Isla Bennett
Hair and nails are made of a tough protein called keratin, which is also present in animal hooves and skin. Nails and hair grow out from a matrix, which is known as the hair follicle in hair. Nails and hair protect the body and help to regulate body temperature. Nails also increase dexterity and sensitivity, which is useful for crafting, manipulating, and using tools. The growth of hair and nails can be impacted by diet, with vitamins A, E, and D; iron; healthy fats; carbohydrates; and protein being especially important for their health.
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What You'll Learn
Hair and nails are made of keratin, a strong protein
Keratin in the skin's outer layer helps create a protective barrier, and the epidermis is replaced every 28 days, aiding in the healing of cuts and scrapes. Nails and hair contain mostly keratin, which protects the body and enhances the sense of touch. Keratinisation is the process by which nails form. As the nail cells accumulate, the nail pushes forward, and the older cells flatten and harden to form the nail plate.
Hair growth occurs when new cells are formed at the base of the root and multiply to form a rod of tissue in the skin. These cells produce keratin, which hardens the structure as it is pushed up the follicle and through the skin's surface as a hair shaft. The hair follicle is a structure in the skin that makes and grows hair. Hair is primarily protein, and consuming adequate protein is necessary for hair growth.
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Nails grow from a root, or matrix, of living cells
Hair and nails are made from a strong protein called keratin. Keratin is also present in animal hooves and skin. In fact, hair and nails are modified types of skin. The only living, actively growing parts of hair and nails are located underneath the skin.
The skin below the nail is the matrix. The larger part of the nail, the nail plate, looks pink because of the network of tiny blood vessels in the underlying dermis. The whitish crescent-shaped area at the base of the nail is the lunula.
Like hair, nails grow faster in summer than in winter. Fingernails grow at a rate of about 1/8 inch per month, while toenails grow at about half that rate.
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Hair grows from follicles, with new cells pushing out older ones
Hair and nails are made from a strong protein called keratin, which is also present in animal hooves and skin. The only living, actively growing part of hair and nails is located underneath the skin. In hair, this matrix is known as the hair follicle. The hair on our heads keeps us warm by preserving heat. Hair in the nose, ears, and around the eyes protects these sensitive areas from dust and other small particles. Eyebrows and eyelashes protect the eyes by decreasing the amount of light and particles that go into them. The fine hair that covers our bodies provides warmth and protects the skin.
Nails also grow in a similar fashion. As with hair, nails form by keratinization. Nails start out as living cells, and behind the cuticles on fingers and toes, just beneath the skin, a structure called the "root" produces living cells that go on to form the nail. This root is also known as the matrix, a little pocket of flesh that connects to blood vessels, which supply the nail with the nutrients it needs to make new cells. As keratin cells form at the root, they are slowly pushed forward by newly formed cells jostling for space behind them. Edged out from beneath the skin and into the open, the older cells flatten and harden to form the tough shield of the nail plate. Nails grow because the cells are constantly being produced, just like the majority of cells in our body constantly churn out fresh, new versions of themselves.
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Nails and hair protect the body and enhance the sense of touch
Hair and nails are made of a tough, dead substance called keratin, a type of protein that's a basic component of hair, skin, and nails. Keratin in the skin's outer layer helps create a protective barrier. Nails and hair protect the body and enhance the sense of touch.
The hair on our heads keeps us warm by preserving heat. Hair in the nose, ears, and around the eyes protects these sensitive areas from dust and other small particles. Eyebrows and eyelashes protect the eyes by decreasing the amount of light and particles that go into them. The fine hair that covers the body provides warmth and protects the skin.
Nails, on the other hand, are crucial for dexterity, sensitivity, and grip. They are especially useful for climbing and manipulating objects. Nails also protect the sensitive tips of our fingers.
As we age, our hair and nails change. Hair colour change is one of the clearest signs of ageing. Hair colour is due to a pigment called melanin, which hair follicles produce. With ageing, the follicles make less melanin, causing hair to turn grey. Body and facial hair may also turn grey, but this often happens later than scalp hair. Nails also change with age, growing more slowly and may become dull, brittle, and yellowed.
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Diet and nutrition impact hair and nail growth and strength
Diet and nutrition play a significant role in hair and nail growth and strength. Hair and nails are made of a strong protein called keratin, which is produced by the body when the right amount of nutrients are consumed. A diet rich in protein is essential for hair growth, as keratin is a type of protein. Therefore, consuming the recommended amount of protein is crucial for hair and nail health.
Healthy fats are also important for maintaining hair and nail strength. They help lock in moisture, keeping the hair and nails hydrated and supple. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in seafood, can reduce inflammation and redness in the body and skin, promoting healthy hair and skin. Vitamins A, C, and E are also important for hair, skin, and nail health. A balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats can provide the necessary nutrients for optimal hair and nail health.
In addition to a balanced diet, certain supplements may be beneficial for hair and nail growth. However, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider before taking any supplements, as consuming too much or too little of certain vitamins or nutrients can have negative effects on health. For example, an excess of zinc can lead to a depletion of copper, which is important for bone health. Similarly, an excess of copper can deplete zinc. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain a balanced intake of nutrients to support hair and nail growth and strength.
Restricting calories can also impact hair and nail health. Drastically reducing calorie intake can result in a deficiency of essential nutrients, especially healthy fats and proteins, which are crucial for hair and nail growth. Overall, a well-balanced diet that includes a variety of nutrient-rich foods is the best way to promote healthy hair and nail growth and strength.
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Frequently asked questions
Hair and nails grow because of a strong protein called keratin, which is also present in animal hooves and skin. The newer cells cause older cells to become compacted and form keratin proteins, which harden into the hair fibre or nail that we see. Nails grow because the cells are constantly being produced.
Keratin is a type of protein that is a basic component of hair, skin and nails. Keratin in the skin's outer layer helps create a protective barrier.
Nails form by keratinisation. As the nail cells accumulate, the nail pushes forward. The skin below the nail is the matrix. Similarly, hair grows by forming new cells at the base of the root. These cells multiply to form a rod of tissue in the skin, which moves upward through the skin as new cells form beneath them.
As we age, our hair and nails begin to change. Hair follicles are no longer as prepared for new hair growth, and nails grow more slowly and may become dull and brittle.
Hair and nails help protect our bodies and keep our body temperature steady. Nails help us accomplish tasks that require dexterity, sensitivity and a powerful grip, such as crafting and manipulating tools.
