Ava Monroe
The growth pattern of nails is influenced by various factors, including genetics, age, hormones, and overall health. While there are no scientifically proven methods to alter nail growth patterns, maintaining healthy nails is achievable through proper nutrition, regular grooming, and certain home remedies. Genetics play a significant role in determining nail bed shape, and any attempts to permanently change it may require medical procedures. Minor damage to the nail matrix can cause temporary changes in nail appearance, but with proper care, healthy nail growth can resume. This involves a well-balanced diet, regular nail care, and addressing any underlying health conditions or injuries that may impact nail growth.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average growth rate | 3.47-3.5 millimeters per month |
| Average daily growth rate | 0.1-0.123 millimeters |
| Factors affecting growth rate | Finger, hand, age, hormone levels, overall health, season, time of day, nail biting, nail clipping, pregnancy, medication, peripheral artery disease, skin conditions, injuries, illnesses, diet, nail fungus, nail psoriasis, and more |
| Ways to improve growth | Keep nails dry and clean, trim nails straight across and round tips into a soft curve, moisturize hands and nails, avoid nail biting and cutting nails too short, eat a well-balanced diet, take biotin supplements, use nail hardeners sparingly, avoid glue-on nails and toxic polishes, opt for non-toxic or water-based polishes, and more |
| Nail bed shape | Determined by genetics; can be changed by a dermatologist ripping the nail off or surgically clipping and applying acid to kill part of the nail matrix |
| Nail matrix | Determines shape, curvature, width, and thickness of nails; can be damaged by injuries, illnesses, and certain medications, interfering with nail growth; usually heals and nail starts to grow again, though severe damage may prevent nail from growing back |
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What You'll Learn
Hormones and age influence nail growth
Hormones play a significant role in nail growth. For instance, during puberty, when hormone levels are in flux, nail growth tends to peak. As hormone levels stabilise with age, nail growth typically slows down. Younger people generally have faster-growing nails than older individuals. Additionally, men and pregnant women often experience faster nail growth due to higher levels of certain hormones. In the case of pregnant women, oestrogen and progesterone levels climb to the highest points in their lives, contributing to rapid nail growth.
Oestrogen, in particular, is essential for maintaining healthy nails. It helps keep water in body tissues, so lower oestrogen levels can lead to dull, brittle, and yellowish fingernails. This is also evident during menopause, when declining oestrogen levels can result in dry and brittle nails.
Age also influences nail growth, with overall growth rates slowing down as we get older. From as early as age 20, the growth rate slows by about 0.5% per year. Nails may also become thicker or thinner with age, and they can become more prone to breaking. Repeated wetting and drying, as well as exposure to harsh chemicals or cosmetics, can exacerbate these issues.
In addition to hormonal changes and ageing, external factors like long-term exposure to chemicals or ultraviolet light can also impact nail growth and health over time.
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Proper nutrition and vitamins can strengthen nails
Nutrient deficiencies can affect nail growth and strength, and a change in the appearance, texture, or shape of your nails could indicate nutrient deficiencies. A balanced diet full of fresh fruits and vegetables, lean sources of protein, adequate carbohydrates, and plenty of healthy fats is ideal for maintaining strong nails.
Biotin, a B-complex vitamin, promotes healthy cell growth and aids in the metabolism of protein-building amino acids that are essential for nail growth. Biotin-rich foods include organ meats, egg yolk, dairy products, yeast, salmon, avocado, sweet potato, nuts, seeds, and cauliflower. Vitamin B12 plays a role in iron absorption and red blood cell development, and both iron and B12 are necessary for keeping nails strong and healthy. A deficiency in vitamin B12 can result in discoloured nails. Iron can be found in meat, dark leafy greens, legumes, and fortified grains, and pairing iron-rich foods with vitamin C-rich foods may help increase iron absorption.
Vitamin C is also great for nail health because it plays a role in collagen production, which helps strengthen tissues. Vitamin C can be found in citrus fruits, tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, broccoli, and strawberries. Vitamin E is another potent antioxidant that helps protect the nails from oxidative stress and environmental damage, while also improving blood circulation to the nail bed. Vitamin E can be found in nuts, seeds, green leafy vegetables, fortified cereals, and vegetable oils.
Other vitamins and nutrients that can help strengthen nails include folate, which can be found in dark green vegetables, citrus fruits, beans, peas, lentils, nuts, seeds, and avocado; and silicon, which is found in beer.
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Nail grooming and maintenance techniques
While there is no scientifically proven method for making nails grow faster, good nutrition and nail care can help strengthen your nails and promote growth over time.
Diet
A well-balanced diet, rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, carbohydrates, and healthy fats, is essential for strong and healthy nails. Biotin, a type of B vitamin, is highly recommended as a supplement to boost nail strength.
Nail Clipping
Nail clipping is an important step in nail maintenance. It is recommended to use sharp manicure scissors or clippers to trim nails straight across. For fingernails, leave 1-2 mm before reaching the pink coloured zone, and then use a file to smoothen the corners and prevent catching on fabrics or furniture. For toenails, cut straight across, leaving 2-3 mm, to prevent ingrown nails.
Cuticle Care
Cuticles protect the nail root, so it is crucial to avoid cutting or pushing them back. Instead, use cuticle oil to moisturize the cuticles and the skin around the nails. This helps prevent dryness and keeps your nails looking neat.
Moisturizing
Moisturizing your hands and nails with lotion or cream is essential to maintain nail health. Pay special attention to the base of the nails, where the cuticles are located, to keep them flexible and prevent splitting.
Nail Filing
Different types of nail files, such as metal or paper, are available, with varying grits on each side. Choose a file that suits your needs and file your nails gently, always in the same direction, to shape and smoothen them.
Nail Reshaping
While genetics largely determines nail shape, it is possible to experiment with different shapes by gently filing the sides and edges of your nails. However, for more significant changes, you may need to consult a dermatologist for professional advice and procedures.
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Dermatological procedures for nail growth
While there is no scientifically proven method for making nails grow faster, taking good care of your body through proper nutrition and grooming techniques can help nails grow strong and long over time.
Although it is not common, in certain cases, dermatological procedures can be employed to enhance nail growth. One such procedure involves the removal of the nail, which allows for the nail to restart its growth. This procedure is typically carried out by a dermatologist when the nail is damaged and requires a fresh start. It is important to note that this procedure is considered unusual and may be costly.
In addition to this, various nail surgeries exist to address specific nail issues. For example, radical matricectomy (the Syme procedure) involves the en bloc excision of the entire nail complex. This particular procedure is reserved for patients with recurrent onychocryptosis that has not responded to other treatments. Laser surgery has also been proposed to inhibit fungal nail growth and assist in drug delivery through the nail plate.
Nail surgery is considered complex and time-consuming and requires specific knowledge of nail anatomy and physiology. As with any surgery, patient selection and understanding of the procedure and its risks are critical. Preliminary examinations and laboratory tests may be necessary to ensure patient safety and avoid unnecessary complications.
While these dermatological procedures exist, it is important to prioritize the overall health of the body and practice proper nail care and grooming techniques to encourage strong and healthy nail growth.
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Common nail growth issues and their causes
Healthy nails are smooth and hard, free of any dents or grooves, and consistent in colour. However, there are several common nail growth issues that can affect people. One of the most common problems is slower-than-average nail growth, which can be caused by age, illness, nutritional deficiency, or medication. Poor health can also cause nails to grow abnormally.
Another common issue is ingrown toenails, which often affect the big toe and are caused by tight shoes or an injury to the nail matrix. Skin diseases such as psoriasis, eczema, lichen planus, or lupus can also affect nail growth, causing abnormalities such as pits, grooves, crumbling nails, or unusual nail shapes. For example, iron deficiency can cause concave nails.
Other common nail growth issues include pitted nails, which can be a sign of a disease that affects the entire body, such as alopecia areata, or systemic diseases. Yellow nail syndrome, where nails thicken and don't grow as fast, can be caused by lung disease, rheumatoid arthritis, or a serious nail infection. Thick, overgrown nails, known as Ram's horn nails, can also be caused by psoriasis, ichthyosis, or circulation problems.
Washboard nails, with grooves and ridges in the centre of the thumb, can be caused by a habit of picking at or pushing back the cuticles. Clubbing, where nails thicken and curve around the fingertips, can be a result of low oxygen in the blood. Koilonychia is a condition where nails have raised ridges and scoop outward, like spoons.
While genetics largely determines the shape of your nail beds, they can be changed by a dermatologist who can remove the nail to allow it to restart its growth.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no scientifically proven method for making nails grow faster. However, taking good care of your body through proper nutrition can help them grow strong and long over time. A well-balanced diet full of fresh fruits and vegetables, lean sources of protein, an adequate amount of carbohydrates, and plenty of healthy fats can help strengthen nails and prevent them from breaking.
The shape of your nail bed is determined by your genetics. While it is possible to file and reshape your nails, the only way to permanently change the shape of your nail bed is through surgery.
Several factors can influence nail growth, including age, hormone levels, overall health, and medications. For example, peripheral artery disease (PAD) can reduce blood flow to the legs and feet, affecting nail growth. Chemotherapy and other medications can also temporarily slow nail growth and cause colour changes.
