Hair falling out in handfuls with every wash, nails breaking or splitting - these signs, often dismissed as insignificant, indicate a nutritional deficiency or a disruption of the hair cycle. Yet a natural, targeted approach can effectively address these mechanisms, strengthen the hair fiber, and restart hair growth.
Understanding hair loss and brittle nails
A hair lives for between 2 and 6 years, through three successive phases: the anagen phase (growth, 85-90% of hair), the catagen phase (transition), and the telogen phase (shedding). It is normal to lose between 50 and 100 hairs a day. Beyond that, it is considered excessive hair loss.
There are many causes:
- Nutritional deficiencies: a lack of iron, zinc, biotin, or protein deprives the hair follicle of the nutrients essential to its vitality. Iron is particularly important for women: latent anemia is often an overlooked factor in hair loss.
- Stress and fatigue: an episode of intense stress or a prolonged period of overwork can trigger so-called “telogen” hair loss, which appears 2 to 3 months after the stressful event. The link is not always easy to identify.
- Hormonal fluctuations: pregnancy, postpartum, menopause, starting or stopping contraceptives - variations in estrogen and androgens directly disrupt the hair cycle.
- Seasonality: in spring and fall, it is normal to observe increased hair loss. Taking dietary supplements before these periods can help you get through them without visible lasting effects.
For nails, the mechanisms are similar: brittleness, breakage, and vertical ridges are often linked to a deficiency in zinc, biotin, or silicon, or to poor blood circulation in the nail bed.
Natural solutions for stronger hair and nails
Diet is the foundation. An adequate intake of protein (hair is made of keratin, a protein), iron (red meat, legumes), zinc (seafood, pumpkin seeds), and omega-3s (oily fish) provides the essential foundation for hair health.
Suitable hair care complements the internal approach: gentle shampoos without harsh sulfates, scalp massages to stimulate microcirculation, and low-temperature drying. These habits protect the existing hair fiber while the supplements work deep down.
Managing fatigue and stress is also essential. When the body is in a constant state of defense, it prioritizes its resources, and hair growth takes a back seat. Restoring overall energy balance is often the key to regaining denser hair.
Choosing the right dietary supplements for hair and nails
The key micronutrients for hair health and strong nails are now well established:
- Zinc helps maintain normal hair and nails by supporting cell renewal in the hair follicle.
- Biotin (vitamin B8) helps maintain normal hair and nails. It is the micronutrient most often associated with hair health.
- Selenium helps maintain normal hair and nails and protects scalp cells against oxidative stress.
- Vitamin B12 contributes to normal energy metabolism and the normal formation of red blood cells, supporting scalp oxygenation.
But the ingredient that truly changes the game for hair growth is AnaGain™ Nu: a patented extract of young pea shoots (Pisum sativum), grown in Switzerland on a small family farm. Its active compounds directly stimulate two key genes in the hair cycle - FGF7 and Noggin - which lengthen the growth phase (anagen) and shorten the shedding phase (telogen). Results from a clinical study of 21 volunteers: −33% fewer hairs lost after just one month, and up to −50% after two months.
Epycure's solution for transformed hair and nails
Epycure's Hair & Nails Course combines AnaGain™ Nu with a complete complex of zinc, biotin, selenium, and B vitamins for comprehensive action on the hair cycle and nail strength. Its high level of natural ingredients and vegetable capsules ensure good bioavailability of the active compounds.
Observed benefits include an effective reduction in temporary hair loss, stronger hair fiber for more resilient hair, and natural stimulation of growth. Results are visible within the first few weeks for hair loss and become more pronounced with a complete 3-month course.
For people whose hair loss is associated with severe fatigue or a period of overwork, combining it with Anti-Fatigue Essential - rich in iron, spirulina, B vitamins, and vitamin D3 - enhances the effects by addressing the underlying cause of the problem. An ideal synergy for regaining both energy and vibrant, healthy hair.
