Isla Bennett
Fingernails and toenails grow at different rates, with toenails growing more slowly. A healthy fingernail grows on average about 3.47mm per month, while a toenail grows at an average rate of 1.62mm per month. Fingernails grow at a rate of 0.7mm per week, while toenails grow at around 0.4mm per week. Several factors influence the rate of nail growth, including age, health, hormones, and the time of year.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average monthly growth of fingernails | 3.47 mm |
| Average monthly growth of toenails | 1.62 mm |
| Fingernail regrowth time | 4-6 months |
| Toenail regrowth time | 12-18 months |
| Factors influencing nail growth | Age, health, hormones, trauma, season, nutrition, genetics, behaviour, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Fingernails grow 3.47mm a month on average
Fingernails grow at different rates for different people. However, on average, a healthy nail will grow about 3.47 mm per month, or about 0.7 mm per week. This equates to approximately one-tenth of a millimetre per day. Toenails, on the other hand, grow at a much slower rate, at an average of 1.62 mm per month.
Several factors influence the rate at which nails grow. One of the most significant factors is age. Children's nails grow much faster than adults', with growth slowing to 50% of its previous rate after puberty. Additionally, older people may experience slower nail growth due to health conditions that become more common with age, such as fungal infections.
Hormones can also play a role in nail growth. For example, pregnant people often experience accelerated nail growth due to increased metabolism and circulation caused by hormonal changes. Similarly, people receiving androgen replacement therapy (testosterone) may also notice an increase in nail growth.
Health conditions can affect nail growth, with certain illnesses or medical treatments potentially causing fragile, slow-growing nails. For instance, research has linked conditions like thyroid disease, hypopituitarism, diabetes, and osteoporosis with slower nail growth. Additionally, nutritional deficiencies or other underlying health issues can impact nail growth, so it's important to maintain a nutritious, well-balanced diet and practice good nail hygiene.
Environmental factors, such as the time of year, can also influence nail growth. Nails tend to grow faster during the warmer, summer months. Additionally, the nails on your dominant hand and longer fingers tend to grow faster, likely due to increased usage, which can lead to more trauma and the body sending more blood and nutrients to the area to aid repair.
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Toenails grow slower, at 1.62mm per month
Toenails grow slower than fingernails, at an average rate of 1.62 mm per month. This is about half the rate of fingernail growth, which averages 3.47 mm per month. Toenails take longer to grow back if they are lost, typically requiring a year to a year and a half to grow back from cuticle to tip. In comparison, a fingernail takes around four to six months to regrow completely.
The rate of toenail growth is influenced by various factors, including age, health, and genetics. As people age, their nail growth tends to slow down. Health conditions, such as thyroid disease, hypopituitarism, diabetes, and osteoporosis, can also contribute to slower nail growth and fragile nails. Hormone changes during pregnancy can cause an increase in nail growth, while certain medical conditions or drug therapies may result in slower growth.
Environmental factors, such as the time of year, can also play a role in toenail growth. Toenails tend to grow faster during the warmer months of the year. Additionally, proper nail care and hygiene are essential for maintaining healthy toenails. Eating a nutritious, well-balanced diet, staying hydrated, and using oils to moisturize the nails can all contribute to optimal toenail health and growth.
It's worth noting that everyone's toenails grow at slightly different rates, and there is no universal standard for "normal" toenail growth. If you feel concerned about the rate of your toenail growth or notice any discoloration or other unusual symptoms, it's advisable to consult a healthcare professional. They can help determine if any underlying conditions or nutritional deficiencies are affecting your toenail growth and provide appropriate guidance or treatment.
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Fingernails grow faster in summer
On average, a healthy fingernail grows about 3.47 millimetres per month, or about one-tenth of a millimetre a day. However, this rate varies from person to person and can be influenced by several factors, including age, hormones, and health conditions. For instance, nail growth tends to slow down with age, and certain health conditions, such as thyroid disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis, can lead to fragile and slow-growing nails.
Hormonal changes during pregnancy can also cause nails to grow faster, while the post-pregnancy period may see a decrease in nail growth. Puberty is another time when nail growth is typically accelerated due to fluctuating hormone levels. Additionally, the nails on your dominant hand and longer fingers tend to grow faster because they are used more often, increasing the risk of trauma and the need for repair.
Interestingly, your fingernails grow faster during the summer months. While the exact reason for this seasonal variation is not clear, it could be related to increased sun exposure, as suggested by some sources. Sun exposure is believed to increase nail growth, possibly due to the stimulating effect of sunlight on the body's vitamin D production and overall circulation.
Although there are no scientifically proven methods to accelerate nail growth, maintaining overall health and nail hygiene can positively impact nail growth and strength. Eating a nutritious, well-balanced diet, taking biotin supplements, and protecting nails from trauma can contribute to healthier and faster-growing nails.
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Age affects nail growth
The average rate of nail growth is around 3 mm per month, with a normal range falling anywhere between 1.8 mm and 4.5 mm. However, age affects the rate of nail growth, with a slight decline in growth rate observed over time. As early as the age of 20, the growth rate slows by about 0.5% per year. The exact mechanisms that control the speed of nail growth are unknown, but it is established that fingernails grow about three times faster than toenails.
The changes in nail growth rate with age are accompanied by alterations in texture, thickness, shape, contour, and colour. Nails may become thicker or thinner with age, and fungal infections, common in older individuals, can lead to nail thickening and discolouration. Conditions like psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis can also contribute to thicker nails.
The colour of nails can change with age, transitioning from translucent to yellowed and opaque. This discolouration can be influenced by nutritional deficiencies or underlying health conditions. Darker-skinned individuals, such as Hispanics and African Americans, may develop longitudinal melanonychia with age, characterised by dark stripes or ridges along the length of the nail. These stripes are composed of melanin, the same pigment responsible for hair colour.
In addition to colour changes, the shape of nails can also be impacted by age. The curve of the nails may alter over time, and ingrown toenails may become more prevalent. Nails can become brittle and prone to breaking, and repeated wetting and drying, or exposure to harsh chemicals, can exacerbate this issue.
While the specific reasons for age-related changes in nail growth rate remain unclear, it is suggested that decreased blood flow and medical conditions may play a role. Similar to hair, which often exhibits signs of ageing, nails undergo modifications in growth rate, texture, thickness, shape, and colour as individuals grow older.
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Health and nutrition impact nail growth
The average fingernail grows at a rate of about 3.47 mm per month, while toenails grow at a slower rate of 1.62 mm per month. However, nail growth rates can vary from person to person and are influenced by factors such as age, hormone fluctuations, and certain health conditions. For instance, nail growth tends to slow down with advancing age, and certain health conditions like thyroid disease, hypopituitarism, diabetes, and osteoporosis can lead to fragile, slow-growing nails.
Health and nutrition play a significant role in nail growth. A well-balanced diet rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals is essential for supporting nail health and promoting growth. Nails are primarily composed of keratin, a type of protein, so incorporating high-quality protein sources into your diet is crucial for nail growth. Lean meats, fish, eggs, dairy products, beans, legumes, quinoa, tofu, and nuts are excellent sources of protein.
Biotin, a B-complex vitamin, is often referred to as a "superstar nutrient" for nail health. It promotes healthy cell growth and aids in the metabolism of protein-building amino acids, which are essential for nail growth. Foods like eggs, nuts, leafy greens, and fortified cereals are good sources of biotin. Additionally, supplements containing biotin may be beneficial for individuals with biotin deficiencies, helping to strengthen brittle nails and improve their growth.
Iron is another critical nutrient for nail growth. It is necessary for the production of hemoglobin, which delivers oxygen to nail cells. A deficiency in iron can lead to brittle, ridged, or spoon-shaped nails. To support nail health, include iron-rich foods in your diet, such as lean meats, fish, and plant-based sources like spinach and beans.
Zinc is also required for nail growth and repair. A zinc deficiency can cause white spots on the nails and hinder their growth. Oysters, beef, pumpkin seeds, chickpeas, and certain plant-based foods are rich sources of zinc.
Vitamin C is essential for collagen production, which provides strength and structure to nails. Citrus fruits, strawberries, bell peppers, and broccoli are all vitamin C-rich foods that can contribute to stronger and healthier nails.
Omega-3 fatty acids, found in salmon, mackerel, sardines, chia seeds, flaxseeds, and walnuts, help keep nails moisturized and prevent dryness and brittleness.
In summary, a well-balanced and nutrient-rich diet that includes adequate protein, vitamins, and minerals is key to supporting nail growth and overall nail health.
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Frequently asked questions
On average, fingernails grow 3.47 millimetres a month, and toenails grow 1.62 millimetres per month.
The nails on your dominant hand grow faster, as do the nails on your longer fingers. Your nails also grow faster during the day and in the summer. Nail growth is also impacted by your overall health, as well as your age and hormone levels.
There are no scientifically proven methods to make nails grow faster. However, taking care of your nails and overall health can help promote nail growth and prevent them from becoming brittle or breaking. Eating a nutritious, well-balanced diet, staying hydrated, and practising good nail hygiene can all help support nail health.
If you lose a fingernail, it may take up to six months for it to completely grow back. Toenails will take 12-18 months to grow out completely. Nail regrowth is slower in people with certain medical conditions, such as thyroid disease, hypopituitarism, diabetes, and osteoporosis.
