Caleb Foster
Hair and nails are made of the same material, keratin, and grow from matrix cells below the skin. However, hair grows at a much faster rate than nails. Fingernails grow at approximately 3mm or 1/8 inch per month, while hair grows at a rate of 1 centimetre or 1/4 to 1/2 inch per month. Several factors influence the growth rate of hair and nails, including genetics, age, hormones, nutrition, and season. For example, nails and hair grow faster in the summer months and slower with age.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average growth rate of hair | 1 centimetre per month or 1/4 to 1/2 inch per month |
| Average growth rate of fingernails | 3 millimetres per month or 1/8 inch per month |
| Average growth rate of toenails | 1/16 inch per month |
| Factors affecting growth rate | Genetics, age, hormones, nutrition, season, gender, exercise, time of the year, and disease |
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What You'll Learn
Hair grows faster than nails
Hair and nails are made of the same thing—a strong protein called keratin. This hard protein is also present in animal hooves and skin. So, it would make sense to assume that they grow at the same rate. However, hair grows at a much faster rate than nails.
Fingernails grow at a rate of about 0.12 inches per month, while toenails grow at a slower rate of about 0.06 inches per month. On the other hand, hair grows at a rate of about 0.25 to 0.5 inches per month, or up to 6 inches per year. That means hair grows about four times faster than nails.
Genetics, age, hormones, and nutrition can affect the growth of hair and nails. Younger people generally have faster growth rates because of the slowing metabolism and cell division that comes with ageing. Pregnancy often accelerates hair and nail growth rates, while menopause and high levels of the stress hormone cortisol can slow them down. Nutrition also changes hair and nail strength and growth rate. A balanced diet that includes sufficient nutrients to support hair and nail health is essential for maintaining their health.
There are many products on the market that claim to boost hair and nail growth, and most of them contain proteins like biotin and B6. However, it's important to remember that a healthy diet and exercise can also contribute to strong and fast-growing hair and nails.
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Genetics influence growth rates
Genetics play a significant role in determining the growth rates of hair and nails. For hair, genetic factors are responsible for density, length, colour, and texture. Similarly, genetics determine the baseline nail growth rate and the thickness of the nail plate. If your parents or grandparents had fast-growing nails, you are likely to inherit this trait.
Genetics influence hair growth rates in individuals, and these rates tend to be consistent among family members. For example, siblings, especially identical twins, tend to have similar nail growth rates. While hair growth rates vary between individuals, they are heavily influenced by genetics.
In addition to genetics, other factors influence hair and nail growth rates. These include age, hormones, nutrition, and overall health. Younger individuals generally experience faster growth rates due to a slower metabolism and cell division associated with ageing. Hormones also play a role, with pregnancy and puberty being periods of rapid nail growth. Nutrition is another factor, as a balanced diet with sufficient nutrients is essential for maintaining hair and nail health and growth.
Overall, while genetics play a significant role in determining growth rates, they are not the only factor. A combination of genetic, lifestyle, and health factors influences the growth rates of hair and nails.
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Age impacts growth rates
Age impacts the growth rates of both hair and nails. Generally, younger people have faster growth rates due to their higher metabolism and cell division, which slows down with age.
Nail growth tends to slow down with age, with a noticeable difference as early as the age of 20. The average growth rate is around 3 mm per month, but anywhere between 1.8 mm and 4.5 mm is considered normal. Toenails grow about one-third to one-half as quickly as fingernails. As people age, their nails may become more brittle and prone to breaking, especially with repeated wetting and drying, or exposure to harsh cleaning chemicals. Nails may also become thicker or thinner, and fungal infections, which are common in older people, can cause nail thickening and discolouration.
Hair growth also tends to slow down with age. Postmenopausal changes include decreased anagen hairs in the frontal scalp, lower growth rates, and smaller hair diameters, which is why hair thinning is commonly observed in older individuals. Additionally, hair shedding may be more prevalent in older individuals, with conditions like alopecia or telogen effluvium causing hair loss.
Hormonal changes throughout life can also impact hair and nail growth rates. For example, pregnancy often accelerates growth rates, while menopause and high levels of the stress hormone cortisol can slow them down.
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Nutrition impacts growth rates
While genetics, age, and hormones influence hair and nail growth rates, nutrition also plays a crucial role. A balanced diet that includes sufficient nutrients is essential for maintaining the health of hair and nails.
Protein is especially important for hair, skin, and nail growth. A decrease in protein intake has been linked to hair loss. Fatty fish like salmon, herring, and sardines are excellent sources of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are beneficial for skin health and appearance. Eggs are another good source of protein, with one large egg providing approximately 6 grams. Dark leafy greens, such as spinach, contain folic acid, which may help improve the appearance of hair loss.
Healthy fats are also crucial for maintaining moisture in hair, skin, and nails. Nuts and seeds are rich in vitamin E, which supports optimal collagen production, contributing to healthy skin and nails. Additionally, vitamin E can be found in skincare products, which can help maintain hydration and support the skin barrier.
Carbohydrates are another essential component of a balanced diet. When carbohydrates are drastically reduced, the body may not have sufficient energy to support hair growth. Vitamins A, E, and D, as well as iron, are important for skin, hair, and nail health. Consuming a variety of fresh foods rich in vitamins and nutrients will help ensure you meet your nutritional goals for optimal hair and nail growth.
It is worth noting that nutritional deficiencies can negatively impact nail growth. Additionally, certain restrictive diets that limit calories, fat, protein, and carbohydrates can lead to thinning hair, skin issues, and brittle nails. Therefore, it is important to ensure a balanced diet that provides all the necessary nutrients to support the growth and health of hair and nails.
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Hormones impact growth rates
Hormones play a significant role in the growth and health of hair and nails. For instance, androgen hormones such as testosterone and DHEA determine hair growth. An imbalance in testosterone metabolites like dihydrotestosterone (DHT) can lead to hair loss by shrinking and damaging hair follicles. Higher levels of testosterone and DHT are commonly observed in women with PCOS, insulin resistance, or post-pill androgen surges. Additionally, low levels of progesterone can worsen the impact of androgens on hair follicles.
Oestrogen, a beauty-promoting hormone, also affects nail growth. It helps maintain hydration in body tissues, and lower oestrogen levels can result in dull, yellowish fingernails. During pregnancy, when oestrogen and progesterone levels are at their highest, many women experience rapid nail growth.
Hormonal imbalances, particularly menopause in women, can slow down nail and hair growth. Stress is also a factor, as high levels of cortisol, a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands, are associated with a reduction in the synthesis and premature degradation of hyaluronans and proteoglycans, which are important for hair follicle function. However, low cortisol levels can have a positive effect on hair growth by slowing down the degradation of these skin compounds.
The role of other hormones is currently being studied. For example, estradiol can significantly alter hair follicle growth and cycles by binding to estrogen receptors and influencing aromatase activity, which converts androgen into estrogen. Prolactin (PRL) and its receptors have been detected in human scalp skin, indicating a potential role in hair growth.
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Frequently asked questions
No, hair grows at a faster rate than nails. Nails grow at about 0.12 inches per month, while hair grows at a rate of about 0.25 to 0.5 inches per month.
Several factors influence the growth rate of hair and nails, including genetics, age, hormones, and nutrition.
A balanced diet that includes sufficient nutrients, such as proteins like biotin and B6, can help strengthen hair and nails and promote growth. Vitamin C, B2, B7, and Vitamin E aid in healthy tissue and stronger hair.
No, men's nails and hair typically grow faster than women's, except during pregnancy when hormonal changes boost metabolism and blood circulation in women.
Yes, nails grow faster on the hand that is dominant or used more often. Additionally, pinkie nails grow the slowest, while index fingernails grow the fastest.
