, durability and value for money receive mixed reviews, with some customers finding that the treatment does not last long.
It is recommended that keratin nail treatments are done every 2-3 weeks to see and maintain results. In between treatments, it is suggested to file nails regularly to keep them chip-free and gently push back the cuticles weekly. Applying a protein base coat every two days is also recommended to maintain good nail health.
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Nutritional intake and nail health
Nutritional intake plays a significant role in nail health, and deficiencies in certain vitamins and minerals can affect the appearance and strength of your nails. Here are some key insights into the relationship between nutritional intake and nail health:
Protein and Keratin
Nails are primarily composed of a fibrous structural protein called keratin, which gives them strength and resilience. Therefore, adequate protein intake is crucial for nail health. High-quality protein sources, such as lean meats, fish, eggs, dairy products, beans, and legumes, can help strengthen nails and promote growth. For plant-based diets, quinoa, tofu, and nuts are excellent protein alternatives. Additionally, specific treatments like keratin amino acid products can be applied topically to strengthen nails and promote growth by absorbing into soft, weak nail layers.
Biotin and B Vitamins
Biotin, a B vitamin, is essential for nail health. While biotin deficiency is rare, consuming it through foods or supplements may help strengthen brittle nails and improve their growth. Biotin-rich foods include organ meats (such as liver), egg yolk, dairy products, yeast, salmon, avocado, sweet potato, nuts, seeds, and cauliflower. Other B vitamins, such as vitamin B12, are also important. A deficiency in vitamin B12 can lead to nail discolouration, and both iron and B12 are necessary for maintaining strong and healthy nails.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial for nail health as they help lubricate and moisturize nails, giving them a shiny appearance. They may also reduce inflammation in the nail bed, promoting the health of the cells that form the nail plate. Fatty fish like salmon, trout, mackerel, tuna, and sardines are excellent sources of omega-3s, but they can also be found in walnuts, soy, eggs, chia seeds, flaxseeds, and fish oil.
Magnesium
Magnesium is another crucial mineral for nail health. Vertical ridges in nails may indicate a magnesium deficiency. Whole grains, dark leafy greens, quinoa, almonds, cashews, peanuts, edamame, and black beans are good sources of magnesium. This mineral aids in protein synthesis and the formation of new nails, helping to prevent ridges and maintain nail strength.
Impact of Sugar and Processed Foods
High sugar intake and consumption of processed foods can lead to inflammation and weaken nails. Limiting sugary snacks, sodas, and fast food is recommended. Instead, focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods to provide your nails with the necessary vitamins and minerals for strength and growth.
In summary, a balanced diet rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals is essential for achieving and maintaining strong and healthy nails. By incorporating nutrient-rich foods and addressing any deficiencies, you can support the health and appearance of your nails.
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Stress and its impact on nail growth
Keratin is the hardening protein that builds nails and stops them from peeling and chipping. However, stress can have a significant impact on nail growth. Firstly, stress can cause people to bite their nails more, which can lead to soreness and infection. Nail-biting is often a response to stress, and alleviating underlying anxiety can help manage the habit.
Secondly, stress can affect the body's ability to absorb nutrients, particularly those essential for nail strength, such as biotin, zinc, and vitamins C and E. This depletion of nutrients causes nails to become fragile and prone to splitting and breaking.
Thirdly, long-term stress can reduce blood flow to the extremities, slowing nail growth and making nails weaker. This is because the body prioritises critical organs during high-stress periods.
Finally, one telltale sign of stress or trauma is the appearance of horizontal ridges, known as Beau's lines, which form when the nail growth process is interrupted. These lines can take weeks or months to appear but serve as historical markers for periods of stress.
Therefore, it is clear that stress can impact nail growth and health in several ways. Recognising these signs and managing stress through lifestyle modifications, such as exercise and healthy sleep habits, can help mitigate these effects.
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Other factors influencing nail growth
Keratin is the hardening protein that builds nails and strengthens them. It is responsible for stopping nail peeling and chipping. While fingernails grow at an average rate of about a tenth of a millimeter per day, there are several factors that influence nail growth.
Injuries and illnesses can damage the nail matrix and affect nail growth. Minor damage to the nail matrix can cause temporary changes in the nail's appearance, feel, or texture. A severe injury could cause the nail to fall off, but it will usually grow back with proper medical care.
Skin conditions and diseases can also affect the nail matrix. For example, severe eczema can cause Beau's lines (horizontal ridges), pitting, and texture or colour changes. Psoriasis can cause white lines, pitting, and crumbling of the nails. Subungual melanoma, or skin cancer affecting the nail matrix, can cause brown or black discolouration.
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) causes reduced blood flow to the legs and feet, affecting the nail matrix and slowing nail growth.
Age is a factor, as blood circulation slows with age, affecting nail growth. Nail growth is said to peak during puberty and decline as hormone levels balance out with age.
Hormone levels can also affect nail growth rates. For example, pregnancy has been associated with rapid nail growth, while lactation may decrease nail growth.
Nutritional deficiencies may be a cause of slow nail growth. If you feel your nails are growing unusually slowly, it is recommended that you consult a doctor to determine if there is an underlying condition affecting your nail growth.
Fingernail versus toenail is another factor, as toenails grow much slower than fingernails. Toenails are subjected to less trauma than fingernails, and the temporary boost in circulation from stubbing a toe, for example, does not have a lasting impact on toenail growth.
Dominant hand is also a factor, as the nails on your dominant hand grow faster than those on your non-dominant hand.
Time of year influences nail growth, as fingernails grow faster during the summer.
Nail biting has been associated with faster nail growth, possibly because biting causes trauma to the nail, stimulating circulation in the nail bed.
Nail clipping may also make nails grow faster. Regular clipping is safer than nail biting and is recommended for longer nails.
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Frequently asked questions
Keratin is a protein that your body produces naturally. It is the hardening protein that builds nails, hair, and skin.
Keratin treatments absorb into soft, weak nail layers to give them maximum strength, stopping peeling and chipping. This allows nails to grow healthier, harder, and longer.
Nail growth can be affected by nutrition, age, and health status. Taking breaks from nail polish or artificial nails can help nails repair themselves. Consuming vitamins A, B6, B12, C, D, and H (biotin) can also improve nail strength and growth.
Keratin treatments can make nails stronger and healthier, with a shiny clear finish. It helps prevent cracking and chipping, creating a shield of strength for nails to grow.
While keratin is produced naturally in the body, some people may experience side effects from keratin treatments, such as hair loss, coughing, eye irritation, rashes, or other adverse reactions. It is always recommended to speak with a healthcare provider if you have any concerns or experience negative side effects.
