Dermatology
Hair and Nail Disorders
Hair and nail diseases can bring uncomfortable and worrisome symptoms. We’re here for you, with experts who provide specialized therapies tailored to your needs.
Medically reviewed by Oma Agbai on June 24, 2026.
What Are Hair and Nail Disorders?
Hair disorders include thinning or balding as well as excessive hair growth. They can also affect your hair shaft leading to coarse, brittle, and in rare cases, uncombable hair.
Nail diseases cause discoloration and changes in texture. These disorders may cause nails to break easily or grow in ways that require medical treatment.
The UC Davis Health Department of Dermatology offers hope for healing. You have access to the latest therapies for common hair and nail disorders. We also successfully manage complex and ongoing diseases with excellent outcomes.
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Hair and Nail Disorder Symptoms
Symptoms of these disorders may seem subtle at first and worsen with time. Some conditions cause sudden changes to the appearance of your hair and nails.
Common Symptoms
You may experience:
- Curved or unusually thick nails
- Dark streaks, pits, ridges or deep grooves in your nails
- Excessive hair on your face, abdomen, pubic area or around the nipples
- Nails that stop growing, lift up or show signs of infection, like turning green or black
- Sensitive scalp that’s itchy or painful
- Thinning hair or hair loss
Causes of Hair and Nail Disorders
Hair disease and nail disease affect people of all ages and have many potential causes.
Autoimmune Disease
Conditions such as psoriasis, lupus and Crohn’s disease cause your immune system to attack healthy hair and nail cells.
Skin Disorders
Some skin conditions, like seborrheic eczema, can affect your scalp and hair.
Genetics
Alopecia (hair loss) and uncombable hair syndrome are conditions that can pass down through families.
Risk Factors for Hair and Nail Disease
There are some factors that can increase you risk for hair and nail diseases, including:
Hair and Nail Products
Certain cleaning and beauty products contain harsh chemicals that can irritate your hair and nails.
Cosmetic Applications
Hair extensions and artificial nails — items that attach to your body for long periods — can cause damage.
Poor Nutrition
Diets low in vitamins C, A, B12, folate or zinc can lead to hair and nail issues.
Age
Certain hair and nail disorders are more likely to appear as you age.
Diagnosing Hair and Nail Disorders
When you choose UC Davis Health, you receive care from trusted dermatologists who deliver a precise diagnosis.
Our team performs comprehensive evaluations for any hair or nail concern. First, we discuss your symptoms, medical history and beauty regimen. Dermatologists may also recommend blood tests or take a tissue sample (biopsy) to examine in our labs.
Hair and Nail Disease Treatments at UC Davis Health
You receive care from dermatologists who have completed the highest level of training. Our Specialty Clinic for Hair Disorders offers advanced therapies, including access to clinical trials evaluating new options. Even if hair regrowth is not possible, you may benefit from treatments that slow hair loss.
For hair and nail disorders related to other medical conditions, we work with additional UC Davis Health specialists to coordinate your care. At our Rheumatology-Dermatology Clinic, you see multiple specialists in a single visit, which keeps therapies moving forward.
Antibiotics
Fungal nail infections typically require antibiotics to get better.
Medications
Steroid injections may stimulate hair growth. We also offer a range of options for excessive hair, including oral contraceptives.
Hair Removal
Laser treatments or special creams can remove unwanted hair.
Medical Nail Care
Conditions such as ram’s horn nails (onychogryphosis) may require trimming with special instruments or surgery.
Treatments for Underlying Medical Conditions
Getting underlying medical conditions under control may relieve symptoms of certain hair and nail diseases.
Preventing Hair and Nail Disorders
You can prevent some hair and nail diseases by using cleaning and beauty products that are gentle on your body. Eating a balanced diet also optimizes hair and nail health.
Other conditions, including ones due to genetics or other medical conditions, may not be preventable.
How much hair do people typically lose?
50-100Hairs every day
Are fungal nail infections common?
14%Of the population experiences them
Sources: Merk Manual (Consumer Version): Hair Loss Quick Facts
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Fungal Nail Infections
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