Caleb Foster
There are several factors that influence the growth rate of nails. For instance, nails on the dominant hand tend to grow faster than the non-dominant hand. This is because the dominant hand is used more often and is more prone to injuries, which stimulates circulation in the nail bed. Additionally, nail growth is faster during the summer and slower in colder environments. While genetics play a significant role in determining nail growth, certain habits like nail biting and picking can negatively impact growth rates. Maintaining good nail hygiene, a nutritious diet, and regular trimming can promote healthier and faster nail growth. Additionally, avoiding press-on nails and gel manicures can also help nails grow faster.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average growth rate | 3.47 mm per month or 0.1 mm per day |
| Factors influencing growth rate | Genetics, diet, environment, age, hormones, nail care, etc. |
| Ways to promote growth | Eating nutritious food, practicing good nail hygiene, using topical strengtheners, taking biotin supplements, etc. |
| Nails grow faster when | Short, during summertime, on the dominant hand, when clipped regularly |
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What You'll Learn
Nail biting and growth
Nail biting, also known as onychophagia, is a common habit, with up to 30% of the population doing it. It typically starts in childhood and can continue into adulthood. It is often a coping mechanism for feelings of boredom, loneliness, nervousness, or hunger. Nail biting can be a sign of emotional or mental stress, and it may run in families.
While nail biting usually doesn't cause permanent damage, it can have some negative effects. For example, it can damage the tissue that makes nails grow, resulting in abnormal-looking nails. Repeated nail biting can also make the skin around your nails feel sore and leave you vulnerable to infection as you pass harmful bacteria and viruses from your mouth to your fingers and from your nails to your face and mouth. Additionally, nail-biting can cause dental problems such as misaligned, chipped, or cracked teeth and even jaw issues over time.
If you want to stop biting your nails, there are several strategies you can try:
- Identify triggers: Notice the situations, feelings, or physical triggers that make you want to bite your nails. Common triggers include boredom, stress, anxiety, and the presence of hangnails.
- Replace the habit: When you feel like biting your nails, try engaging in an alternative activity to keep your hands and mouth busy. For example, you could play with a stress ball, squeeze a worry stone, click a pen, or chew gum.
- Keep nails trimmed: Keeping your nails short reduces the temptation to bite them, as there is less nail to grab with your teeth.
- Apply bitter-tasting nail polish: Use over-the-counter bitter-tasting nail polishes to discourage nail-biting.
- Get manicures: Spending time and money on manicures can give you well-groomed nails that you'll be reluctant to bite.
- Use gloves or nail stickers: Covering your nails with gloves or stickers can be a simple way to prevent nail-biting.
- Gradual reduction: Start small by choosing one nail not to bite, such as your thumb. Once you've successfully broken the habit for that nail, add another nail to the "no-biting" zone until you've eliminated all your nails.
If you've tried multiple methods to stop biting your nails without success, consider consulting a doctor or a therapist. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) can help address the psychological aspects of nail-biting and may be combined with habit-reversal training.
While nail-biting does not directly impact the growth rate of your nails, it can cause trauma to the nail bed, stimulating circulation and potentially leading to faster nail growth. Regular nail clipping is a safer alternative if you're aiming for longer nails.
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Nail growth and diet
According to celebrity manicurist Deborah Lippmann, eggs are a fantastic food for stronger and shinier nails due to their high levels of protein, vitamin D, B12, and
Fatty acid-rich foods encourage healthy cell development, which aids in nail growth, and flaxseed is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids and thiamine. Hydration is also essential for nail health, as water aids in the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to the cells. Dehydration can cause brittle, dry nails that break easily, so it is important to drink water or other hydrating liquids throughout the day and include hydrating foods such as fruits, vegetables, yogurt, and soups.
In addition to diet, there are other factors that affect nail growth. For example, nails grow faster during the summer and on the dominant hand, possibly due to increased use. Nail growth also peaks during puberty and declines as hormone levels balance out with age.
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Nail growth and age
Fingernails grow on average about a tenth of a millimetre per day, or around 3.47 millimetres per month. The rate of growth depends on several factors, including age, with nail growth peaking during puberty and declining as hormone levels balance out with age. The growth rate slows by about 0.5% per year starting at age 20 or 25. This change in speed may be caused by the slowing of blood circulation with age.
Toenails grow about one-third to one-half as quickly as fingernails, at an average rate of 1.62 millimetres per month. Toenails are also more vulnerable to fungal infections, which account for about half of all nail disorders and are common in older people.
Other age-related changes in nails include alterations in thickness, contour, surface, and colour. Nails may become thicker or thinner with age, and conditions like psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis can result in thicker nails. Nails may also become more brittle and prone to breaking due to repeated wetting and drying or exposure to harsh chemicals.
The curve of the nails may also change with age, with a dramatic shape change resulting in very rounded nails, known as clubbing. This can be a sign of long-term oxygen deprivation and should be investigated by a healthcare provider.
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Nail growth and hormones
Oestrogen, in particular, is essential for nail health. It helps keep water in body tissues, so lower oestrogen levels can lead to dull, dry, and brittle nails. Vertical lines on fingernails have also been associated with a growth hormone deficiency and possibly nutrient deficiency. Additionally, lowered parathyroid hormone levels can cause brittle nails due to insufficient calcium and vitamin D regulation.
Hormone-related illnesses or conditions, such as thyroid problems, can also impact nails. Thyroid issues can cause onycholysis, resulting in nail softening and loosening. Dramatic illnesses or cancer treatments like chemotherapy can also affect hormones, and these changes will eventually show up in the nails.
Furthermore, stress can influence nail health. Little white spots on fingernails may indicate stress, as they signify a drop in zinc levels caused by stressful events.
While hormones are a significant factor in nail growth and health, other factors, such as nutrient status, amino acid availability, and thyroid function, also play a role in achieving strong and healthy nails.
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Manicures and nail growth
While there is limited evidence that home remedies promote nail growth, certain steps can be taken to care for your nails and encourage growth. Eating a nutritious, well-balanced diet and practicing good nail hygiene can support nail health. This includes keeping nails clean and dry, trimming them regularly, and avoiding biting them or cutting them too short.
Nail biting and picking are chronic conditions that can damage the nail bed and surrounding skin, causing uneven nails and hindering growth. It is also important to be mindful of how you use your nails, as using them to open boxes or similar activities can cause breakage.
Some sources suggest that gel manicures can help nails stay long by creating a protective coat over the natural nails. However, there is an ongoing debate about the potential negative effects of gel manicures on nail health.
Additionally, taking supplements like biotin, a type of B vitamin, has been linked to nail health. Biotin can strengthen nails and promote growth, with one study showing a 25% increase in nail thickness. Similarly, collagen supplements have been found to increase nail growth by 12%.
It is important to consult a healthcare provider before taking any supplements. While there are no clear-cut answers on whether short nails grow faster, maintaining proper nail care and a healthy lifestyle can contribute to optimal nail growth.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no evidence that nails grow faster when kept short. However, keeping your nails short reduces the chances of them breaking.
Eating a nutritious, well-balanced diet, rich in whole fruits and vegetables, mushrooms, leafy greens, and healthy fats like eggs, lean meats, nuts, and salmon can help strengthen your nails and promote growth.
You can practice good nail hygiene by keeping your nails clean and dry, trimming them regularly, and avoiding biting your nails or cutting them too short.
