Ava Monroe
Human nails grow continuously and indefinitely, but at different rates for different people. Factors that influence the rate of nail growth include age, hormones, overall health, and daily activities. On average, fingernails grow about a tenth of a millimeter per day, and toenails grow about one-third to half as quickly as fingernails. This means that a lost fingernail will typically regrow within six months, while a lost toenail can take up to a year and a half to fully regrow.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average daily growth of fingernails | 0.1 mm |
| Average monthly growth of fingernails | 3.47 mm |
| Average time for a lost fingernail to grow back | 6 months |
| Average daily growth of toenails | Less than 0.1 mm |
| Average monthly growth of toenails | Less than 3.47 mm |
| Average time for a lost toenail to grow back | 12–18 months |
| Factors affecting nail growth rate | Handedness, finger length, age, season, health, hormones, and overall health |
| Ways to increase nail health | Taking biotin, using nail hardeners, eating a nutritious and well-balanced diet, keeping nails clean and dry, trimming nails regularly, and avoiding biting nails or clipping them too short |
| Reason for indefinite nail growth | Nails are constantly worn down by use |
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What You'll Learn
Factors affecting nail growth rate: dominant hand, finger, age, season, etc
On average, a healthy fingernail grows about 3.47 millimeters per month or about a tenth of a millimeter per day. However, several factors influence the rate of nail growth, including the dominant hand, finger, age, season, overall health, and hormones.
Dominant Hand
The nails on the dominant hand tend to grow faster, which may be because that hand is used more often and is more prone to trauma and injury. This increased trauma stimulates circulation in the nail bed, encouraging nail growth.
Finger
The rate of nail growth also varies depending on the finger. For example, the little finger's nail typically grows slower than the other fingernails. The nails on longer fingers tend to grow faster.
Age
Age is a significant factor in nail growth, with older individuals experiencing slower nail growth. Dr. William Bean observed that his thumbnail growth rate decreased from 0.123 mm per day at age 23 to 0.095 mm per day at age 67. This may be attributed to a decrease in blood circulation as we age. Additionally, health conditions impacting nail growth, such as fungal infections, are more prevalent in older individuals.
Season
Nail growth is also influenced by the time of year, with faster growth observed during the summer months.
Overall Health and Hormones
Overall health and hormone levels play a role in nail growth. Certain medical conditions, such as immunocompromised states, paralysis, malnutrition, and infections, can slow down nail growth. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause an increase in nail growth, while lactation may decrease it.
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Toenails vs. fingernails: growth rates and regrowth periods
Fingernails and toenails are made of a hard substance called keratin, which helps protect your fingers and toes from injury and improves your ability to grip, pick up, and feel objects. While both types of nails are constantly growing, they do so at different rates.
On average, fingernails grow at a rate of about 3.47 millimeters per month or about one-tenth of a millimeter per day. This rate of growth can vary depending on various factors, including which hand the nail is on, your age, hormone levels, and overall health. For example, nails on the dominant hand tend to grow faster, as do nails on longer fingers like the index and middle fingers. Fingernail growth also tends to be faster during the day and in the summer months.
In contrast, toenails grow at a much slower rate of about 1.62 millimeters per month. This slower growth is due to toenails generally being subjected to less trauma than fingernails. Losing a toenail can take up to a year and a half to fully regrow, while a fingernail typically takes around six months.
The exact mechanisms controlling nail growth rates remain unknown, but several factors are known to influence them. Age is a factor, with nail growth peaking during puberty and then gradually declining as hormone levels balance out with age. Health conditions like fungal infections also become more common with age, impacting nail growth. Hormones play a role, with pregnancy resulting in increased nail growth, while lactation and menopause can decrease it. Additionally, medical conditions such as diabetes and circulatory issues can affect nail growth and recovery from disorders like ingrown toenails.
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Medical conditions that slow nail growth
On average, a healthy fingernail grows about 3.47 millimeters per month or about a tenth of a millimeter per day. Toenails, on the other hand, grow at a much slower rate, taking up to 12-18 months to grow out completely. However, nail growth rates can vary depending on factors such as age, hormone levels, dominant hand, finger length, season, and overall health.
Nail growth can be significantly slower in individuals with certain medical conditions. Here are some medical conditions and health factors that can slow down nail growth:
- Immune System Issues and Infections: A weakened immune system or the presence of an infection can hinder nail growth. This includes fungal infections, such as onychomycosis, which is a common nail disorder, especially among older adults.
- Malnutrition and Iron Deficiency: Nutritional deficiencies, such as malnutrition and iron deficiency, can slow down nail growth. Iron deficiency, in particular, may result in spoon-shaped nails, also known as koilonychia.
- Hormonal Imbalances: Hormonal changes, excluding those during pregnancy, can impact nail growth. For example, hormone levels tend to stabilize after puberty, leading to a decline in nail growth rate. Additionally, during lactation, hormone levels can decrease nail growth.
- Advanced Age: As people age, their nail growth tends to slow down. This is partly due to a decrease in blood circulation and an increased prevalence of health conditions that impact nail growth.
- Medications and Drug Therapies: Certain medications and drug therapies can interfere with nail growth. This includes antibiotics, anti-malarial medications, and some chemotherapy drugs, which may cause nail discolouration or other changes.
- Skin Diseases: Skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, ichthyosis, lichen planus, and lupus can affect nail health and growth. These diseases may result in nail abnormalities like pits, grooves, crumbling nails, or unusual nail shapes.
While some factors influencing nail growth are beyond our control, maintaining overall health and practising good nail hygiene can support nail growth and strength. Consulting with a dermatologist or medical professional is advisable if you notice persistent changes in your nail growth or appearance, as it could indicate an underlying condition.
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Nutrition, hygiene, and supplements for healthy nails
Fingernails grow at an average rate of about 0.1 millimeters per day or about 3.47 millimeters per month. Toenails, on the other hand, grow at a much slower rate, taking up to 12-18 months to grow out completely. Several factors influence the rate of nail growth, including age, hormones, overall health, and nutrition.
A well-balanced diet that includes a variety of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients is essential for maintaining healthy nails. Here are some specific recommendations:
- Biotin: Also known as vitamin B7, biotin promotes healthy cell growth and aids in the metabolism of amino acids, which are crucial for nail growth. Biotin-rich foods include eggs and beans. Small studies have shown that taking 2.5 milligrams of biotin daily can reduce nail breakage and improve overall nail health.
- Vitamin B12: This vitamin plays a vital role in red blood cell production and iron absorption, contributing to strong and healthy nails. Vitamin B12 can be found in meat, fish, dairy, nutritional yeast, and fortified plant-based alternatives.
- Folate (Vitamin B9): Folate contributes to red blood cell formation and the development of new cells, making it important for nail growth and health. Leafy greens like spinach and broccoli are good sources of folate.
- Calcium: Calcium is essential for keeping nails strong, and vitamin D helps regulate calcium levels in the body. Include calcium-rich foods such as leafy greens (kale, collard greens), yogurt, broccoli, canned seafood, and cottage cheese in your diet.
- Vitamin E: Vitamin E helps protect nails from oxidative stress and environmental damage, while also improving blood circulation to the nail bed, thereby enhancing nail growth.
- Zinc: Sufficient zinc intake helps support strong and healthy nails, while a deficiency can lead to issues such as white spots, slowed growth, and nail thinning.
- Protein and Healthy Fats: Consuming enough protein and healthy fats is crucial for nail health. Salmon, fatty fish, nuts, seeds, and avocados are excellent sources of healthy fats and omega-3 fatty acids, which contribute to shiny and strong nails. Beans, legumes, tofu, and certain vegetables are good plant-based sources of protein.
In addition to a nutritious diet, maintaining good nail hygiene is essential for healthy nails. This includes keeping your nails clean and dry, trimming them regularly, and avoiding biting them or cutting them too short. While there are many nail supplements on the market, scientific evidence for their effectiveness is limited, and it is generally recommended to obtain nutrients from whole foods whenever possible. However, in certain cases, such as nutrient deficiencies or specific dietary restrictions, supplements may be beneficial in supporting overall nail health.
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Why human nails grow indefinitely
Human nails grow at a rate of about 0.1 millimetres daily, or 3.47 millimetres per month. This growth is caused by the formation of specialised cells in the nail matrix, which are pushed forward as new cells form behind them. The nail plate, made of a hard substance called keratin, is attached to the nail bed, which supplies the nail with nutrients.
Nails grow indefinitely because they are constantly wearing down and suffering damage. Without this continuous growth, nails would be damaged beyond repair from normal wear and tear. This is especially true for our primitive ancestors, who had to perform hard manual labour with few or no tools. The growth rate of nails tends to somewhat exceed the typical rate of wear, which is why we need to clip our nails regularly.
The nails on the dominant hand tend to grow faster, possibly because we use that hand more often, making it more prone to trauma. Nails also grow faster during the day and in the summertime. Additionally, nail growth is influenced by factors such as age, finger length, hormone levels, and overall health. For example, nail growth peaks during puberty and declines as hormone levels balance out with age. Certain medical conditions can also impact nail growth, with slower growth observed in individuals who are immunocompromised, paralysed, malnourished, infected, or undergoing specific drug therapies.
While there are no scientifically proven methods to accelerate nail growth, maintaining healthy nails can help prevent breakage and promote growth. This includes consuming a nutritious, well-balanced diet, practising good nail hygiene, and taking supplements like biotin.
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Frequently asked questions
On average, a fingernail grows about a tenth of a millimeter per day, and it takes about six months for a fingernail to completely grow back.
Toenails grow at a much slower rate than fingernails, and it can take up to a year and a half for a toenail to completely grow back.
The rate of nail growth can depend on various factors such as age, hormone levels, overall health, and which hand or finger the nail is on.
While there aren't any scientifically proven methods to increase the rate of nail growth, maintaining nail health can help prevent breakage and allow nails to grow longer. This includes taking biotin supplements, using nail hardeners sparingly, and practicing good nail hygiene.
Unlike hair, nails are constantly being worn down by use, which is why they don't get extremely long. Trimming nails is a cultural practice, and some people choose to grow their nails longer, which requires effort and care.
