Tired of thinning hair, hair loss and weak, brittle nails?
Then read on to discover our ultimate guide to hair and nails supplements, and how they can help you to look and feel your best.
Whether you are a beauty enthusiast or simply looking for natural ways to support healthy hair and nails, this guide will investigate the science behind these structures and the secrets to gaining lustrous hair and strong nails.
Diet and lifestyle are important factors in the health and quality of our hair and nails, and adding a combination of key vitamins, minerals and other nutrients can offer extra targeted support in these areas.
Human hair is made up of several different components including proteins, lipids, water, and trace minerals. The primary structural protein in hair is keratin, a fibrous protein that is also found in nails and the outer layer of the skin. Keratin is what gives hair its strength, elasticity and resilience.
Hair also contains lipids which moisturise and offer protection, water, which keeps it hydrated and maintains elasticity, and minerals such as calcium, iron, and zinc, which are important for maintaining healthy hair and scalp. Hair also contains collagen which gives it its elasticity.
Hair is made up of the hair shaft–or the part that can be seen above the scalp–which is made up of keratin, which is incredibly strong and resistant to wear and tear. The hair shaft consists of 3 layers:
The cuticle: The hair’s protective later, responsible for giving hair shine and protecting it from damage.
The cortex: Forms the main bulk and colour of hair, consisting of keratin and melanin. Its health depends on the integrity of the cuticle.
The medulla: The innermost layer of hair. It is only present in thicker hair,
Hair growth occurs in 3 stages: the anagen phase (growth phase), the catagen phase (transitional phase), and the telogen phase (resting phase). Each hair follicle goes through these phases independently. Hair on the scalp grows about 1 cm a month in healthy individuals.
Nail growth begins in the matrix where special skin cells form the nail plate, the nails are implanted beneath the skin by the nail root which fits under the proximal nail fold just above the matrix. The proximal nail fold protects the nail root and matrix. The nail plate is composed of dead keratin, in the nail matrix, keratinocytes are compacted and flattened as they push forward, and these cells form the hard nail plate.
Nails grow 1/8 to 1/4 of an inch per month depending on age and lifestyle factors. It takes 3-6 months for a nail to regrow completely. Nail growth is faster during youth, pregnancy, and in hot climates.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, incorporating food supplements, and adhering to a balanced diet are crucial factors in enhancing the health and quality of our hair and nails. These elements support the foundational structure and natural growth cycles essential for vitality.
Essential nutrients such as biotin–commonly referred to as vitamin B7–vitamin E, zinc, and proteins like collagen are pivotal for fostering strong and robust hair and nails. Embracing a holistic approach that combines these nutritional components can significantly contribute to their strength and health.
Hair loss and thinning may occur when oxidative stress disrupts the hair growth cycle, shortening the anagen phase or extending the telogen phase. This can be triggered by a variety of factors including:
- hormonal fluctuations
- particularly postpartum
- menopause
- poor diets
- stress
- smoking
Key nutrients, including vitamin B6, vitamin B2, folic acid, and nail vitamins, play a crucial role in combating oxidative stress and supporting healthy nails and normal hair growth.
Nutritional changes significantly affect hair growth. Fatty acids, alongside vitamins such as vitamin D, are vital for the hair growth cycle, and deficiencies in these areas can hinder keratin production, leading to inhibited hair growth and thinning hair.
As we age, our hair and nail growth slows down, leading to a more noticeable increase in hair loss and brittle nails. Hair thickness decreases with age too, and there can also be textural changes. These changes typically begin in our 30s and progress over time.
Frequent bleaching, dying, or using heat products on the hair increases the risk of hair loss due to damage. Similarly, frequent manicures, the use of nail polish, or artificial nails can result in damaged and brittle nails.
Other causes of hair loss and nail damage may include genetics, medical conditions, and side effects of certain medications.
Though we cannot alter the ageing process, extrinsic factors like stress, poor diet, smoking, UV damage, and excessive washing and drying of hands can contribute to hair and nail issues.
These are areas we can address to support the growth of healthy nails and maintain normal hair. Incorporating a diet rich in antioxidants, fatty acids, vitamin B6, vitamin B2, folic acid, and specific nail vitamins can help combat these factors, preventing hair and nail damage and promoting overall health.
There is a complex interplay of nutrients that help to support healthy hair and nails. The following nutrients play an important role:
Also known as vitamin B7, it is vital for keratin production, and supports healthy cell division and hair and nail growth. Some studies have found that biotin improves nail thickness and strength. You can find biotin in avocado, cauliflower, eggs, salmon, and sweet potatoes. Biotin deficiency can show up as skin rashes, hair loss and brittle nails.
Dry, brittle nails can be a symptom of anaemia. Iron also helps to support healthy hair follicles, so a deficiency can result in hair loss. Good sources include leafy greens, beef, pork, and dried fruit.
Needed for the formation of keratin. Zinc deficiency can cause hair loss, and discolouration and distortion of nails. Find it in oysters, poultry and red meat.
Amongst other benefits, the antioxidant effects of nutrients like vitamin E can help to protect hair and skin against free radical damage. Antioxidants like vitamin A help to protect against dry, brittle hair and nails, and vitamin C is important for collagen formation and can help to increase blood flow to the scalp, promoting healthy hair growth and preventing loss.
A skin, hair, and nails favourite for good reason, so what are the benefits of collagen for hair loss? Collagen is vital for structure throughout the body. As we age and collagen production decreases, hair follicles can weaken, and this can impede the hair's natural growth cycle leading to thinning and loss. It can also lead to brittle nails that chip, peel and split more easily. By reinforcing the body's collagen levels through diet or supplementation, you can support healthier hair and nails.
Keratin is a popular supplement for hair, skin, and nails. It is a protein, made up of different amino acids, and your body makes the keratin it needs from the protein in your diet. Vitamins like biotin and vitamin A are also important for keratin production. If your body isn’t making enough keratin, it will be noticeable with slower hair and nail growth, brittleness, and thinning hair.
Has also been shown to be important for hair growth. People who aren’t getting enough through their diet or supplementation are at high risk for hair loss. Omega-3 helps to nourish the hair follicles, supporting hair strength, and decreases inflammation in the nail bed, leading to stronger healthier nails.
If you're in search of additional support for your hair, skin, and nails, consider exploring our award-winning Primal Goddess blend, designed to provide the daily dose of key nutrients your body craves for optimal health. This advanced formula is crafted with quality ingredients, offering a rich array of nutrients including collagen, extra biotin, hyaluronic acid, and antioxidant-rich nutrients and berries.
Renowned for its effectiveness in supporting the structure of hair, skin, and nails, this blend includes beauty favourites that work together to maintain normal hair pigmentation, strengthen nails, and enhance your overall beauty regimen. Primal Goddess stands out as our hero product and an essential addition to your beauty toolkit.
Dive deeper into the benefits of our Primal Goddess blend, an antioxidant-rich formula that combines grass-fed certified bovine collagen with traditional herbs and a comprehensive range of nutrients to support the health of your hair, skin, and nails. Collagen, a highly bioavailable protein source, supports muscle and bone maintenance and provides essential amino acids that are often missing from standard diets.
Vitamin C is included to aid in the normal production of collagen, while zinc contributes to maintaining healthy hair and nails. Vitamin E plays a crucial role in protecting cells from oxidative damage, ensuring that your beauty shines from the inside out.
Ingredients in our Primal Goddess blend are carefully selected for their hair and nail strengthening properties and skin-hydrating formula, including 4.2g of grass-fed collagen per serving, alongside hyaluronic acid and zinc, making it a potent nail supplement and part of your hair care products arsenal.
How to Use: For optimal results, take one 6g serving (approximately 3 x 5ml level teaspoons) daily with food, or as directed by your healthcare professional. Ensure to mix it with at least 200ml of water or juice to enjoy its full benefits.
Our Grass-fed Collagen: The collagen peptides in our blend are sourced from cattle that graze freely on natural Argentinian grasslands, consuming a natural diet of grass throughout the year. Certified by LIAF Control and a member of the American Grass-Fed Association, our collagen meets rigorous quality and animal welfare standards.
What Grass-fed Means for You:
What Soil Association Certification Means for You:
Our Packaging Commitment:
We're transitioning to home-compostable and sustainably sourced packaging, moving away from plastic tubs. Our new packaging materials include paper, cellulose, and corn starch, derived from sustainably managed forests and non-GMO sources, reflecting our commitment to the environment and ethical treatment of animals.
Grass-fed, Type 1 & 3 Collagen
Orange, Vitamin C & Glucosamine
Hyaluronic Acid and Zinc
Digestive Collagen Powder
Glutamine and Peppermint
