Sophia Delgado
Brittle hair and nails can be a sign of ageing, as hair and nails grow more slowly and become more fragile. However, it can also be a sign of nutritional deficiency, or an underlying health condition such as hypothyroidism or anaemia. In some cases, brittle hair and nails can be caused by lifestyle factors, such as over-treating hair and nails with chemical or heat treatments.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Age | As we age, our hair and nails grow more slowly, resulting in a higher risk of hair loss and brittle nails |
| Nutritional deficiency | Poor hair and nail health are typically signs of a nutritional deficiency. Nutritional deficiencies usually occur from not eating the correct nutrients or malabsorption issues |
| Anaemia | A condition where there is a low red blood cell count due to low iron levels |
| Hypothyroidism | A thyroid condition where your thyroid fails to produce the necessary amount of hormones |
| Over-treatment | Regularly bleaching, dyeing or applying heating products to your hair may increase the risks of hair loss due to constant damage to the hair. Consistently going for manicures, nail polishing or applying artificial nails can also result in brittle nails |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Nutritional deficiencies
Brittle hair and nails can be a sign of nutritional deficiencies. Nutritional deficiencies usually occur from not eating the correct nutrients or malabsorption issues. This can be solved with the right food and supplements.
One nutritional deficiency that can cause brittle hair and nails is a biotin, or vitamin B7, deficiency. Biotin helps to metabolise the amino acids in your body, which in turn helps to produce strong and healthy hair and nails.
Another possible cause is anaemia, which is a condition where there is a low red blood cell count due to low iron levels. This can be treated by restoring hair volume or delaying the hair loss process, and by strengthening the nails.
Age can also be a factor, as hair and nails grow more slowly as we get older, resulting in a higher risk of hair loss and brittle nails.
Black Nails: Expression, Style, and What It Says About You
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Hypothyroidism
Brittle hair and nails can be a sign of hypothyroidism, a thyroid condition where the thyroid fails to produce the necessary amount of hormones. This causes the body's cells to work more slowly than usual. Other symptoms of hypothyroidism include weight gain, fatigue, paleness, and swelling. If you suspect that you may have hypothyroidism, it is important to speak to your doctor. Treatment for hypothyroidism may include thyroid hormone replacement therapy.
Brittle hair and nails can also be caused by nutritional deficiencies, which can be solved with the right food and supplements. Anaemia, a condition caused by low iron levels, can also lead to hair loss and brittle nails. Ageing can also cause hair and nails to become more brittle as they grow more slowly, leaving them more vulnerable to damage. Regular hair and nail treatments, such as bleaching, dyeing, heating, manicures, and nail polishing, can also contribute to hair thinning and brittle nails.
The Mystery of Bruises Under Nails: What Does it Mean?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Anaemia
Brittle hair and nails can be a sign of nutritional deficiency, which can be caused by not eating the correct nutrients or malabsorption issues. Nutritional deficiencies can be solved with the right food and supplements. In some cases, hair loss and brittle nails can be a sign of more severe internal problems, such as hypothyroidism, a thyroid condition where your thyroid fails to produce the necessary amount of hormones. Other symptoms of hypothyroidism include weight gain, fatigue, paleness, and swelling.
There are several ways to increase iron levels and treat anaemia. Dietary changes can include eating more iron-rich foods, such as red meat, poultry, fish, beans, and dark green leafy vegetables. Iron supplements can also be taken orally to increase iron levels. In more severe cases of anaemia, intravenous iron therapy or blood transfusions may be necessary.
It is important to note that hair and nail health can also be affected by external factors such as frequent hair or nail treatments. Regularly bleaching, dyeing, or applying heat to the hair can increase the risk of hair loss due to constant damage. Similarly, consistently getting manicures, nail polishing, or applying artificial nails can also result in brittle nails. Therefore, it is recommended to use good quality and non-toxic nail and hair products to maintain healthy hair and nails.
Yellowish Big Toe Nails: What Do They Indicate?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Ageing
As we age, our hair and nails grow more slowly, resulting in a higher risk of hair loss and brittle nails. This is because the new hair or nails do not grow fast enough to replace those that have fallen out or broken.
Hair and nail health are typically signs of a nutritional deficiency. Nutritional deficiencies usually occur from not eating the correct nutrients or malabsorption issues. For example, anaemia is a condition where there is a low red blood cell count due to low iron levels, which can cause hair loss and brittle nails.
Biotin, or vitamin B7, works to metabolise the amino acids in your body. This process helps produce strong and healthy hair and nails. If you're suffering from a biotin deficiency, it's likely that you'll experience dry hair and nails.
In some cases, hair loss and brittle nails are signs of more severe internal problems, such as hypothyroidism, a thyroid condition where your thyroid fails to produce the necessary amount of hormones. Treating your hair and getting your nails done too often can also cause problems.
Dark Nail Stripes: What Your Nails Are Trying to Tell You
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![NatureWise Hair Skin and Nails Vitamin, Biotin 5000mcg w/Hyaluronic Acid, Collagen for Women with C, B Complex, D3, A, E, Iron - Non-GMO, Gluten Free - 150 Softgels[50-Day Supply]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/711XQJUMNkL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
Over-treatment
Brittle hair and nails can be a sign of over-treatment. For example, regularly bleaching, dyeing, or applying heat to your hair may increase the risk of hair loss due to constant damage to the hair. Similarly, consistently getting manicures, nail polishing, or applying artificial nails can also result in brittle nails.
However, it is important to note that brittle hair and nails can also be a sign of nutritional deficiency or more severe internal problems. Nutritional deficiencies usually occur from not eating the correct nutrients or malabsorption issues. In some cases, hair loss and brittle nails may be a symptom of hypothyroidism, a thyroid condition where the thyroid fails to produce the necessary amount of hormones. Other common symptoms of hypothyroidism include weight gain, fatigue, paleness, and swelling.
Therefore, while over-treatment of hair and nails can contribute to brittleness, it is essential to consider other potential causes and consult a healthcare professional if you are concerned about your hair and nail health.
The Mystery of Nail Streaks: What Do They Indicate?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
It could be a sign of a nutritional deficiency, or a thyroid condition such as hypothyroidism. It could also be a result of lifestyle factors, such as hair and nail treatments, or simply getting older.
You can try using non-toxic nail and hair products, and make sure you're eating the right nutrients. You can also take supplements, such as biotin or vitamin B7.
Yes, in some cases brittle hair and nails can be a sign of more severe internal problems, such as hypothyroidism or anaemia. If you're concerned, speak to your doctor.
