Caleb Foster
Hair and nail growth can be affected by a variety of factors, including age, genetics, health, and lifestyle choices. For example, as people age, hair tends to grey and nails tend to grow more slowly and become more brittle. Additionally, certain lifestyle choices such as diet, supplements, and the use of nail products can impact hair and nail growth. Furthermore, underlying health issues, such as nutritional deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, and medical conditions, can also play a role in hair and nail growth. In some cases, hair and nail growth may be affected by certain medications or treatments, such as chemotherapy. While hair and nail growth are influenced by a combination of factors, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and addressing any underlying health issues can help support optimal growth.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nails and hair stop growing | Onychomadesis |
| Reasons | Trauma, disease, lifestyle changes, chemotherapy, hormonal imbalance, aging, nutritional deficiencies, dehydration, etc. |
| Nutritional deficiencies | Zinc, protein, iron, omega fats, biotin, selenium, sulfur, amino acids, etc. |
| Effects of nutritional deficiencies | Dry, shedding hair, weak nails, hair thinning/loss, dry skin, wrinkles, brittle nails, etc. |
| Dehydration effects | Dry skin, brittle nails |
| Aging effects | Hair color change, hair loss, nails grow more slowly, nails become dull, brittle, yellowed, opaque, hard, thick, etc. |
| Other effects | Fungal infections, nail infections, melanoma, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Diet and nutrition deficiencies
Diet and nutritional deficiencies can have a significant impact on hair and nail health. Nutritional deficiencies can disrupt the normal cycling of hair follicles, leading to visible changes in hair structure, texture, and viability. Similarly, nails may become brittle and discoloured due to a lack of essential nutrients.
Vitamin and mineral deficiencies are among the most common causes of hair and nail growth issues. Iron deficiency, for example, is linked to a rapid form of hair loss called telogen effluvium, where iron stores in the hair follicle are diverted to other areas of the body. Research has shown that people with hair loss tend to have lower iron levels in their blood and hair. Vitamin D deficiency has also been associated with hair loss, with low vitamin D levels found in nearly 80% of people experiencing hair loss in one study. Other vitamin deficiencies linked to hair loss include vitamin B12, which is essential for rapid cell division and growth, and vitamin B6, which plays a vital role in hair follicle health.
In addition to vitamins, mineral deficiencies can also contribute to hair and nail growth issues. Zinc, for instance, is necessary for hair follicle function, and a zinc deficiency can lead to hair loss. Selenium is another important mineral, but excessive intake can lead to selenium toxicity, resulting in symptoms such as hair loss and nail brittleness.
While nutritional deficiencies can impact hair and nail growth, it is important to note that supplementing with certain vitamins or minerals without a diagnosed deficiency can be harmful. Excessive intake of vitamin A, for example, can lead to increased hair loss and nail changes. Similarly, too much biotin (vitamin B7) can interfere with lab tests and potentially lead to hair loss. Therefore, it is always recommended to consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement treatment and to address nutritional deficiencies through diet whenever possible.
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Dehydration and lack of moisture
Dehydration can negatively impact hair and nail growth. Water is one of the best supplements for a healthy body, and it is important to drink enough water to keep hair and nails healthy. The general rule of thumb is to drink eight cups of water per day, although this may vary depending on body weight and activity level. If you feel thirsty, it is a sign that you are dehydrated.
Dehydration can cause hair to become dull and less healthy-looking. In severe cases of dehydration, hair can become thin, brittle, and dry, breaking off easily. This is because hair needs moisture and vitamins to stay healthy. When dehydrated, the body prioritizes critical functions, leaving hair without the moisture it needs. Water makes up one-quarter of a healthy strand of hair, so dehydration leads to hair losing strength and volume. Severe dehydration may even accelerate hair loss.
Similarly, dehydration can cause nails to become brittle and fragile. Nails are primarily made of keratin, and a diet with sufficient keratin is important for nail growth. However, without proper hydration, nails can become dry and brittle.
To combat dehydration, it is important to drink enough water and keep hair and nails moisturized.
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Ageing and genetics
In addition to colour, the texture and growth rate of hair are also affected by ageing. Hair strands tend to become finer and thinner, resulting in less dense hair. The rate of hair growth slows down, and many hair follicles may cease producing new hair altogether, leading to hair loss and potential baldness. Men, in particular, may exhibit signs of baldness by their 30s, with a significant proportion becoming nearly bald by their 60s. This phenomenon is known as male-pattern baldness and is associated with the male hormone testosterone. Women may also experience a similar type of baldness, known as female-pattern baldness, where hair becomes less dense, and the scalp becomes more visible.
Nails, similar to hair, undergo changes with age. One of the most common alterations is a decrease in growth rate. Nails may also become dull, brittle, and prone to breaking. They can develop a yellowish or opaque discolouration and may become thicker and harder, especially toenails. Additionally, the development of lengthwise ridges on fingernails and toenails is a typical sign of ageing. These ridges, known as longitudinal melanonychia, are more prevalent in darker-skinned individuals such as Hispanics and African Americans. They are formed by the same melanin pigment responsible for hair colour.
While nail changes are often a normal part of ageing, they can also indicate underlying health issues. For example, nutritional deficiencies, particularly iron deficiency, or kidney disease may manifest as changes in nail shape, texture, or colour. Therefore, it is essential to consult a healthcare provider if you notice pits, ridges, lines, or other unusual alterations in your nails.
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Medical conditions and treatments
Onychomadesis is a clinical observation that your nails have stopped growing. It is not a disease in itself but an indication that something is wrong. It could be caused by trauma, disease, or lifestyle changes. Chemotherapy, for instance, affects nail growth as it targets rapidly dividing cells, which include nail matrices.
Nails that have stopped growing could also be a sign of nutritional deficiencies, such as a lack of zinc, protein, iron, omega fats, or vitamin B12. Consuming more eggs, salmon, sweet potatoes, onions, mangoes, kale, and garlic can help strengthen nails and increase hair growth.
A change in colour, texture, or shape can also be a sign of disease. For instance, yellow nails could indicate lung disease or rheumatoid arthritis, while a new or changing dark streak could be a sign of melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer.
Other medical conditions that could affect nail growth include thyroid problems and hormonal imbalances.
If you are concerned about your nail or hair growth, it is important to consult a medical professional.
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Lifestyle factors
Nutrient deficiencies, particularly of zinc, iron, vitamin B12, and omega fats, can hinder hair and nail growth. Zinc is necessary for stabilizing proteins, and a deficiency can affect the body's ability to form keratin. Iron is crucial for hair follicle health, and a lack of it can lead to hair loss and brittle nails. Vitamin B12 supports cell reproduction and metabolism, contributing to healthy hair and nails. Omega fats are essential for maintaining overall health, including that of hair and nails.
Consuming a balanced diet rich in whole, raw, alkalizing, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant-rich, nutrient-dense, organic, and naturally-grown/raised foods can promote hair and nail growth. Additionally, staying hydrated is vital, as dehydration can lead to dry skin and brittle nails.
External factors, such as frequent wetting of nails and the use of nail products like acrylics, can also impact nail health and growth. Allowing nails to breathe and avoiding excessive exposure to water can help maintain their strength.
Hormonal imbalances, particularly of estrogen and testosterone, can also influence hair and nail growth. These imbalances can result from an overloaded liver, overexposure to hormone mimickers, or natural processes like puberty and perimenopause.
Finally, stress and lack of sleep can contribute to hair and nail growth issues. High levels of stress and insufficient sleep can lead to increased production of cortisol, the "chronic stress" hormone, which can have detrimental effects on overall health, including hair and nail growth.
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