Isla Bennett
Hair and nails are made mostly of a protein called keratin, which is produced by matrix cells below the skin. These cells divide, pushing older cells forward, resulting in the growth of hair and nails. While hair and nails can grow to impressive lengths if left unchecked, several factors can cause them to slow down or stop growing temporarily. These factors include age, genetics, hormones, and nutrition, and health conditions. For example, with age, hair follicles may stop producing new hair, leading to hair thinning and baldness. Similarly, nail growth can be affected by conditions like iron deficiency, kidney disease, and nutritional deficiencies, resulting in brittle nails or changes in shape and colour.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Age | Younger people generally have faster growth rates because of the slowing metabolism and cell division that comes with ageing. |
| Genetics | Genetics have the biggest impact on growth speed. |
| Hormones | Pregnancy often accelerates hair and nail growth rates, while menopause and high levels of the stress hormone cortisol can slow growth rates. |
| Nutrition | Nutritional deficiencies may contribute to hair loss and nail breakage by disrupting their growth cycle or weakening their structure. |
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What You'll Learn
Ageing
In addition to colour, the texture and thickness of hair also undergo alterations with age. The thick, coarse hair of youth transforms into thin, fine, and light-coloured hair. Many hair follicles cease producing new hairs, leading to hair loss and baldness. Men often experience male-pattern baldness, with hair loss at the temples or the top of the head, and by age 60, they may have significant hair loss. Women can also develop female-pattern baldness, characterised by reduced hair density and scalp visibility.
Nails, too, are subject to the ageing process. They grow more slowly and exhibit signs of dullness and brittleness. The colour may change, becoming yellowed and opaque. Toenails, in particular, can pose issues, tending to thicken and harden, which increases the likelihood of ingrown toenails. Fingernails may develop lengthwise ridges, and their tips may break more easily.
The slowing of hair and nail growth with age is attributed to a combination of factors, including a decrease in cell division and metabolism. Additionally, hormonal changes, such as those during menopause, can further slow down growth rates. While ageing is a primary factor, nutrient deficiencies, particularly in iron and zinc, can also contribute to hair loss and nail breakage, exacerbating the effects of ageing.
It is worth noting that while hair and nails may appear to continue growing after death, this is due to the dehydration and shrinking of the body, causing the skin to retract and giving the illusion of longer hair and nails.
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Nutritional deficiencies
Protein deficiency can cause brittle nails and dull hair. It can also lead to more serious conditions like Kwashiorkor and Marasmus, resulting in soft, thin nails and impaired nail growth. Ensuring that you include quality protein, such as fish, chicken, meat, eggs, or dairy, at every meal and snack is essential for maintaining strong hair and nails.
Vitamin and mineral deficiencies can also play a role in nail health. For example, biotin (vitamin B7) promotes healthy cell growth and aids in the metabolism of protein-building amino acids, which are crucial for nail growth. A biotin deficiency can lead to brittle nails. Similarly, folate (vitamin B9) contributes to red blood cell formation and new cell development, and a deficiency can cause nail pigmentation changes and make nails brittle. Vitamin B12 plays a role in iron absorption and red blood cell development, and a deficiency can result in blue nails with dark streaks. Iron deficiency can lead to spoon-shaped nails and brittle nails. Zinc is required for healthy nail growth, and a deficiency can cause white spots on the nails.
In addition to the above, maintaining adequate levels of healthy fats is crucial for hair and nail health. A fat-free or low-fat diet can lead to poor nail and hair growth. Consuming healthy fats like olive oil, coconut oil, nuts, seeds, and avocados ensures the health of cell membranes in the body and promotes stronger, shinier hair and less brittle nails.
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Genetics
Hormonal changes can also influence hair and nail growth. During pregnancy, elevated levels of hormones such as estrogen and progesterone can accelerate growth, making hair and nails grow faster and sometimes thicker. On the other hand, as people age, decreasing hormone levels often lead to slower growth rates, increased hair thinning, and nail brittleness.
Additionally, environmental factors play a role in growth rates. Warmer climates and seasons tend to promote faster growth due to improved blood circulation, which enhances metabolism and nutrient delivery to the nail beds.
Finally, while hair and nails can grow to impressive lengths if left unchecked, it is important to note that they do not continue to grow indefinitely after death. The appearance of growth after death is due to the dehydration of the body, causing the skin to shrink and making the hair and nails seem longer.
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Hormones
Androgen hormones, such as testosterone, DHEA, and DHT, are also key factors in hair growth. Higher levels of testosterone and DHT can lead to hair loss and can also result in the growth of unwanted body hair. In women, higher levels of these hormones are often associated with PCOS, insulin resistance, or a post-pill androgen surge. In men, baldness is related to the function of testosterone, known as male-pattern baldness.
Progesterone decreases the conversion of testosterone into DHT, and prolactin (PRL) has also been shown to influence hair growth. The influence of hormones on hair growth varies depending on the location of the hair on the body.
Hormonal changes during menopause can cause hair texture and manageability to change, and hair loss to increase. Lower levels of oestrogen during menopause can cause nails to dry out and break, exposing the nail bed to potential infection.
Pregnancy, a time of high hormone levels, often accelerates hair and nail growth rates. Cushing's syndrome, which is caused by high levels of the hormone cortisol, can slow growth rates.
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Illness
Nutritional status also plays a role in hair and nail growth during illness. Deficiencies in vitamins and minerals, such as iron, zinc, and vitamins A, C, and E, can weaken hair and nail growth. In severe cases, nutritional deficiencies can even lead to hair loss and brittle nails. A well-balanced diet, rich in these essential nutrients, supports the robust growth of hair and nails by providing the necessary building blocks for cell renewal and repair.
Additionally, certain illnesses can cause specific changes in nail growth. For instance, yellow nail syndrome, characterised by yellow, thickened nails that seem to stop growing, can indicate underlying lung disease or rheumatoid arthritis. Deep grooves or gaps that run across the width of the nail, known as Beau lines, signify that something temporarily halted nail growth, resulting in a noticeable gap.
It is important to note that not all nail changes are indicative of a disease. However, if you notice persistent or concerning changes in your nails, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist or your primary care physician. They can help determine whether the changes are harmless or require further medical evaluation.
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Frequently asked questions
Hair and nails can stop growing due to various reasons, including age, genetics, hormones, nutrition, and health problems. Ageing causes hair follicles to stop producing new hair and nails to grow more slowly.
Ageing slows down the metabolism and cell division, leading to slower growth of hair and nails. The hair becomes thinner, finer, and lighter in colour, and many hair follicles stop producing new hairs, leading to baldness. Nails also grow more slowly and become dull, brittle, and opaque with age.
Nutritional deficiencies can disrupt the growth cycle of hair and nails, leading to hair loss and nail breakage. For example, iron and zinc deficiencies have been linked to hair loss and brittle nails.
No, the growth rate of hair and nails varies between individuals but tends to be consistent among family members, especially identical twins.
Yes, certain health issues can cause hair and nail growth to slow down or stop temporarily. For example, a fever, injury, chemotherapy, or major stress can cause nails to stop growing temporarily.
