Caleb Foster
Fingernails and toenails are made of keratin, a protein that forms the cells that make up the tissue in nails. Nails grow from the matrix, or root of the nail, which is located underneath the skin. The rate of nail growth depends on several factors, including age, nutritional status, environmental temperature, trauma, handedness, pregnancy, acute illness, and pre-existing skin conditions. On average, fingernails grow about 1/10 of an inch per month, while toenails grow at an average rate of 1.62mm per month. This means that it can take up to six months for a lost fingernail to grow back and up to 18 months for a lost toenail to regrow.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average growth rate of fingernails | 3.47mm per month or about a tenth of a millimeter per day |
| Average growth rate of toenails | 1.62mm per month |
| Toenail regrowth | 6 months to 2 years |
| Factors affecting nail growth rate | Age, nutritional status, environmental temperature, trauma, handedness, pregnancy, acute illness, preexisting skin conditions, blood circulation, hormones, overall health, season |
| Average time for a thumbnail to grow back | 33 weeks or 5 to 10 months |
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What You'll Learn
Toenails take longer to grow back than fingernails
Toenails grow back much more slowly than fingernails, so if you've lost a toenail, be prepared to wait a while for it to grow back.
Fingernails grow at a rate of around 0.123 mm per day, or about 3.47 mm per month, and it can take up to six months for a fingernail to grow back completely. Toenails, on the other hand, grow at an average rate of 1.62 mm per month, which means it can take up to a year and a half for a lost toenail to grow back. That's three to four times slower than fingernails!
The reason for this difference in growth rate is thought to be related to nail use and trauma. Nails evolved from claws about 55 million years ago, allowing early primates to grasp the terminal branches of trees. Today, our fingernails are used for a variety of tasks, from typing to opening cans, and are more prone to trauma than our toenails. When trauma occurs, our bodies send more blood and nutrients to the area to aid in repair, which can speed up nail growth.
While losing a toenail may be less common than losing a fingernail, it can happen, and it's important to be patient as you wait for it to grow back. In the meantime, you can focus on improving the overall health of your nails by taking vitamins such as biotin, folic acid/vitamin B9, and vitamin D, which are all believed to be beneficial for nail growth.
Additionally, it's worth noting that nail growth can be affected by various factors, including age, nutrition, season, and gender. For example, nail growth peaks during puberty and declines as hormone levels balance out with age. Men's nails also tend to grow faster than women's nails, and nails grow faster during the summer than in the winter, possibly due to increased Vitamin D absorption from more time spent in the sun.
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The rate of nail growth depends on the finger
The rate of nail growth depends on a variety of factors, including age, sex, season, exercise level, diet, and hereditary factors. On average, a healthy person's fingernails grow about 3 to 3.5 millimeters per month, while toenails grow about half as fast at approximately 1.6 millimeters per month. This means that it can take up to six months for a fingernail to regrow completely, and twelve to eighteen months for a toenail.
In addition to varying between fingers and toes, the rate of nail growth can also differ between individual fingers. For example, the nail of the index finger typically grows faster than that of the little finger. This variation in growth rate is related to the length of the terminal phalanges (outermost finger bones).
Several factors can influence the rate of nail growth for specific fingers. For instance, injuries to the nail matrix, such as pinching or crushing the finger, can cause the nail to fall off and may result in deformation during regrowth. Illnesses such as heart attacks, COVID-19, or pneumonia can also interrupt nail growth and lead to horizontal ridges known as Beau's lines. Certain medications, including chemotherapy, can have similar effects on nail growth and appearance.
Peripheral artery disease (PAD), which reduces blood flow to the legs and feet, can slow nail growth in the toes. Skin conditions like severe eczema can also interfere with nail growth, resulting in Beau's lines, pitting, and changes in texture or color.
Overall, while the rate of nail growth generally depends on the finger, it is also influenced by a variety of health and environmental factors that can affect specific fingers or all nails simultaneously.
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Nails grow faster in summer and during the day
Several factors influence the rate of nail growth, including age, gender, genetics, and underlying health conditions. Typically, nails grow at an average rate of 3.47 mm per month or about a tenth of a millimeter per day. This translates to approximately six months for a lost fingernail to regrow entirely.
Interestingly, nails exhibit accelerated growth during the summer and daytime. While the exact mechanism remains unclear, one theory attributes it to increased Vitamin D absorption from spending more time outdoors in the sun. Vitamin D is known to promote nail health, and its abundance during the summer months may contribute to the accelerated nail growth observed during this season.
The growth rate of nails also varies depending on the hand and finger. Nails on the dominant hand tend to grow faster due to more frequent use. Similarly, the nails on longer fingers experience more rapid growth. Additionally, men's nails often grow faster than women's, and nail growth peaks during puberty, gradually declining as hormone levels stabilize with age.
Certain habits and practices can also influence nail growth. For instance, onychophagia, or chronic nail-biting, has been associated with faster nail growth. This may be because biting stimulates circulation in the nail bed, promoting faster regrowth. Similarly, frequent nail clipping may contribute to slightly quicker nail growth, although it does not carry the same risks as nail biting.
To promote healthy nail growth, it is recommended to take care of your body, maintain a balanced diet, and consider taking supplements like biotin, which has been shown to enhance nail health and reduce breakage. Additionally, nail hardeners can be used sparingly to strengthen nails and prevent breakage, but prolonged use is discouraged as they can break down the nail over time.
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Men's nails grow faster than women's
On average, a fingernail will grow back in six months. This is because fingernails grow at a rate of about 1/10 of an inch per month, or about 1/8 of an inch per month. Toenails, on the other hand, grow much slower, taking up to 1.5 years to grow back completely.
Interestingly, men's nails tend to grow faster than women's nails. This may come as a surprise to some, as men typically do not paint their nails or get them done at salons. However, it is important for men to pay attention to their nail health and give their nails the proper care and attention. Nails can say a lot about a person's overall health, and changes in the appearance or texture of nails could indicate a more serious health issue. For example, a bluish nail bed could indicate lung disease, while yellow, white, or banded nails could point to other serious diseases. Additionally, men who are experiencing work-related stress or chronic anxiety may notice their nail growth being affected, as the body will divert energy and nutrients away from nail growth.
There are several other factors that can affect nail growth. Serious illnesses, such as COVID-19 or pneumonia, can interrupt nail growth and cause horizontal ridges known as Beau's lines. Certain skin conditions, such as severe eczema, can also affect nail growth and cause Beau's lines, pitting, and changes in texture or color. Peripheral artery disease, which reduces blood flow to the legs and feet, can also slow down nail growth. Chemotherapy and other medications can cause temporary changes in nail growth, including Beau's lines, Mees' lines (white bands across the nails), and nail color changes.
While losing a fingernail or toenail may seem like a minor issue, it is important to seek medical care if the nail matrix is damaged. In most cases, nails will grow back with proper treatment, but severe damage to the nail matrix can permanently affect nail growth. To promote healthy nail growth, it is recommended to include vitamins such as biotin, folic acid/vitamin B9, and vitamin D in your diet.
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Illnesses and medications can slow nail growth
Serious health events, such as a heart attack, COVID-19, or pneumonia, can interrupt nail growth and cause Beau's lines (horizontal ridges on the nails). Additionally, peripheral artery disease (PAD) causes reduced blood flow to the legs and feet, affecting nail growth.
Skin conditions like severe eczema can also interfere with nail growth, leading to Beau's lines, pitting, texture changes, and colour changes. Psoriasis can cause white lines, pitting, and crumbling of the nails. Subungual melanoma, or nail matrix melanoma, is a type of skin cancer that affects the nail matrix and may appear as brown or black discolouration.
Furthermore, certain medications can slow nail growth. Chemotherapy and cancer medications are known to affect nail health, causing Beau's lines or other cosmetic changes. Other drugs, such as valproic acid, lithium, and isotretinoin, have also been associated with nail changes. These changes may include colour alterations, thickness variations, and nail separation from the skin.
If you notice any concerning nail changes, it is important to consult a healthcare professional. They can recommend treatments or management tips to address the issue and improve nail health.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes around 4 to 6 months for a thumbnail to grow back.
The rate of nail growth depends on factors such as age, nutritional status, environmental temperature, handedness, trauma, pregnancy, acute illness, and pre-existing skin conditions.
Vitamins that are believed to be beneficial for nail growth include biotin, folic acid or vitamin B9, and vitamin D.
Severe nail matrix damage may result in permanent nail loss. However, this is rare, and with proper medical care, your thumbnail should grow back over time.
