Winter is tough on your hair and nails. Did you know nuts can help? Women, especially now in winter, let us not forget about nuts. The cold will soon start testing us, and our bodies will feel it. And everything that nuts are hiding inside is something not only your body needs, but also your hair and nails.
Why do hair and nails suffer in winter?
Winter is a real challenge for your body. Frost, wind and the dry air in heated rooms literally suck moisture out of your skin, hair and nails.
You might notice that your hair starts to split, break and lose its shine. Your nails can become fragile, break more easily or peel in thin layers.
On top of that, you have hats that increase friction on the hair, and less sunlight, which can lower your vitamin D levels and that vitamin is important for healthy hair and nails.
Why nuts, of all things?
Nuts are fantastic. Your hair and nails love them. And why?
For a start, they contain vitamin E, which helps protect cells from stress, and yes, your hair and nails also have their ‘bad days’ when they are stressed and need some extra care. Zinc keeps your hair follicles in good shape so they can grow strong, resilient hair, and at the same time, it helps strengthen your nails so they do not break and split.
And what about biotin?
Think of biotin as special fuel that helps your body produce keratin. You probably have heard of keratin, the protein that makes up most of your hair, nails and the outer layer of your skin.
Then there is manganese. That one helps with strength and elasticity, so your hair does not look tired and your nails do not lose their resilience.
Nuts also contain a mineral that helps maintain your natural hair colour – copper. A lack of copper can be one of the reasons for premature greying and brittle nails. And we cannot forget omega-3 fatty acids. They help keep your hair and nails hydrated and shiny which is exactly what we all need in winter.
In short, nuts are a very tasty way to support the health and beauty of your hair and nails.
What if you cannot eat nuts or just do not like them?
Not everyone can or wants to eat nuts. Do not worry. Your hair and nails do not have to suffer. Instead of nuts, you can reach for Seeds. Pumpkin, sunflower, or chia seeds are full of vitamins and minerals. Dried fruit, such as raisins, apricots, dates or prunes, are sweet and rich in iron, which your hair and nails also need.
And what does science say about nuts?
Studies show that regular nut consumption improves the quality of hair and nails. Zinc, iron and biotin support the production of keratin, the building material of both hair and nails. The healthy fats in nuts hydrate hair and nails from the inside and support their shine. These nutrients also reduce nail brittleness and help them regenerate.
What do I say about nuts?
Your hair and nails are a reflection of the ‘fuel’ you are giving your body. No tricks and no magic will replace that. If you want them to be strong, shiny and healthy, they need the right nutrients. It is not about grabbing a few nuts once in a while, but about regularly giving your body a balanced mix of what it needs.
What else can you add?
Your hair and nails deserve attention not only from the inside, but also from the outside. In winter, they will appreciate, for example:
- Oil hair masks. Try argan oil on dry ends. Just apply to the hair before washing, leave it on for around 30 minutes and then rinse out.
- Moisturising creams for nails and cuticles. After every hand wash, try to apply a hand cream with glycerin or vitamin E to your hands and around your nails.
- Repair serums. There are targeted products for both hair and nails. On the ingredient list, look for things like keratin, biotin or hyaluronic acid. For nails and the skin around them, you can use baobab, an oil with a fantastic nail ingredient.
- Do not forget to avoid unnecessary damage. Try not to wash your hair too often with very hot water. Use gentle shampoos and gentle brushes and combs. When doing housework, put on gloves to protect your hands. Avoid acetone-based nail polish removers – they can really dry out and damage nails.
A little treat from me
Chocolate-covered dates with a nutty surprise
You will need:
- 10 dried dates (pitted)
- 50 g good-quality dark chocolate (around 70% cocoa)
- 10 pieces of your favourite nuts (walnuts, almonds, pecans…)
- Optional – a pinch of sea salt or shredded coconut for sprinkling
How to make them:
- Stuff each date with one nut instead of the stone.
- Melt the chocolate over a water bath or in the microwave, or maybe you already have a tried-and-tested chocolate coating recipe you love?
- Dip the dates into the chocolate so they are fully coated.
- Place them on baking paper and sprinkle with a little sea salt or coconut if you like.
- Let them set in the fridge. It takes about 15–20 minutes.
Why this snack?
Dates are rich in iron and vitamin B5, which help cell regeneration and support healthy hair follicles. They also contain natural sugars that give you energy and support your metabolism.
Nuts bring vitamin E, healthy fats, manganese, zinc and biotin into the recipe. All of these help strengthen hair and nails. But you already know that by now.
Dark chocolate adds antioxidants and tastes absolutely amazing on top of that.
A little twist
Instead of dates, you can use dried prunes. They taste great too, and for women, prunes are a real little treasure. Stuff a prune with an almond, dip it in chocolate, or simply brush it with coconut oil and roll it in desiccated coconut. Or keep it simple and just grab a small handful of nuts.
Your hair and nails are often a mirror of how you care for yourself. The right nutrition, including nuts and seeds, gives them what they need to regenerate and grow stronger.
And if you want to treat them to something extra, pamper them from the outside too with oil masks, repair serums or moisturising creams. Your hair and nails will thank you with more shine and strength.
