Healthy hair and nails require this regimen: Dermatologist shares top secrets for lustrous mane, shiny nails

Our hair and nail is not “merely dead tissue” as some people may want us to believe. Nails and hair reflect our overall health, which is why proper nail and hair care is so important. Here are tips for keeping your nails healthy from Dr Deepa Krishnamurthy, Consultant, Dermatology and Cosmetology, Columbia Asia Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore.

HAIR

If you have to deal with scruffy or thick hair, don’t worry. A few simple tips will help you get that shiny, smooth hair that you need. Healthy hair requires commitment. Hair is exposed to a lot of external factors on a daily basis leading to its damage.

All of us have good hair days as well as bad hair days. Good hair is not just dependent on genetics, diet, water, weather, dirt. Your hair care routine also plays an important role in maintaining good hair. Well, let us see how to maintain our hair healthy.

1. Understand your hair: Know your hair type, texture, shampoos, and products which suit your hair and scalp. Every hair and scalp type is different, and you need to individualize your products.

2. Hair wash: How often must you wash your hair? If your scalp is oily, you may need to wash it often. Some may have to wash it daily. If you have chemically treated hair, your hair may be drier, so you may want to wash it less frequently. As you get older, your scalp produces less oil, so you may not need to shampoo as often. But if you see flakes in your hair, you may not be shampooing enough. This can lead to dandruff and other scalp diseases.

3. The right shampoo: Choosing the right shampoo is very important. Choose products that are right for your hair type and solve any concerns such as dandruff. Try to avoid shampoos with harsh ingredients, such as ammonium lauryl sulphate or sodium lauryl sulphate.

4. The right use of conditioner: Using a conditioner can significantly improve the look of damaged or weathered hair by increasing shine, decreasing static electricity, improving strength, and offering some protection from harmful UV rays. Use the conditioner on the tips of the hair.

5. Hair maintenance: It is preferred to air dry hair after washing. If using a dryer maintain low heat settings. Cut the tips regularly to avoid split ends

6. Eating the right diet: High protein diet is needed for healthy hair. Meat, poultry, fish, beans, low-fat dairy products, eggs, etc are good sources of protein. Avoid fads such as crash dieting as such actions also lead to hair fall.

NAILS:

Nails reflect our overall health, which is why proper nail care is crucial. Here are some of the things that you need to incorporate in your nail care regimen to get the best results:

1. Keep nails clean and dry to prevent bacterial and fungal infections.

2. Trim nails regularly for maintaining healthy nails. Round the nails slightly at the tips and corners for maximum strength.

3. Do not bite fingernails or remove the cuticle. It can damage the nail and lead to infections. Keep the nails and cuticles moisturised.

4. Trim toenails regularly. Keeping them short will minimise the risk of trauma and injury. Wear shoes that fit properly.

5. Minimise manicures and pedicures. Care for hand and feet nails with lesser chemicals and abrasion.

6. Dietary supplements like biotin also help in healthy nails.

7. Stay vigilant and consult a dermatologist in case you observe any change in colour, shape, ingrowth, bleeding, swelling, pain in the nails.

Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a professional healthcare provider if you have any specific questions about any medical matter.