Isla Bennett
Fingernails grow at a rate of about 0.1 to 0.15 millimeters per day, or around 2-3 millimeters per month. However, this rate varies from person to person and depends on factors such as age, genetics, overall health, and nutrition. For example, nails on the dominant hand tend to grow faster, and nails also grow faster during the day and in the summer. While it may seem like your nails are growing quickly, their growth is relatively slow compared to other bodily processes, like hair growth.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average growth per day | 0.1-0.15 mm |
| Average growth per month | 2-3.47 mm |
| Average growth per week | 1-2 mm |
| Toenail average growth per month | 1.62 mm |
| Factors influencing growth rate | Age, genetics, overall health, nutrition, environment, behaviour, and hormones |
| Nails that grow faster | Nails on the dominant hand, nails on longer fingers, nails during the day, and nails during the summer |
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What You'll Learn
Factors affecting nail growth speed
Several factors influence the speed of nail growth, including age, genetics, hormones, health conditions, medications, and environmental factors.
Age plays a role in nail growth, with studies showing that nail growth slows down as people age. For example, Dr. William Bean observed that his left thumbnail growth rate decreased from 0.123 mm per day at age 23 to 0.095 mm per day at age 67. This decline may be attributed to a decrease in blood circulation with age.
Genetics also influences nail growth rates, as individuals have varying baseline growth rates. Additionally, the nails on the dominant hand tend to grow faster, possibly due to more frequent use and trauma, and the body's subsequent increased blood flow and nutrient delivery to that area.
Hormone levels can significantly affect nail growth. Pregnancy, puberty, and lactation are associated with changes in hormone levels, which can influence nail growth rates. For instance, nail growth may accelerate during pregnancy and decelerate during lactation.
Health conditions, such as thyroid disease, hypopituitarism, diabetes, osteoporosis, and peripheral artery disease, can impact nail growth. Illnesses like COVID-19, pneumonia, and heart attacks may also interrupt nail growth, leading to horizontal ridges known as Beau's lines. Skin conditions like severe eczema and nail psoriasis can also affect the nail matrix and cause changes in nail growth and appearance.
Medications, such as chemotherapy, can temporarily affect the nail matrix and slow nail growth. They may cause Beau's lines or white bands across the nails (Mees' lines). Environmental factors, including warm and cold weather, can influence nail growth, with warm weather associated with increased nail growth.
Overall, while the average nail growth rate is about one-tenth of a millimeter per day or 3.47 millimeters per month, these various factors can cause individual variations in nail growth speed.
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How to strengthen nails
On average, a healthy fingernail grows about one-tenth of a millimetre a day, or around 3.5 millimetres per month. The nails on your dominant hand tend to grow faster, as do the nails on your longer fingers. Your nails also grow faster during the day and in the summer.
Take biotin supplements
Biotin, also known as vitamin H and vitamin B7, is one of the B vitamins. It is water-soluble, so it is not stored in the body and must be consumed daily. Taking 2.5 milligrams of biotin every day has been shown to reduce nail breakage and increase overall nail health.
Use nail hardeners sparingly
Nail hardeners may help to strengthen nails and reduce breakage. However, they should be used sparingly as prolonged use can break down the nail over time. Avoid products that contain formaldehyde or formalin.
Avoid glue-on nails and toxic nail polishes
Frequently applying glue-on nails or toxic nail polishes can increase your risk of nail breakage. Instead, opt for non-toxic or water-based polishes.
Keep your nails clean and groomed
Maintaining nail hygiene is key to overall nail health. Use a clean pair of clippers to trim your nails regularly and straight across to help prevent ingrown toenails.
Drink enough water
Drinking enough water is essential for overall health, including nail health. However, too much soaking in water can cause your nails to become weak and brittle, so wear gloves when washing dishes and try to keep your hands out of the water while bathing.
Eat a nutrient-dense diet
Nutritional deficiencies can be a cause of brittle nails. Eating a nutrient-dense diet that is high in protein can help to strengthen your nails.
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Nail growth and nutrition
A healthy nail grows at an average rate of about 3.47 millimetres per month or about 0.1 millimetres a day. Several factors influence the speed of nail growth, including age, genetics, environment, behaviour, and health conditions. For instance, nail growth slows with age due to reduced blood circulation. Additionally, the nails on your dominant hand tend to grow faster, possibly due to increased usage and subsequent trauma, which triggers the body to send more blood and nutrients to support healing.
Nutrition plays a crucial role in nail health and growth. Nutrient deficiencies can affect the appearance and strength of nails. Here are some key nutrients to consider for optimal nail health:
- Biotin: Also known as vitamin B7, biotin helps strengthen brittle nails and promote growth. A 2007 study found that taking 2.5 milligrams of biotin daily reduced breakage and improved overall nail health.
- Vitamin B12 and Folate (Vitamin B9): These B vitamins are essential for nail health. Vitamin B12 plays a role in iron absorption and red blood cell development. Folate contributes to red blood cell formation and new cell development. Deficiencies in these vitamins can lead to nail pigmentation changes, brittleness, and rigidity.
- Magnesium: Magnesium is involved in protein synthesis, crucial for nail growth. A deficiency in magnesium can manifest as vertical ridges in the nails. Whole grains, dark leafy greens, quinoa, almonds, and legumes are excellent sources of magnesium.
- Vitamin C: Vitamin C is essential for collagen production, providing strength and structure to nails. Citrus fruits, strawberries, bell peppers, and broccoli are rich sources of vitamin C.
- Zinc: Zinc is necessary for the growth and division of nail cells. A zinc deficiency can cause white spots on the nails and slow their growth. Oysters, beef, pumpkin seeds, and chickpeas are excellent sources of zinc.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3 fatty acids help maintain healthy cell membranes, keeping nails moisturised and preventing dryness and brittleness. Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines are rich sources of omega-3s, and plant-based options include chia seeds, flax seeds, and walnuts.
- Vitamin E: Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that protects nails from free radical damage and supports nail growth by improving blood circulation. Almonds, sunflower seeds, spinach, and avocados are excellent sources of vitamin E.
- Iron: Iron is crucial for the production of haemoglobin, which delivers oxygen to nail cells. Low iron levels can lead to brittle, ridged, or spoon-shaped nails. Red meat, poultry, fish, lentils, beans, and fortified cereals are good sources of iron.
In addition to these specific nutrients, staying properly hydrated by drinking enough water and consuming hydrating foods is essential for nail health. Dehydration can lead to dry, brittle nails that are more prone to breaking.
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Nail growth and age
Fingernails grow relatively slowly, at an average rate of about 3.47mm per month or around 0.1 to 0.15mm per day. Toenails grow even more slowly, at an average rate of 1.62mm per month. However, these rates vary from person to person and are influenced by several factors, including age, genetics, overall health, and nutrition. For example, nail growth tends to slow down as people get older, with researchers estimating that by age 20, the growth rate of nails may slow by as much as 0.5% per year. This change in speed may be due to the slowing of blood circulation with age.
Hormones can also affect nail growth rates. For instance, pregnancy can cause nails to grow more rapidly, while lactation may decrease nail growth speed. Outside of pregnancy, puberty is usually when hormone levels are most unstable, and nail growth is said to peak during this time. As hormone levels balance out with age, nail growth may decline. People receiving androgen replacement therapy (testosterone) may also experience increased nail growth.
Certain health conditions can interfere with nail growth, causing nails to become fragile and slow-growing. These include thyroid disease, hypopituitarism, diabetes, osteoporosis, onychomycosis, pulmonary tuberculosis, syphilis, and peripheral artery disease. Skin conditions such as severe eczema and psoriasis can also affect the nail matrix and slow nail growth. Additionally, illnesses like COVID-19, pneumonia, and heart attacks can interrupt nail growth and cause horizontal ridges known as Beau's lines. Chemotherapy and other medications can also temporarily slow nail growth and cause Mees' lines (white bands across the nails) and nail colour changes.
Nutrition is another factor that can influence nail growth. A nutritious diet that includes vitamins like A, C, E, and biotin can help maintain healthy nails and promote growth. Taking 2.5 milligrams of biotin daily has been shown to reduce nail breakage and increase overall nail health.
While it's interesting to learn about nail growth and ways to promote it, it's important to remember that the health and care of your nails should always take priority over their growth rate. Maintaining proper nail hygiene and care is crucial to ensure your nails remain strong and healthy.
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Nail growth and the seasons
The growth rate of nails varies from person to person, influenced by factors such as age, hormones, and certain health conditions. On average, fingernails grow about 3.47 millimeters a month, or about one-tenth of a millimeter a day, while toenails tend to grow slower, averaging 1.62 millimeters per month.
Nail growth is also impacted by the seasons, with nails growing faster during the summer. This correlation between nail growth and warmer weather could be attributed to the positive influence of increased blood circulation and nutrient delivery to the nails during the summer months. Conversely, cold environments are associated with slower nail growth, possibly due to reduced blood circulation.
The nails on the dominant hand tend to grow faster, likely due to more frequent use, which increases the risk of trauma and injury. The body's natural response to trauma is to send more blood and nutrients to the affected area, promoting faster nail growth. Similarly, nail biting or picking can stimulate circulation in the nail bed, resulting in quicker nail growth, although it can also lead to short, uneven nails and damaged cuticles.
Hormonal changes, such as those experienced during puberty and pregnancy, can also affect nail growth rates. Nail growth is said to peak during puberty and accelerate during pregnancy due to hormonal fluctuations. However, it's important to note that nail growth may slow down during lactation.
Additionally, certain health conditions can influence nail growth. For example, people receiving androgen replacement therapy (testosterone) may experience increased nail growth. On the other hand, conditions like thyroid disease, hypopituitarism, diabetes, and osteoporosis can lead to fragile and slow-growing nails. Maintaining overall health and nail hygiene is essential for promoting optimal nail growth.
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Frequently asked questions
A healthy nail will grow at an average rate of about 0.1 to 0.15 millimetres a day, but this varies from person to person.
The nails on your dominant hand tend to grow faster. Nails also grow faster in warm weather, during the day, and in the summer. Nail growth is also influenced by age, genetics, overall health, and nutrition.
To provide the best conditions for nail growth, maintain a healthy lifestyle and a nutritious diet. Your diet should include vitamins like A, C, E, and biotin.
