Caleb Foster
Nails are made up of keratin, which is hard to break down. Fingernails grow at an average rate of 3.47mm per month, or about a tenth of a millimetre per day. Nails on your dominant hand grow faster, as do nails on your longer fingers. Fingernails also grow faster during the day and in the summer. Toenails grow much slower, at a rate of 1.62mm per month. If you lose a fingernail, it can take up to six months to grow back, while a toenail can take up to 18 months.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average growth rate of fingernails | 3.47 mm per month or about 0.1 mm per day |
| Average growth rate of toenails | 1.62 mm per month |
| Time taken to regrow clipped fingernails | 6 months |
| Time taken to regrow clipped toenails | 12-18 months |
| Factors influencing nail growth rate | Trauma, dominant hand, finger length, time of day, season, age, hormones, nutrition, blood circulation, and genetics |
| Ways to increase nail growth rate | Taking biotin, vitamin C, and nail hardeners; applying jojoba oil; and eating a balanced diet |
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What You'll Learn
Fingernails grow faster than toenails
It takes about six months or longer for a fingernail to grow back and up to 18 months for a toenail to regrow. This is because fingernails grow faster than toenails.
Fingernails grow at an average rate of 3.47 mm per month, whereas toenails grow at an average rate of 1.62 mm per month. This means that it takes about three times longer for a toenail to grow back than a fingernail.
There are a few theories as to why fingernails grow faster than toenails. One theory suggests that it is due to ""terminal trauma". This means that the more you use a digit, the quicker the nail grows. Your body assumes that your fingernails are being worn down by constant use, so it increases the growth rate to compensate. In contrast, toenails are generally protected by shoes and are subject to less trauma.
Another theory suggests that the rate of nail growth is directly related to the amount of blood flowing through the digit. Since your hands are closer to the heart than your feet, more blood flows through your fingers than your toes, resulting in faster fingernail growth. Nails also tend to grow slower in cold weather when blood flow is restricted, which supports this theory.
Additionally, it has been observed that nails on the dominant hand tend to grow faster than those on the non-dominant hand. This may be because the dominant hand is used more frequently, increasing the risk of trauma and subsequently stimulating nail growth.
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Nails grow faster in summer
Fingernails grow at an average rate of 3.47 millimeters (mm) per month or about a tenth of a millimeter per day. Toenails, on the other hand, grow at a slower rate of 1.62 mm per month. If you lose a fingernail, it can take up to six months for it to completely grow back, while a lost toenail can take up to a year and a half.
Several factors influence the growth rate of nails. For instance, nails on the dominant hand grow faster, and the same goes for the nails on longer fingers. Additionally, nails tend to grow faster during the day and in the summer. This could be attributed to increased blood circulation during these periods. Trauma to the nail can also stimulate circulation in the nail bed, resulting in faster nail growth. For instance, nail biting or frequent nail clipping can lead to slightly faster nail growth.
While there are no scientifically proven methods to make nails grow faster, certain practices can improve overall nail health and prevent breakage, allowing nails to grow longer. Taking biotin supplements has been shown to reduce breakage and enhance nail health. Nail hardeners can also strengthen nails, but prolonged use may break down the nail over time. It is recommended to limit or avoid strengtheners containing formaldehyde or formalin. Instead, opt for nontoxic or water-based polishes to reduce the risk of nail breakage associated with glue-on nails and toxic polishes.
Hormones also play a role in nail growth. For example, pregnancy and puberty, which are times of significant hormonal changes, can result in rapid nail growth. However, during lactation, the rate of nail growth may decrease. As we age, our blood circulation slows down, leading to a decrease in nail growth rate over time.
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Nail growth slows with age
On average, fingernails grow at a rate of 3.47 mm per month, or about a tenth of a millimeter per day. Toenails, on the other hand, grow at a slower rate of 1.62 mm per month. If a fingernail is lost or detached, it can take up to six months to regrow, while a lost toenail can take up to 18 months to fully recover.
Several factors influence the rate of nail growth, including age, hand dominance, finger length, season, and overall health. Interestingly, the nails on the dominant hand tend to grow faster, possibly due to increased usage. Nails on longer fingers may also exhibit faster growth. Seasonal variations are observed, with faster growth during the summertime.
Age plays a significant role in nail growth, with a general decline in growth rate as people get older. This slowdown in growth is attributed to the decrease in blood circulation and the balancing of hormone levels with age. For example, the growth rate of Dr. William Bean's left thumbnail decreased from 0.123 mm per day at age 23 to 0.095 mm per day at age 67.
In addition to growth rate, the appearance and texture of nails may change with age. Some common age-related changes include discoloration, thickening, and shape alterations. While some changes are natural, others may indicate underlying medical conditions. For example, clubbing, a dramatic shape change resulting in very rounded nails, can signify long-term oxygen deprivation and be indicative of kidney, liver, or endocrine disorders.
To maintain nail health as one ages, it is important to monitor any significant changes and consult a healthcare provider if necessary. While nail growth tends to slow down with age, proper care and attention can help maintain the overall health and appearance of nails.
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Hormones affect nail growth
On average, it takes about six months for a fingernail to grow back and up to 18 months for a toenail to regrow. Fingernails grow at an average rate of 3.47 mm per month, while toenails grow at an average rate of 1.62 mm per month. Nails on your dominant hand grow faster, as do the nails on your longer fingers. Your fingernails also grow faster during the day and in the summertime.
Now, onto the role of hormones in nail growth:
Hormones play a significant role in nail growth and health. Thyroid hormones, for instance, are involved in nail growth, and changes in these hormone levels can lead to noticeable nail changes over time. Sex hormones, such as estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, also influence nail growth. Estrogen helps keep water in body tissues, so lower estrogen levels can lead to dull, yellowish fingernails. During pregnancy, when estrogen and progesterone levels are at their highest, many women experience rapid nail growth. However, some women may find that their nails become more brittle and prone to grooves during this time.
Androgen hormones, including testosterone and DHEA, are also important in nail growth. Higher levels of testosterone can contribute to nail health issues in people with conditions like PCOS, insulin resistance, or post-pill androgen surges. Androgen replacement therapy, for instance, can lead to a distinctive "washboard-like" nail pattern and accelerated nail growth. Additionally, during puberty, when hormone levels are in flux, nail growth is said to peak, and it declines as hormone levels stabilize with age.
Stress hormones like cortisol can also impact nail health. Chronically high levels of cortisol due to ongoing stress can negatively affect nails. Therefore, managing stress levels is essential for maintaining nail health and promoting growth.
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Nail hardeners can help strengthen nails
Nails grow back slowly, and it can take about six months or longer for a fingernail to regrow and up to 18 months for a toenail. The rate of growth depends on various factors, including the amount of trauma to the nail, which finger the nail is on, and the season. For instance, the nails on your dominant hand grow faster, and nails tend to grow faster during the summertime.
Nail hardeners are a type of nail strengthener that can help strengthen nails and prevent them from breaking. They create a protective barrier on the nail, making it less prone to breaking. Some nail hardeners may contain formaldehyde, which can make the nail become brittle over time and cause severe allergic reactions. Hence, it is recommended to avoid products that contain formaldehyde.
There are various nail hardeners available that can help improve the appearance, roughness, and thickness of nails. Londontown's Nail Hardener and Base Coat, for example, contains rapeseed oil, vitamin A, vitamin E, and biotin, which leaves nails hydrated and nourished. It can be used as a base coat before applying nail polish and serves as a protective barrier between the nail and the polish.
ORLY Nailtrition Nail Growth Treatment is another product that can help strengthen nails and support nail growth while providing a subtle shimmery finish. It is recommended for those with flimsy, peeling, or breaking nails.
Rejuvacote is a nail hardener that contains wheat and soy proteins, as well as calcium, to help make nails hard and strong while still being flexible. This product is suitable for those who use their hands a lot and want their nails to remain pliable.
Sally Hansen's nail strengthener is another popular option that has been on the market for many years. It has a serum-like texture that absorbs quickly into the nails and forms a hard, glossy barrier to protect the nails from damage.
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Frequently asked questions
On average, it takes about six months for fingernails to regrow. The rate of growth is about 3.47mm per month or 0.1mm per day.
Toenails grow at a slower rate than fingernails, taking up to 18 months to fully regrow.
The nails on your dominant hand grow faster, as do the nails on your longer fingers. Fingernails also grow faster during the day and in the summer. An injury to the nail matrix can cause your nail to fall off, and when it heals, a new nail will begin to grow. This can take several weeks.
There are no scientifically proven methods to accelerate nail growth. However, taking biotin supplements can help strengthen nails, making them less prone to breaking.
