Can Lack of Sleep Cause Hair Loss? Here are the Ins and Outs of Hair Loss and Nail Breakage

Published on: May 07, 2023 / Last Updated on: Mar 31, 2024 / REGENERATIVE MEDICINE
Can Lack of Sleep Cause Hair Loss? Here are the Ins and Outs of Hair Loss and Nail Breakage

Have you ever noticed that your hair is falling out more than usual or that your nails are breaking more frequently? Hair loss and nail breakage can be frustrating and often indicate an underlying issue. Understanding the main causes of hair loss and nail breakage can help you take the necessary steps to prevent further damage and promote overall hair and nail health.

Hair and nails are made up of keratin, a type of protein that provides strength and durability for several parts of the skin’s outer layer. Both hair and nails can be affected by a variety of factors, such as genetics, diet, and lifestyle. In this article, we will explore the main causes of hair loss and nail breakage along with tips on how to prevent and treat these issues.

What Are The Main Causes of Hair Loss and Nail Breakage?

Underlying causes of hair loss and nail breakage

It's no secret that our hair and nails play a significant role in our overall appearance. However, many of us may not realize that they also reflect our health and the underlying issues at the root of the cause. In fact, certain habits and conditions can lead to hair loss and brittle nails. Here are some general and specific causes of poor hair and nail health.

Causes of Hair Loss

  • Genetics: Family history plays a significant role in hair loss patterns, with conditions like male and female pattern baldness often running in families.

  • Hormonal Changes: Fluctuations in hormone levels, such as those experienced during pregnancy, menopause, or thyroid disorders, can contribute to hair loss.

  • Medical Conditions: Certain conditions like alopecia areata, scalp infections, and autoimmune diseases can lead to hair loss.

  • Nutritional Deficiencies: Inadequate intake of essential nutrients like iron, protein, and vitamins can impact hair health and lead to shedding.

  • Stress and Anxiety: Psychological stress triggers hair loss through mechanisms like telogen effluvium, where hair prematurely enters the shedding phase.

  • Medications and Treatments: Some medications and medical treatments, such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and certain prescription drugs, can cause temporary or permanent hair loss as a side effect.

  • Hair Styling Practices: Overuse of heat styling tools, tight hairstyles (like ponytails or braids), and chemical treatments (such as bleaching or perming) can damage the hair shaft and contribute to breakage and thinning.

Causes of Nail Breakage

  • Nutritional Deficiencies: Inadequate intake of essential nutrients like biotin, iron, and protein can affect nail strength and resilience.

  • Excessive Moisture Exposure: Prolonged exposure to water, such as frequent hand washing or soaking nails in hot water, can weaken the nails and make them more prone to breakage.

  • Nail Trauma: Physical trauma or injury to the nails, such as biting or picking, can cause them to weaken and break.

  • Underlying Health Conditions: Certain medical conditions like thyroid disorders, psoriasis, and fungal infections can affect nail health.

  • Harsh Chemicals: Exposure to harsh chemicals in cleaning products, nail polish removers, and acrylic nails can weaken and damage the nails over time.

  • Age: As people age, their nails may become thinner and more brittle due to changes in the nail matrix and decreased blood flow to the nail bed.

  • Improper Nail Care: Poor nail care habits, such as using nails as tools or neglecting to moisturize the nails and cuticles, can contribute to breakage and brittleness.

How Can You Prevent Hair Loss and Nail Breakage?

IV infusion for hair loss and nail breakage

There are many products and treatments on the market for hair loss and nail breakage, but many require extensive use or provide very little effect. The most important thing for hair loss and nail breakage is addressing the root of the problem, typically being one of the underlying issues mentioned above.

As far as vitamin and mineral deficiencies, one of the most effective treatments for delivering all the essential micronutrients directly into the body with ease and efficiency is IV infusion therapy. IV infusion therapy is the intravenous method of administering all the vitamins, minerals, amino acids, antioxidants, and hydration your body needs. It’s an effective treatment for many conditions such as hangovers, migraine headaches, immune support, detoxification, and anti-aging.

IV infusion therapy for hair and nail health is another popular use that works perfectly for addressing vitamin deficiencies. IV infusion therapy delivers all micronutrients directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive tract and ensuring that all the benefits are received. Here is a list of some of the vitamins in infusion drips that can help with hair and nail health:

  • Vitamin A for Collagen Production, Skin Hydration, and Elasticity: Vitamin A is a powerful antioxidant that is essential for healthy skin. It is responsible for collagen production, which helps keep your skin firm and elastic. Additionally, vitamin A aids in skin hydration, preventing dryness and flakiness.

  • Vitamin B3 for Nail and Hair Thickness: Vitamin B3, also known as niacin, is crucial for healthy hair growth. It improves the thickness of nails and hair, preventing breakage and brittleness.

  • Vitamin B6 for Amino Acid Conversion and Hair Thickening: Vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine, is essential for amino acid conversion, which is required to produce keratin. Keratin is a protein that makes up your hair, skin, and nails. Adequate levels of vitamin B6 can help thicken hair strands, making them less prone to breakage.

  • Vitamin B7 for Hair and Nail Growth: Vitamin B7, or biotin, is a popular supplement that may help boost hair and nail growth. Biotin deficiencies are rare, but supplementing with this vitamin can help support healthy hair and nail growth.

  • Vitamin B9 for Follicle Cell Growth: Vitamin B9, or folate, is necessary for new cell growth and division, including follicle cells that promote hair growth. This vitamin is essential for healthy hair growth.

  • Vitamin B12 for Hair Loss Prevention: Vitamin B12 is critical for the production of red blood cells and DNA. A deficiency in this vitamin can result in hair loss. Ensuring adequate levels of vitamin B12 can help prevent hair loss.

  • Vitamin C for Skin Pigmentation and Free Radical Defense: Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that helps fight free radicals, which can damage skin cells. It also aids in skin pigmentation, preventing dark spots and hyperpigmentation.

  • Vitamin E for Skin and Hair Protection: Vitamin E is another powerful antioxidant that helps protect your skin and hair from damage caused by free radicals. It is commonly found in many skincare and hair care products because it moisturizes and nourishes. A 2010 trial discovered that vitamin E supplements can enhance hair growth in those with hair loss.

  • Zinc for Hair Dryness Reduction: Zinc is essential for healthy hair growth and can help reduce dryness and dandruff. It aids in the production of sebum, a natural oil produced by your scalp that helps keep your hair moisturized.

Conclusion

Hair loss and nail breakage can be frustrating, but understanding the main causes and taking steps to prevent further damage can help promote healthy growth. Whether it's genetics, nutritional deficiencies, stress, or harsh treatments, there is almost always an underlying cause and a way to fix it. If you are experiencing hair loss or nail breakage, it is important to see a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan. M Health and Beauty’s qualified healthcare professionals can help with hair loss and nail breakage and put you back on track toward your overall health and wellness.