Physical manifestation and presentations of hair and nail are indicators of one's own health!!! Nail health is related to bone, hair, and teeth health in Ayurveda. Because your nails, teeth and hair are by-products of bone tissue.

Fingernail health often indicates derangement in the balance of the doshas: vata, kapha, pitta. Those with a predominantly vata constitution tend to have fingernails that are brittle, dry, crooked, and rough. Those with a predominantly pitta constitution has fingernails that are soft, pink, tender, and pliable, and have a bit of a sheen to them. Those with a predominantly kapha constitution have fingernails that are thick and durable, and soft in texture with a uniform shape. Large moons—lunula—present at the base of the nail bed indicate healthy circulation and pranic (energy) flow as dictated by the internal (digestive) fire, Agni. The absence of lunula indicates the opposite: compromised digestion related to poor metabolism and the potential buildup of toxins in the system.

Imbalances can and quite often do impact both the strength and appearance of our hair. And this can absolutely be remedied. The following symptoms may help to give you an idea of which dosha(s) may be compromising your hair: Excess Vata causes the hair to be dry, frizzy, brittle, and lusterless. It also causes the hair to thin, fall out in clumps, become shorter and more difficult to grow out, and present with split ends. Excess Pitta causes excess heat in the hair follicles, which can damage the hair and lead to premature thinning, early greying, and baldness. Heat in the hair follicles is often accompanied by a tendency to be hot-headed, short-tempered, or excessively ambitious. Excess Kapha causes excessive oiliness, heaviness, and thickness in the hair.

Like every other aspect of long-lasting beauty healthy hair and nails have their roots in proper diet. Although one may be lucky enough to possess strong, healthy nails, keeping them that way becomes imperative. The condition of nails also reflects the quality of tissue production in the body, as nails are the waste product of bones. An improper diet could cause nail disorders such as flaky and split nails, vertical ridges, and discoloration of nail bed.

Ayurveda recommends sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, nuts, dark leafy green vegetables, dried fruits, and dairy products for healthy nail growth. To make hands soft, and for nail nourishment, a nail cream with almond oil and honey can be prepared and left overnight.

Another rich nail cream can be made by blending a teaspoon each of avocado (butter fruit) pulp, egg yolk, honey, and a pinch of salt into a smooth consistency. A small quantity of this cream can be massaged into the cuticles and surrounding skin. Wash off after half an hour. This can be best done before retiring to bed, as hands will not be much exposed to water or soap in the night.

Here are a few ayurvedic nail tips for healthy, strong, beautiful nails:

1) Massage nails and cuticles with olive oil with slow and gentle strokes, to keep them shining and strong. A gentle massage with mustard oil also helps.

2) Soaking nails in a mixture of horsetail, helps in maintaining strong nails.

3) For removing nail stains, mix a tablespoon of lemon juice in a cup of water and soak nails in this liquid for a few minutes.

4) Moisturizing cuticle area prevents cracking and peeling that can hurt the matrix. Always wear gloves when gardening, washing, or doing house-chores.

5) Wearing sunscreen during the day on hands and cuticles, helps in preventing sun damage to nails.

6) Hangnails should always be cut away, and not pulled or torn.

7) When choosing a nail polish remover, purchase the one that is acetone-based, but contains hydrating oils such as aloe-vera and lavender. These oils neutralize and control the drying effect caused by acetone.

Before you book your next mani-pedi or apply your own polish, take a good look at your nails, all twenty of them. Fingernails and toenails can give us strong indications that something could be wrong internally. So, if you are constantly covering them up with gloss, gels, acrylics etc., you may be missing some important signs. Listen to signals that your body gives.