Sophia Delgado
The pink part of the nail is called the nail bed, and it is the soft tissue underneath the hard part of the nail. Nail beds vary in size and shape, and some people wish to make them appear longer. Cutting your nails too short or biting them can make the nail bed appear shorter, but it will grow back over time.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can the pink nail grow back? | Yes, the nail bed (pink part) can grow back after nail injuries or biting. |
| How long does it take for nails to grow back? | Nails grow about 2.5 mm a month. It can take 3-6 months for a new nail to grow. |
| How to make the nail bed appear longer? | Avoid biting nails and cutting them too short. Treat any fungal infections and push back cuticles. |
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What You'll Learn
Nail biting
It is often an automatic response, done without thinking, and can be a way to cope with feelings of boredom, hunger, insecurity, anxiety, or stress. Nail biting can also be a source of shame and guilt and can lead to social withdrawal. It can co-occur with other psychiatric disorders, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and oppositional defiant disorder.
To stop biting your nails, you can try:
- Wearing gloves or using stickers to cover your nails
- Identifying triggers and finding alternative ways to cope, such as fiddling with a stress ball or clicking a pen
- Keeping your hands or mouth busy, such as by chewing gum
- Setting small goals, such as choosing one nail to stop biting
- Trimming nails short so there isn't enough to grab with your teeth
- Using nail polish with a bitter taste
- Using a dental deterrent device that prevents the front teeth from damaging the nails
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Nail injuries
One common type of nail injury is a subungual hematoma, which occurs when blood gets trapped under the nail bed, usually due to a crush injury or a heavy blow to the nail. This can cause throbbing pain and the nail may turn black and blue, resembling a bruise. Treatment for a subungual hematoma involves draining the blood trapped under the nail by creating a small hole in the nail. This can be done at home by heating the end of a needle or paper clip until it is red-hot and then using gentle pressure to penetrate the nail. However, some people may not feel comfortable performing this procedure at home.
Another type of nail injury is a nail bed laceration, which occurs when the nail and the underlying nail bed are cut, usually by a sharp object such as a knife or saw. This type of injury can be serious and may require stitches. If the cut is severe, the nail may need to be removed, but it should grow back over time. Fingernails typically regrow completely in about two months, while toenails can take up to four months.
In some cases, nail injuries can result in permanent cosmetic changes, especially if the injury involves the base of the nail. Nail biting and cuticle biting can also cause trauma to the nails and increase the risk of infection. To prevent nail injuries, it is important to wear properly sized shoes, keep fingernails trimmed, and avoid biting nails or cuticles.
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Fungal infections
A fungal nail infection is characterised by nails that are thick, discoloured, and brittle. This type of infection is not serious, but it can take a long time to treat and may require medication. The infection usually affects toenails, but it can also occur on the fingernails. It typically starts at the edge of the nail and spreads slowly, sometimes affecting multiple nails. In some cases, the whole nail may break off, leading to pain and swelling in the surrounding skin.
Fungal nail infections are often caused by the same fungus that causes athlete's foot. This fungus thrives in warm, dark, and moist environments, such as sweaty feet inside trainers. The likelihood of contracting a fungal nail infection increases in places like communal showers and gyms, where the fungus can spread from person to person.
To prevent fungal nail infections, it is important to maintain proper foot hygiene and avoid walking barefoot in public spaces. If you suspect a fungal nail infection, it is recommended to consult a pharmacist or a GP. Treatment options may include antifungal nail medicine or tablets, and in severe cases, nail removal may be necessary.
Now, addressing your concern about the pink part of the nail growing back, it is important to understand that the pink part is the nail bed. Cutting your nails too short or biting them can cause damage to this area. However, with time and patience, the nail bed can heal and return to its normal width and length. It is crucial to stop cutting or biting your nails short and to practice gentle nail care. This includes regular cuticle care and pushing back your cuticles. By allowing your nails to grow without interference, you will see improvement over time.
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Genetics
The pink section of a nail, also known as the nail bed, is a marker of overall nail health. While genetics largely determines the size and shape of the nail bed, it can change or appear shorter due to nail injuries or certain habits. For instance, biting your nails, cutting them too short, or picking at them can prevent the nail from fully adhering to the nail bed, causing the pink section to appear shorter.
In many cases, the nail bed has not permanently shrunk but has slightly detached or is not adhering properly. With proper care and protection, the pink section can often grow back. This includes leaving a bit of the white tip to encourage natural attachment, using cuticle oils or hand creams to keep the nail bed hydrated, and avoiding aggressive filing, buffing, or pushing back the cuticles.
Additionally, maintaining healthy habits such as a nutritious diet and avoiding nail-biting can also promote the growth of the pink section of the nail. It is important to note that nail growth occurs slowly, at a rate of about 2.5 millimeters per month, so regrowth of the pink section may take some time and patience.
While genetics plays a significant role in determining the initial size and shape of the nail bed, it is possible to influence the appearance of longer nail beds through proper care and protection. This includes maintaining healthy habits and avoiding behaviours that can cause nail damage or detachment. By focusing on both protection and nourishment, individuals can support the natural regrowth process and encourage the pink section of their nails to extend further.
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Nail care
Healthy nails are made of a hard protein called keratin. They should be a uniform pinkish or rosy colour, with a smooth exterior without cracks, bumps, or grooves.
To maintain nail health, it is important to consider factors such as diet, hydration, and proper care. Consuming a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals can promote nail growth and strength. Biotin, found in eggs, almonds, and avocados, is one such example of a vitamin that promotes nail growth and strength. Vitamin E, an antioxidant found in spinach and nuts, helps repair damaged nails, while iron, found in red meat, lentils, and leafy greens, is essential for preventing brittle nails.
Hydration is also key to maintaining nail moisture. Drinking plenty of water daily keeps nails hydrated from the inside out. However, excessive exposure to water can weaken nails, so it is important to find a balance.
When it comes to nail care practices, consistent trims are important, making nails less prone to snags and breakage. Nails should be clipped every two weeks, adjusting the frequency according to how your nails respond. Nails should be cut straight across with a small amount of the white part remaining. Cutting nails too short can cause the nail bed to recede, making the white part of the nail longer. If you have struggled with hangnails or breakage, keeping your nails short, at least for a period of time, will allow them to grow stronger. A shorter style with rounded edges looks neat and is easier to manage.
To prevent damage to nails, it is recommended to keep a nail file handy for on-the-spot buffing of any rough edges. Instead of an emery board, which can cause nails to peel and snag, try using a glass or crystal nail file, which creates an even edge and can be used on weak, brittle, and damaged nails. Disinfecting nail tools between uses is crucial to prevent bacterial infections. Metal tools should be washed with soap and water and then wiped down with rubbing alcohol.
Taking care of your cuticles is important for minimizing hangnails. Cuticles should be pushed back once a week after showering when the skin is soft, using a wooden orange stick. Finish by massaging cuticles and nails with a cuticle oil or treatment. Serum-like strengtheners are quickly absorbed and typically contain moisturizers to rehydrate dry, brittle nails.
When painting your nails, always use a base coat to shield the nails from being stained by polish. Strengthening varnishes can also protect against damage and add shine.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, your nail bed (the pinkish-coloured soft tissue underneath your nail plate) will grow back over time.
Nails grow at a slow pace, typically growing about 2.5 millimetres a month. It can take up to 3 to 6 months to grow a completely new nail.
Nail injuries, nail biting, fungal infections, and genetics can all cause the pink nail bed to appear shorter.
Avoid cutting your nails too short, biting your nails, and getting nail fungal infections. Pushing back your cuticles and allowing your nails to grow out can also help elongate the appearance of your nail bed.
