Sophia Delgado
Fingernails grow at a rate of about 3.5 mm (0.14 in) a month, while toenails grow about half as fast at approximately 1.6 mm (0.063 in) a month. The growth rate of nails is influenced by various factors, including age, sex, season, exercise level, diet, and genetics. Nails grow from the nail root, which is hidden under the cuticle, and are made of a protein called keratin. They serve to protect the fingertips and enhance delicate movements through counter-pressure. Nail growth can be affected by health conditions, nutrient deficiencies, and injuries, and they can provide insights into overall health. Proper nail care, including trimming, moisturizing, and nutritional supplements, can promote nail health and growth.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average monthly growth of fingernails | 3.5 mm (0.14 in) |
| Average monthly growth of toenails | 1.6 mm (0.063 in) |
| Time taken for fingernails to regrow completely | 3-6 months |
| Time taken for toenails to regrow completely | 12-18 months |
| Factors affecting nail growth | Age, sex, season, exercise level, diet, hereditary factors |
| Nail growth during pregnancy | Nail growth is said to peak during pregnancy |
| Nail growth and nutrition | Insufficient vitamin B12 causes darkened nails; inadequate vitamin A and B causes fragile nails with ridges; insufficient omega-3 fatty acids cause dry and brittle nails; low dietary protein causes anemia and white nail beds |
| Nail growth and health conditions | Peripheral artery disease, eczema, psoriasis, fungal infections, COVID-19, pneumonia, and injuries can affect nail growth |
| Nail growth and medications | Chemotherapy and other medications can cause Beau's lines, slow nail growth, Mees' lines, and nail color changes |
| Nail growth and trauma | Biting nails stimulates nail growth; nails on the dominant hand and longer fingers grow faster |
| Nail growth and nail care | Trimming nails, using nail hardeners, taking biotin, grooming nails, and moisturizing nails can help strengthen nails and prevent breakage |
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What You'll Learn
Nails grow at different rates
Fingernails grow at an average rate of about 0.1 mm per day, or 0.5–1.2 mm per week, or 3.5 mm per month. Toenails grow at about half the rate of fingernails, averaging 1.6 mm per month. However, it's important to note that nails, even on the same hand, do not always grow at the same speed.
Several factors influence the rate of nail growth. Firstly, nails on the dominant hand tend to grow faster, possibly due to increased usage, which may lead to more trauma and the body sending more blood and nutrients to the area for repair. Additionally, nails on longer fingers may exhibit faster growth. Interestingly, fingernails grow faster during the daytime and in the summer.
Hormone levels also play a role in nail growth. Puberty is typically when nail growth peaks, and as hormone levels stabilise with age, growth rates decline. Certain health conditions, such as diabetes or circulatory issues, can impact nail growth and recovery from nail disorders.
Nutrition is another critical factor. Insufficient vitamin B12 can lead to darkened nails, while a lack of vitamins A and B results in fragile nails with ridges. Omega-3 fatty acid deficiency contributes to dry and brittle nails. Protein, as the building block of nails, is essential; inadequate protein intake may cause anaemia, affecting the colour of the nail bed.
Practising good nail hygiene, including keeping nails clean and moisturised, can also support nail health and growth. While it may be challenging to influence all the factors affecting nail growth, understanding these factors can help promote healthier and stronger nails.
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Nail growth and nutrition
Fingernails and toenails are made of alpha-keratin, a tough rigid protein. The nail matrix is the active tissue that generates nail cells, which harden as they move outward from the nail root to the nail plate. Nail growth can be an indicator of overall health and nutritional deficiencies. For example, insufficient vitamin B12 can lead to darkened nails, and a lack of vitamin A and B results in fragile nails with horizontal and vertical ridges.
Biotin, a B vitamin, can strengthen brittle nails and improve their growth. A 2007 study found that taking 2.5 milligrams of biotin daily reduced breakage and increased overall nail health. Vitamin B12 and folate play a role in red blood cell production and oxygen transportation to nail cells, and a deficiency can result in discoloured nails. Vitamin B9 (folic acid) is also important for nail growth and health, contributing to red blood cell formation and the development of new cells. A deficiency can make nails rigid and brittle.
Zinc is required for the healthy growth of nails, and a deficiency can cause white spots and slow growth. Vitamin C is essential for collagen production, which provides strength and structure to nails, and helps with the absorption of iron from plant-based foods. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect nails from damage and supports nail growth by improving blood circulation.
Magnesium is involved in protein synthesis, which is required for nail growth, and a deficiency can cause vertical ridges in nails. Omega-3 fatty acids help keep nails moisturised and prevent dryness and brittleness. Iron is crucial for the production of haemoglobin, which delivers oxygen to nail cells, and a lack of iron can lead to brittle, ridged nails or even spoon-shaped nails (koilonychia).
Nail growth can also be affected by factors such as age, sex, season, exercise level, diet, and hereditary issues. For example, nails grow faster during the day and in the summer.
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Nail injuries and regrowth
Fingernails and toenails are made of a tough protein called alpha-keratin. The nail matrix is the part of the nail that generates cells, which harden as they move outward from the nail root to the nail plate. A healthy nail matrix is essential for healthy nails, but it can be damaged by injuries and certain health conditions. Minor damage to the nail matrix can cause temporary changes to the appearance and feel of the nail. Severe damage can cause the nail to fall off, and in some cases, it may not grow back.
Nail injuries are common and can be caused by a blow to the nail, catching your finger or toe in a door or drawer, or dropping a heavy object on your finger or toe. Nails can also be accidentally torn or split, or a splinter can get under the nail. Repeated trauma to toenails, caused by ill-fitting shoes, can lead to deformities in the nails. Certain habits, such as nail biting, cuticle biting, and picking at your thumb nail and cuticle, can also cause trauma to the nails and increase the risk of infection.
If you experience a nail injury, it is important to seek medical attention if there is bleeding under the nail that is not caused by trauma, as this could indicate an underlying bone fracture or tissue tear. It is also important to make sure your tetanus vaccination is up to date. For minor injuries, such as a subungual hematoma (a bruise under the nail), home remedies such as bandages and ice packs can be used to treat the injury and promote healing. In some cases, a doctor may perform a procedure called nail trephination to drain the trapped blood and provide pain relief. This procedure must be performed within 48 hours of the injury, before the blood clots.
In the case of severe nail matrix damage, it may take several weeks for the new nail to appear, and regrowth may be incomplete. Proper nail care, including trimming nails regularly and avoiding glue-on nails and toxic polishes, can help prevent injuries and promote healthy nail growth. Additionally, taking supplements such as biotin and certain vitamins can help strengthen nails and prevent breakage.
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Nail biting and growth
Fingernails grow about 3.5 mm (0.14 in) a month, while toenails grow about half as fast (approx. 1.6 mm or 0.063 in a month). It takes about three to six months for fingernails to regrow completely, and twelve to eighteen months for toenails.
Nail-biting, also called onychophagia, is a common habit, with up to 30% of the population doing it. It typically begins in childhood and can continue into adulthood. It is often a nervous habit or a way to cope with boredom, loneliness, or hunger. Nail-biting can cause short-term issues such as chipped teeth and dental misalignment, and it may also damage the tissue that makes nails grow, resulting in abnormally shaped nails. Additionally, it increases the risk of infection as harmful bacteria and viruses can be transferred from your mouth to your fingers and from your nails to your face and mouth.
If you want to stop biting your nails, it is important to identify your triggers. Are there certain situations, feelings, or physical factors that make you bite your nails? Once you know your triggers, you can develop a plan to avoid or cope with those triggers. For example, if you bite your nails when you're feeling stressed, you could try playing with a stress ball or fidget toy instead, or chewing some gum to keep your mouth busy.
Another strategy is to keep your nails trimmed short, so there is less nail to bite. You can also apply a bitter-tasting nail polish to your nails, which will discourage you from biting them. Getting regular manicures can also help, as you will be less likely to bite your nails if they look nice, and you will not want to waste the money you spent on them. If you are struggling to quit nail-biting, you could consider speaking to a doctor or therapist to get to the psychological root of the problem.
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Nail growth and evolution
Nails are protective plates found at the tips of the fingers and toes of almost all primates. They are made of a tough, rigid protein called alpha-keratin, which is also found in the claws, hooves, and horns of vertebrates. The nail consists of the nail plate, the nail matrix, and the nail bed below it, as well as the grooves surrounding it.
The nail matrix, also known as the germinal matrix, is the active tissue that generates new nail cells. It is located beneath the nail bed and contains nerves, lymph, and blood vessels. The nail bed sits on top of tiny blood vessels that feed it and give nails their pink colour. As new nail cells are produced, they push out the old nail cells, which flatten and harden to form the nail plate. This process results in the continuous growth of nails, with fingernails growing at a faster rate than toenails. The standard rate of growth for a normal fingernail is between 0.5 and 1.2 mm per week, while toenails grow at an average rate of 1.62 mm per month.
Nail growth can be influenced by various factors, including age, sex, season, exercise level, diet, and hereditary factors. Additionally, certain health conditions and medications can affect nail growth and appearance. For example, peripheral artery disease can reduce blood flow to the legs and feet, slowing nail growth. Biting nails can also increase the growth rate, as it causes trauma and stimulates circulation in the nail bed.
Nails have been a part of primate evolution for millions of years. According to Matthew Borths, a curator at the Duke Lemur Center, the first primates or their close relatives evolved nails on their digits between 58 and 55 million years ago when they were confined to trees. The broad fingers and toes, along with the nails, provided a larger surface area for gripping and climbing through trees. As primates descended from the trees, this dexterity and grip became advantageous for crafting, manipulating, and using tools. The constant growth of nails allows for any trauma or damage to be "grown out," ensuring the protection and functionality of our sensitive digits.
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Frequently asked questions
Fingernails grow about 3.5 mm (0.14 in) a month, while toenails grow about half as fast, at approximately 1.6 mm (0.063 in) a month.
Age, sex, season, exercise level, diet, and hereditary factors can all influence how fast your nails grow. For example, nail growth is said to peak during puberty and decline as hormone levels balance out with age.
Taking biotin supplements can help strengthen nails and prevent breakage. Additionally, ensuring adequate intake of vitamins A, B12, and folate, as well as omega-3 fatty acids and protein, can promote nail health and growth.
Maintaining good nail hygiene, such as regular trimming, grooming, and moisturising, can help support nail growth. Frequent nail clipping and even nail biting have been associated with faster nail growth, possibly due to increased circulation in the nail bed.
Nail problems such as ingrown toenails, injuries, deformities, and hangnails can impact nail growth. Severe nail matrix damage caused by conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or subungual melanoma may also interfere with nail growth, sometimes resulting in permanent nail loss.
