Isla Bennett
Human nails are made of a protein called keratin, which is also found in human hair and skin. Nails grow from the nail root, which is hidden under the cuticle. As new cells grow, they push old ones through the skin. The nail bed, which sits under the nail plate, contains blood vessels, nerves, and melanocytes that produce melanin. The blood flowing through the capillaries helps nails grow and gives them their pinkish colour. The growth rate of nails is influenced by various factors, including age, sex, season, exercise level, diet, hereditary factors, and nutritional deficiencies. Certain medical conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, and subungual melanoma, can also affect nail growth and appearance. Maintaining good nail hygiene, including regular trimming, grooming, and moisturising, can help promote nail health and prevent breakage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average growth rate of fingernails | 3.5 mm (0.14 in) a month |
| Average growth rate of toenails | 1.6 mm (0.063 in) a month |
| Time taken for a fingernail to regrow completely | 3 to 6 months |
| Time taken for a toenail to regrow completely | 12 to 18 months |
| Factors that affect the growth rate | Age, sex, season, exercise level, diet, hereditary factors, trauma, and nutritional deficiencies |
| Longest female nails ever recorded | 8.65 m (28 ft 4.5 in) |
| Nail composition | 7-12% water and translucent keratin protein |
| Nail bed composition | Blood vessels, nerves, and melanocytes that produce melanin |
| Nail matrix composition | Special cells that create new cells to form fingernails or toenails |
| Vitamins essential for nail health | Vitamin B12, Vitamin A, biotin, folate, and omega-3 fatty acids |
| Nail growth and health indicators | Nail color, texture, shape, and growth rate can indicate medical conditions, nutritional deficiencies, stress, or trauma |
| Nail grooming tips | Trim nails regularly, push back or trim cuticles, moisturize nails and cuticles, and practice good nail hygiene |
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What You'll Learn
Nail growth and nutrition
Human nails are constantly growing, but their growth rate varies and slows down over time due to poor circulation and aging. The actual growth rate is dependent on several factors, including age, sex, season, exercise level, diet, and hereditary factors. For example, nails grow faster during the summer and on your dominant hand.
Nail growth also peaks during puberty and declines as hormone levels balance out with age. Certain conditions, such as diabetes or circulatory issues, can affect your nail growth and recovery from common nail disorders. Additionally, practices like nail biting or frequent nail clipping may contribute to faster nail growth by creating trauma and stimulating circulation in the nail bed.
Nutrition plays a crucial role in nail health and growth. Here are some key nutrients to consider:
- Biotin: A deficiency in biotin is rare, but consuming it through supplements or foods may help strengthen brittle nails and improve their growth.
- Vitamin B12: This vitamin contributes to iron absorption and red blood cell development. A deficiency can lead to darkened nails and curved nail ends.
- Folate (Vitamin B9): Folate is important for nail growth and health by aiding in red blood cell formation and new cell development. A deficiency can cause nail discolouration and brittleness.
- Vitamin C: Vitamin C is essential for collagen production, which provides strength and structure to nails. It also enhances iron absorption from plant-based sources.
- Zinc: Nails are made of cells that grow and divide rapidly, requiring a steady supply of zinc for healthy growth. A zinc deficiency can cause white spots on nails and slow their growth.
- Magnesium: Adequate magnesium intake is crucial for protein synthesis and the formation of new nails. A deficiency may manifest as vertical ridges in your nails.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: These fatty acids help keep nails moisturized and prevent dryness and brittleness.
- Vitamin E: Vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects nails from damage and supports nail growth by improving blood circulation.
- Iron: Iron is essential for producing hemoglobin, which delivers oxygen to nail cells. Low iron levels can lead to brittle, ridged, or spoon-shaped nails.
In addition to these specific nutrients, staying hydrated by drinking enough water and consuming hydrating foods is vital for nail health. A balanced diet rich in whole, nutrient-dense foods will promote healthy nails and overall well-being.
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Fingernails vs. toenails
Human nails are made of a tough protective protein called keratin. The structure of nails is divided into three main parts: the nail itself, the underlying structure that supports nail growth, and the skin tissue that surrounds it. The underlying structure consists of the nail plate, the nail matrix, and the nail bed below it, and the grooves surrounding it. The nail matrix is the part where nails begin to grow—it creates new skin cells that push out old dead skin cells to form both finger and toenails.
Fingernails and toenails have distinct growth rates. On average, fingernails grow approximately 3.5 mm per month, while toenails grow about half as fast, averaging 1.6 mm per month. The nails on the dominant hand, as well as the longer fingers, tend to grow faster. Fingernails take about three to six months to regrow completely, whereas toenails require twelve to eighteen months. The growth rate of nails is influenced by various factors, including age, sex, season, exercise level, diet, and hereditary factors.
Fingernails serve multiple functions, such as protecting the distal phalanx, the fingertip, and the surrounding soft tissues from injuries. They enhance precise delicate movements of the distal digits by exerting counter-pressure on the finger pulp. Fingernails also act as tools, enabling an "extended precision grip" and facilitating certain cutting or scraping actions. Toenails, on the other hand, do not have a specific function beyond protection and additional function to the feet.
Both fingernails and toenails can be affected by various conditions. They can become thickened (onychogryphosis), loosened (onycholysis), infected with fungus (onychomycosis), or degenerate (onychodystrophy). Ingrown toenails (onychocryptosis) are a common issue, and certain conditions, such as diabetes or circulatory problems, warrant close monitoring of nail health. Toenails are also more susceptible to infections due to factors like dirty socks, specific types of aggressive exercise, tight footwear, and walking unprotected in unclean environments.
Nail care is essential for maintaining the health of both fingernails and toenails. Trimming nails regularly and filing them to smoothen ridges and prevent tangling are recommended. Additionally, maintaining good nail hygiene, keeping nails clean, and addressing any nutritional deficiencies or underlying conditions that may impact nail health are crucial.
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Nail structure
The structure of human nails can be divided into three main parts: the nail itself, the underlying structure that supports nail growth, and the skin tissue that surrounds it.
The nail itself, or the nail plate, is the visible hard nail area from the nail root to the free edge. It is made of translucent keratin protein, which gives it strength and flexibility. The pinkish appearance of the nail plate is due to the blood vessels underneath it. The nail plate is firmly attached to the nail bed, a flat surface under the nail plate that contains blood vessels, nerves, and melanocytes that produce melanin. As the nail grows, it adds material to the underside, making it thicker. The nail bed sits on top of tiny blood vessels called capillaries, which provide nourishment and contribute to the nail's colour.
The nail root is the base of the nail underneath the skin, originating from the actively growing tissue called the matrix. The matrix creates new cells that become fingernails or toenails, with the germinal matrix contributing about 90% of nail growth, while the sterile matrix keeps the nail attached to the skin. The lunula, the white crescent shape at the base of the nail, is the only visible part of the matrix.
The skin tissue surrounding the nail includes the cuticle, the eponychium, the paronychium, and the hyponychium. The cuticle, located between the skin of the finger and the nail plate, is a thin layer of skin that protects the nail from germs and provides a waterproof barrier. The eponychium produces the cuticle and fuses the nail plate and skin together. The paronychium is the skin overlapping the sides of the nail plate, and the hyponychium is the epithelium located beneath the nail plate at the junction between the free edge and the fingertip.
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Nail disorders
One of the most common nail disorders is a fungal infection, which can cause nails to become thick, discoloured, and brittle. Fungal infections occur when fungi become trapped between the nail and nail bed, often due to cracks or breaks in the nail. Paronychia, a skin infection, can also occur in the nail folds where the nail and skin meet. Bacterial and viral infections are less common but can still affect nail health.
Nutritional deficiencies, such as insufficient vitamin B12, vitamin A, folate, omega-3 fatty acids, or protein, can lead to nail disorders. These deficiencies may result in symptoms such as darkened nails, curved nail ends, horizontal and vertical ridges, fragile nails, and discolouration.
Other common nail disorders include ingrown toenails, which can be painful and sometimes become infected. Onychogryphosis is another condition where the nail becomes overgrown and thick, often affecting the big toe, and can cause the nail to grow longer on one side, resembling a ram's horn.
Additionally, nail deformities, dystrophy, and injuries can also impact nail health. Changes in nail appearance, such as discolouration or crumbling nails, may indicate more serious health issues, including cancer, liver or kidney failure, lung disease, digestive conditions, heart health, or diabetes.
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Nail care
Human nails are composed of a nail plate, or nail body, made of translucent keratin protein, and a nail bed, which contains blood vessels, nerves, and melanocytes. The nail plate is strongly attached to the nail bed and does not contain any nerves or blood vessels. The growth rate of nails varies between individuals and is dependent on factors such as age, sex, season, exercise level, diet, and hereditary factors.
To maintain healthy nails, it is important to practice good nail hygiene. Here are some tips for nail care:
- Keep nails clean and dry to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi, which thrive in a moist environment.
- Cut nails straight across using sharp nail scissors or clippers, and round the nails slightly at the tips for maximum strength.
- File nails in one direction with an emery board to keep them shaped and free of snags.
- Avoid biting your nails or removing the cuticle, as this can damage the nail.
- Do not use your nails as a tool, such as for opening cans, as this can cause chipping, splitting, or lifting of the nail bed.
- Take biotin supplements to strengthen nails and prevent breakage.
- Use nail hardeners sparingly, as prolonged use can break down the nail over time.
- Avoid glue-on nails and toxic nail polishes, as these can increase the risk of nail breakage. Opt for non-toxic or water-based polishes instead.
- Keep your nails moisturized to prevent dryness and brittleness.
- If you have diabetes, poor circulation, or any other health concerns, pay close attention to your nail health and seek treatment for any nail problems.
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Frequently asked questions
Nails start growing under the skin from the nail root. As new cells grow, they push the old ones out through the skin. The part of the nail that is visible is made of dead cells, which is why cutting your nails does not hurt.
The growth of nails is affected by age, sex, season, exercise level, diet, hereditary factors, and nutritional deficiencies. Nails grow faster in the summer than in winter, and nails on the dominant hand tend to grow faster.
Maintaining good nail hygiene, keeping nails trimmed, and regularly moisturising nails and cuticles can help improve nail health. Taking supplements such as biotin and vitamins A, B, and B12 can also help strengthen nails and prevent breakage.
