There's no doubt that the winter months are tough on our bodies and minds. It's reflected in everything from our skin and hair to our nails. You asked us a bunch of questions about your hair, skin, and nails and we thought we'd answer a few of them here.
I've got lifeless hair that's breaking. What can I do?
Dull hair can be caused by a lot of things. It's a good idea to keep track of a few factors if it's really bothering you. Keep a journal for a couple of weeks and ask yourself these questions:
- What's my diet like?
- Do I lack any key nutrients?*
- Did I recently change any products or use too many?
- Has my hair been treated with harsh chemicals?
- Am I using too much heat on your hair?
- Does my hair get duller during certain times of the month?
If you keep track of how these things affect the appearance of your hair, you'll be able to pinpoint the problem.
*Make sure you're getting enough vitamins A, B vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, iron, zinc, and protein.
What's up with my peeling nails?
You can tell a lot about your health by looking at your nails. If you're really worried, you should talk to your doctor, but here are some other things to consider:
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WHAT MIGHT BE THE CAUSE? |
WHAT YOU CAN DO |
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Have you been washing your hands a lot lately? |
Over the past few years, we've all been doing this a lot, and it can lead to dry nails. Applying natural oil-based moisturisers can help protect your skin and nails. |
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Do the products you use have harsh chemicals in them? |
Wear gloves when you're using strong cleaners or doing any tasks involving chemicals or dyes. |
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Do you eat a balanced diet? |
Often peeling nails are a sign of low calcium and iron, vitamin D, and B vitamin deficiencies. Make sure you eat a healthy diet that's rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. |
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Do you get manicures a lot? |
Too much buffing, extensions, or polish can lead to thin, brittle nails. Give it a few weeks and see if they improve. |
Is a high-protein diet good for your hair, skin, and nails?
Our hair, skin, and nails are mostly protein. A combination of keratin, collagen, and elastin prevents wrinkles and gives our skin strength and elasticity.
Hair and nails are more brittle and grow slower when you eat low-protein diets. Fortunately, most of us* get plenty of protein from meat, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and dairy foods... so it might not be necessary to change your diet.
It's important to note that too much protein can be bad. Include at least one serving of lean meat, poultry, seafood, legumes, eggs, and two low-fat dairy products every day to get skin, hair, and nails that look great.
*You might want to consider a protein supplement if you don't eat meat or dairy products.
What's a good multivitamin or supplement to help my hair, skin, and nails?
Here are a few supplements that we love for improving the health of nails, skin, and hair:
▪ BioCare Hair and Nail Complex
This is a multivitamin and mineral complex with lysine and horsetail extract. Zinc and biotin keep hair and nails healthy, while copper helps hair pigment.
"For me I have definitely seen a difference in my hair after 12 weeks use" - JB
▪ Designs for Health H-S-N Complete (Hair, Skin & Nails Support)
A wide array of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and botanicals that work together to provide the building blocks the body needs for healthy hair, skin, and nails. Also available as a powder.
"I love this product! I am already on my third jar! It tastes good and dissolves so well in a glass of water. But most of all it really works!" - Mimi
▪ Wild Nutrition Skin Hair & Nails
A unique complex of botanicals and nutrients that support skin pigmentation, collagen production, sun protection, strong hair and nails.
"Manicurist asked if I was taking supplements, as my nails had improved and were stronger - says it all really." - Linda
▪ Amy Myers MD Radiance (Hair, Skin & Nails)
Radiance is a blend of vitamins, botanicals, and amino acids specially formulated to give you thicker, lustrous hair, plumper skin, and strong, vibrant nails.
"Love this product! I am noticing a huge difference in my nails after 30 days!" - Julie
Can you tell me what the best collagen supplement is?
Food should always take priority over supplements, but if you have trouble getting more protein into your diet, you may want to consider a collagen supplement. Here are a few things to take into consideration:
▪ Pick a collagen protein that has the fewest ingredients. You just want collagen protein isolate.
▪ Avoid added sugar. Usually, flavoured collagen drinks have added sugars, which can upset your GI tract or just add unnecessary calories. Try the plain version and see what you think. It's easy to add your own natural flavours or sweeteners.
▪ Get them from a reputable source. Make sure any supplements you take are of the highest quality and don't have fillers. Here at Supplement Hub, our practitioners handpick every product.
Keep taking that collagen supplement if you're trying it. You might not notice the health benefits for two or three months.