In this article, we will go through ways to care for dry, brittle hair and nails. Dry hair occurs when the hair does not receive enough moisture or does not hold back. It will reduce its shine and can make it appear frizzy and dull. Dry hair can affect men and women of all ages, but you’re more likely to develop it as you age. Your hair is made up of three layers. When your hair is healthy, the natural oils in the outer layer protect the inner layers. They also reflect light and make your hair look shiny. When your hair is dry, the outer layer breaks down, making it look dull and unhealthy.
Fingernails and toenails are made of keratin, a tough, vital protein found in hair and skin. Structurally, your nails are made up of several components. First, the nail plate is the visible nail you see when you look at your fingers or toes. Underneath is the nail bed, a layer of delicate skin anchored to the nail plate on all three sides. There are nail folds from the nail bed that relate to the skin that surrounds and “folds” the nails. Inside the nail plate are the cuticle and lunula, the former being the tissue that connects to the nail fold and nail plate, and the latter being the whitish crescent-shaped area found at the base of the nail. The nails grow under the cuticle in a place called the “womb.” They develop an average of just 0.1 millimeters per day, a tenth of an inch per month.
Ways to care for dry, brittle hair
How to take care of your hair
Get a new haircut
If your hair is too dry, you may need to get a new cut. Even if your hair isn’t very long, split ends can make it difficult to style and make it feel dry or rough to the touch. Cut unhealthy hair that is putting a strain on new hair growth. Ask your stylist for advice on your particular hair type and length.
Switch to a shampoo and conditioner designed to care for dry, brittle hair.
These are made with hair-supportive ingredients like antioxidants, proteins, and moisturizing oils to help restore your hair to healthy condition and strength.
Dietary Changes
When a person’s diet has made their hair lose strength, you can try eating foods that will strengthen the hair again. These foods include foods high in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, iron, biotin, and zinc.
Ways to care for dry, brittle nails
how to take care of your nails
If you want to strengthen your nails, there are several simple and inexpensive options:
Moisturizing:
Try a specific nail oil or hand lotion with alpha hydroxy acid or lanolin. If the nails are soft but brittle, they may be too wet. So cut down on the moisturizer.
Limit manicures:
To strengthen brittle nails, limit the number of manicures to avoid exposing the nails to the chemicals in nail polish and nail polish removers. In particular, avoid acetone nail polish remover.
Avoid alcohol-based disinfectants:
Hand sanitizer is a convenient way to keep germs out when soap and water aren’t available. But alcohol can dry out your nails and skin.
Get a paraffin bath:
A paraffin bath at home soothes and hydrates nails and hands as a soothing nail treatment. Soak your hands in the bathtub for 10 to 20 minutes. Let the wax dry before peeling it off. Use gloves. Wear rubber gloves when washing the dishes or doing housework to protect your nails.
Take a collagen or biotin supplement.
Studies show that collagen supplements can support healthy nail growth. One study found that nail health remained better in patients who took collagen daily for 24 weeks, including faster growth rates, less breakage, and better looks. The same goes for biotin, a form of vitamin B that is often used in hair restorers. Biotin has been shown to promote nail thickness and strength. If nail growth is a common problem for you, collagen supplements can help.
