Avoid irritating products and add minerals that favour the production of keratin

Fragile hair and soft, brittle nails are usually a consequence of inadequate diet, of not receiving the necessary nutrients.

However, the fragile nature of these parts of the body can also be a symptom of anaemia, diabetes or a thyroid disorder.

Tips to strengthen hair and nails

1. Avoid aggressions. Use shower gels and shampoos without parabens, paraffin or phthalates that can be harmful. Reduce the use of hairdryers and hot tools as much as possible. With regards to nails, try to reduce the use of nail varnish and exposure to the action of cleaning products.
2. Their food. Nails and hair get their nutrients from vitamin B7 or biotin, which is present in meats, eggs, seeds and spinach. They also need sulphur (chicken, milk, garlic, broccoli, fish), zinc (seafood, lean meats) and iron (pulses, nuts). These minerals intervene in the production of keratin, a protein that protects all of the skin.
3. Don’t stop. Activate your blood flow by avoiding a sedentary lifestyle and doing physical exercise (30 minutes 5 times a week is enough). If you improve your circulation, your hair and nails will be well nourished and will receive oxygen and nutrients with greater ease.
4. Disconnect. It is proven that stress is related to hair loss and weak nails (and the appearance of ridges). Conscious breathing exercises and meditation are good tools for managing this.
5. Drink water. Drink enough liquid every day to keep them hydrated. You can also use olive oil to massage your hair and nails, as this favours hydration, brings flexibility to the cell membranes and protects them from aggression.

This post is also available in: Portuguese (Portugal)