Isla Bennett
Fingernails grow on average about a tenth of a millimeter per day, or 3.47 millimeters per month. The growth rate varies depending on factors such as age, genetics, health, and even the season. Nails on the dominant hand tend to grow faster, as do nails on longer fingers. Additionally, nail growth is typically faster during the day and in the summer. Proper nail care, including regular moisturization and protection from harsh chemicals, can promote healthy nail growth. While cutting the cuticle does not affect the growth rate, maintaining cuticle health through moisturization and gentle care is crucial to prevent infections and maintain overall nail health.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average growth rate | 1/8 to 1/10 of an inch per month (about 2.5 to 3.5 mm per month) |
| Growth rate variation | Varies by individual, influenced by factors such as finger, hand, age, genetics, health, nutrition, hormones, and season |
| Growth rate changes | Growth rate tends to slow down with age, with children and teenagers experiencing faster nail growth than adults and older individuals |
| Nail composition | Keratin, the same substance that forms hair and the top layer of skin |
| Cuticle function | Protect new nail growth from the nail root |
| Moisturization | Regular moisturization of nails and cuticles is recommended to prevent dryness and brittleness |
| Nail care | Proper nail care, including moisturization and avoiding harsh chemicals, contributes to healthier nail growth |
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What You'll Learn
Factors influencing nail growth rate
Fingernails grow on average about a tenth of a millimeter per day, but several factors influence the rate of growth.
Handedness
The nails on your dominant hand tend to grow faster.
Finger
The rate of growth also depends on which finger the nail is on. The 2007 study found that the fingernail on the little finger grows slower than other fingernails.
Age
Nail growth is said to peak during puberty and decline as hormone levels balance out with age. As nails age, they probably slow their growth. Dr. William Bean observed that his left thumbnail grew at a rate of 0.123 mm per day at age 23. By the time he reached 67, this rate had dropped to 0.095 mm per day. This change in speed may be because blood circulation slows with age.
Season
Fingernails grow faster during the summer.
Hormones
Pregnancy, puberty, and lactation can affect nail growth rates. Nail growth is said to increase during pregnancy and decrease during lactation.
Health
Some conditions may affect your ability to recover from common nail disorders, such as an ingrown toenail.
Nail care
Practicing good nail hygiene can help maintain nail health and support growth. Keeping nails clean and moisturized is essential, as is regular trimming.
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Cuticle care
Cuticles are primarily made of skin, so it's important to keep them moisturized. Cuticles can dry out from frequent dishwashing and from using nail polish remover containing acetone. To prevent this, dermatologists recommend wearing gloves when washing dishes and using acetone-free nail polish remover.
To keep cuticles moisturized, you can use any skin moisturizer, ointments, creams, or petroleum jelly. You can also use cuticle oil, which can be applied before gently pushing back the cuticles with a wooden stick. This can be done every couple of days to prevent excessive cuticle care after nail polish is removed.
Some people choose to cut their cuticles, but this should only be done if you know what you're doing. If you cut your cuticles, it's important to only cut the white dead skin and avoid cutting into the live skin.
Another way to moisturize the cuticles is through a hot wax treatment, which is offered at some nail salons. People dip their hands into warm, oily wax, then put on plastic gloves and a mitt to seal in the heat for 10 to 15 minutes.
Biting your nails or nibbling on your cuticles can lead to infection, so it's important to avoid these habits.
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Nail growth rate
The growth rate of nails varies from person to person, and depends on a variety of factors, including finger, hand, age, hormone levels, genetics, overall health, and season. On average, fingernails grow about 2.5 to 3.5 millimetres per month, or about a tenth of a millimetre per day. Toenails, on the other hand, grow much more slowly.
The nails on the dominant hand and longer fingers tend to grow faster. For instance, the little finger grows slower than the other fingers. Nails also grow faster during the day and in the summer due to increased circulation. The growth rate tends to slow down with age. Puberty is usually when nail growth is at its peak, and it declines as hormone levels balance out over time. Pregnancy is another period when nail growth is rapid, but it slows during lactation.
Certain medical conditions, medications, and hormonal changes can also affect nail growth. Nail trauma or injury to the nail bed may temporarily slow down growth. Maintaining a balanced, healthy diet, staying hydrated, and protecting nails from harsh chemicals and excessive moisture by wearing gloves can contribute to healthier nail growth.
Taking biotin, using nail hardeners sparingly, and grooming nails regularly by keeping them clean and trimming them once a week are ways to strengthen nails and prevent them from breaking. Keeping cuticles moisturised and pushed back or trimmed is also important for nail health. However, cutting the cuticle will not make nails grow faster, and nothing can change the rate of nail growth.
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Nail health
Fingernails grow at an average rate of about a tenth of a millimeter per day, or approximately 3.47 millimeters per month. However, this rate can vary depending on factors such as age, hormone levels, overall health, and which hand and finger the nail is on. Nails on the dominant hand and longer fingers tend to grow faster, and nail growth is typically faster during the day and in the summer.
Additionally, nail health can be indicative of vitamin deficiencies. For instance, brittle nails, also known as onychoschizia, can be caused by repeated wetting and drying of the nails, but they may also be a sign of hypothyroidism or iron deficiency. Soft nails that break easily could result from overexposure to moisture or chemicals, while weak nails might indicate deficiencies in calcium and B vitamins.
To maintain nail health, it is important to adopt certain care practices. Keeping nails clean and trimmed is essential, and cuticles should be gently pushed back or trimmed. Moisturizing the nails and cuticles is crucial, as cuticles can dry out and crack, leading to potential infections. Hot wax treatments and moisturizers such as ointments or creams can help keep the nails and cuticles well-hydrated. Avoiding glue-on nails, toxic polishes, and prolonged use of nail hardeners can also contribute to healthier nails.
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Nail care tips
On average, fingernails grow about a tenth of a millimeter per day, but this rate can vary depending on factors such as age, hormone levels, overall health, and which hand or finger the nail is on. The nails on the dominant hand, for instance, tend to grow faster, and nail growth is typically faster during the summertime.
Keep Nails Clean and Dry
Bacteria and fungi thrive in a moist environment, so maintaining clean and dry nails is essential to prevent bacteria from growing underneath them. Wash your hands regularly, and wear gloves when doing dishes or other activities that involve water to protect your nails from moisture.
Trim and Shape Nails Regularly
Use sharp nail scissors or clippers to cut your nails straight across, rounding them slightly at the tips for added strength. Aim to trim your nails once a week and keep your cuticles pushed back gently with an orange stick or trimmed. Avoid cutting your cuticles as it can lead to infection and does not affect the rate of nail growth.
Moisturize Cuticles
Cuticles are primarily made of skin, so it's crucial to keep them moisturized to prevent dryness, cracking, and peeling. Apply a thick moisturizing product, such as ointments or creams, to your cuticles regularly. Petroleum jelly (Vaseline) is an inexpensive and effective option recommended by dermatologists.
Strengthen Nails
To strengthen your nails and prevent breakage, consider taking biotin supplements (2.5 mg per day) and using nail hardeners sparingly. Avoid prolonged use of nail hardeners and products containing formaldehyde or formalin, as they can break down the nail over time. Opt for nontoxic or water-based nail polishes instead of glue-on nails and toxic polishes, which can increase the risk of nail breakage.
Avoid Harmful Habits
Refrain from biting your nails or cuticles, using your nails as tools (e.g., opening cans), and removing the cuticle. These habits can damage your nails and cuticles, leading to potential infections and nail disorders.
Seek Professional Help if Needed
If you notice any changes in your nails, such as swelling or pain, consult a dermatologist, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation. They can provide personalized advice and treatment for any nail problems or concerns.
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Frequently asked questions
Nails grow at different rates depending on factors such as age, genetics, health, and even the season. On average, fingernails grow about 1/8 to 1/10 of an inch per month, or about a tenth of a millimeter per day.
Nail growth can be influenced by various factors, including age, genetics, overall health, nutrition, and season. Certain medical conditions, medications, and hormonal changes can also impact nail growth.
Cuticles are primarily made of skin, so it's essential to keep them moisturized to prevent dryness, cracking, and peeling. You can use any skin moisturizer, and most dermatologists recommend thick moisturizing products such as ointments or creams.
To promote healthy nail growth, maintain a balanced and healthy diet, stay hydrated, and protect your nails from harsh chemicals and excessive moisture by wearing gloves. You can also take biotin supplements, use nail hardeners sparingly, and groom your nails regularly to keep them clean and trimmed.
