Ava Monroe
Nails are produced by the nail matrix cells that reside in the moon-shaped whitish area (lunula) at the base of the nail. The nail matrix is where your fingernails form, and it has two parts: the germinal matrix and the sterile matrix. The nail matrix is prone to damage due to its location at the back of our fingertips and toes, and longer nails are more susceptible to injury. Minor damage to the nail matrix can cause temporary changes to the nail's appearance, while severe damage can result in permanent deformation or the nail falling off. In the case of severe damage, it may take several weeks for a new nail to appear, and it can take 3-6 months for nails to completely regrow.
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What You'll Learn
Nails grow at a rate of 0.13 inches per month
Nails are produced by the nail matrix cells that reside in the whitish moon-shaped area (lunula) at the base of the nail. The nail matrix is the "factory" where your body makes new fingernails and toenails. The nail matrix has two parts: the germinal matrix and the sterile matrix. About 90% of nail growth comes from the germinal matrix. The nail matrix and lunula are part of your nail's overall structure.
Injuries and certain health conditions can damage your nail matrix and interfere with nail growth. Minor damage to your nail matrix can temporarily change your nail's appearance. You might notice a change in how your nail feels to the touch. A severe injury could cause your nail to fall off. If there is damage to the nail matrix, the growing nail plate will contain a defect. Minor damage will produce minor defects in the nail, while more significant defects can result in a permanently deformed nail.
If your nail has colour changes, pitting, ridges, lines, or texture changes, seek treatment. A well-rounded diet and good general health help to produce strong nails. Nail damage can be caused by working, playing, or repeated trauma. Nails are prone to damage as they are on the back of our fingertips and toes. Longer nails are more likely to become damaged because they can be levered off the nail bed or run into the end of an athletic shoe.
Fingernails grow at a rate of 0.13 inches per month. Toenails grow more slowly, usually close to half the rate of fingernails. Fingernails can regrow entirely in 3-6 months. Nails grow a bit more than one-tenth of an inch per month and require 3-6 months to completely regrow. Fingers or toes that have sustained injuries that affect the nail bed and the matrix grow more slowly than unaffected nails for about the first 3 months.
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Toenails grow more slowly than fingernails
Toenails grow at a slower rate than fingernails, taking around a year and a half to grow out completely, while fingernails take only six months. 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, which is less than half the speed of fingernails.
The speed of nail growth varies depending on age, nutrition, and season. For example, nail growth slows with age due to a decrease in blood circulation. Gender also plays a role, with males tending to have faster-growing nails. Nail biting, or onchophagia, is another factor that increases nail growth. This may be because trauma to the nail bed increases blood flow and nutrient supply to the affected area, promoting growth.
The evolution of nails from claws, which occurred around 55 million years ago, also contributes to the difference in growth rates between fingernails and toenails. Nails are one of the features that distinguish primates, with the fossil record showing that the oldest known primate-like mammal had evolved a single toenail.
While toenails generally grow more slowly than fingernails, there are exceptions. For example, the big toenail grows faster than the other toenails. Additionally, the nails on the dominant hand, which are used more frequently, tend to grow faster. This is because increased use results in more trauma to the nail bed, which changes the pattern of nail growth.
To promote healthy nail growth, it is important to take care of the nail matrix, the area where nail growth starts. Minor damage to the nail matrix can cause temporary changes in the appearance of the nail, such as texture or colour changes. Severe damage to the nail matrix can result in permanent nail deformities or the nail may not grow back at all. Therefore, it is important to protect the nails from injury and to seek treatment for any nail changes or injuries. Keeping the nails and surrounding skin hydrated can also help to improve nail health.
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Nail damage can be caused by working, playing sports or repeated trauma
Nails are produced by the nail matrix cells that reside in the moon-shaped whitish area (lunula) at the base of the nail. The nail matrix has two parts: the germinal matrix and the sterile matrix. The germinal matrix contributes to about 90% of nail growth. The nail matrix is the "factory" where your body makes new fingernails and toenails.
Nail damage can be caused by working, playing sports, or repeated trauma. Nails, being located at the back of our fingertips and toes, are prone to damage. Longer nails are more likely to become damaged as they can be levered off the nail bed or run into the end of an athletic shoe. Poorly fitting shoes are likely to injure nails through repeated trauma. If you work with tools or machinery, be aware of "pinch points" that could injure your fingers or hands. Wear gloves if your employer advises it, especially when working with chemicals. If you play sports, wear properly fitted athletic shoes.
If your nail has colour changes, pitting, ridges, lines, or texture changes, seek treatment. Minor damage to your nail matrix can temporarily change your nail's appearance. A severe injury could cause your nail to fall off. Once your nail matrix heals, your nail will usually start to grow again. It may take several weeks before you see your new nail appear. In cases of severe nail matrix damage, some or all of your nail may not grow back.
To treat damaged nails, first, remove any superficial damage to effectively treat and hydrate. You can try a face moisturiser or serum with an AHA, like glycolic or lactic acid. Keeping your nails and the surrounding skin hydrated can work wonders. Your cuticles protect the nail matrix, so it is important to keep them hydrated as well.
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Protect your nails by wearing proper footwear
Nails grow a little more than one-tenth of an inch per month and take 3-6 months to completely regrow. Fingernails grow at a rate of 0.13 inches per month, while toenails grow more slowly, usually at close to half the rate of fingernails.
The nail matrix is the "factory" where your body makes new fingernails and toenails. Certain injuries and illnesses can damage your nail matrix and affect how your nails look or grow. Minor damage to your nail matrix can cause temporary changes to your nail's appearance, such as a change in how your nail feels to a touch. A severe injury could cause your nail to fall off. Once your nail matrix heals, your nail will usually start to grow again.
- Wear shoes that fit properly.
- Alternate the pair of shoes you wear each day.
- Wear flip-flops at the pool and in public showers to reduce the risk of infections caused by a fungus that can get into your toenails.
- If you play sports, wear the correct shoes for your sport and ensure they're the right size.
- Replace shoes when they become worn or hurt your feet.
- Avoid wearing shoes that are too tight.
- If you work with heavy objects or in construction, wear steel-toe boots to protect your toes.
By wearing proper footwear, you can help prevent nail damage caused by poorly fitting shoes or repeated trauma to the nails.
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Keep your nails and the surrounding skin hydrated
Keeping your nails and the surrounding skin hydrated can be highly beneficial to the health of your nails. Nails grow from the nail matrix, which is the "factory" where your body makes new fingernails and toenails. This process can be interfered with by injuries and certain health conditions. Therefore, it is important to keep the nail matrix healthy and hydrated.
Hydrating products can help to repair superficial damage to your nails and keep them healthy. Face moisturizers or serums with an AHA, such as glycolic or lactic acid, can be effective treatments for rough, uneven nails. You can also use a dedicated nail treatment product, such as an exfoliating glycolic-acid-based formula, which can be used safely and weekly.
Cuticles are also important to protect the nail matrix and prevent infection. While cuticles are often removed during manicures, leaving them in place will help them protect your nails and fingers from fungus and other infections.
Additionally, it is important to wear proper footwear, especially when playing sports. Tight shoes can injure your nails through repeated trauma. Similarly, if you work with tools or machinery, be aware of "pinch points" that could injure your fingers or hands, and wear gloves if necessary.
By keeping your nails and the surrounding skin hydrated and following these tips, you can promote healthy nail growth and protect your nails from damage.
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Frequently asked questions
Nails grow at a rate of 0.13 inches per month and can take 3-6 months to completely regrow. Toenails grow more slowly than fingernails.
Nail damage can be caused by working, playing sports, or repeated trauma. Nails are prone to damage as they are on the fingertips and toes. Longer nails are more susceptible to damage.
You may notice changes in the appearance or texture of your nails, such as dents, horizontal ridges, lines, or colour changes.
It is important to keep your nails and the surrounding skin hydrated. You can also try a nail treatment with glycolic acid to help repair rough, uneven nails. If you notice any signs of infection, you should seek medical advice.
To prevent nail damage, it is recommended to wear proper footwear, especially when playing sports. Avoid tight-fitting shoes and always wear gloves when working with tools, chemicals, or heavy objects.
