Noah Sinclair
Our nails are incredibly resilient, and they almost always grow back. Nails are made of a substance called keratin, which is the same thing that our hair is made of. They start out as living cells, which is why they continue to grow, but they harden and die once they become the nails that we see. On average, our fingernails grow one millimeter every 10 days. However, as we get older, the rate of growth may decrease slightly due to reduced blood flow to the nails. While nails are resilient, they can be damaged or injured, especially if your job involves using strong chemicals or constantly having wet hands. If the injury is severe, your nail might turn black or purple due to blood accumulation underneath. In such cases, professional treatment is required, and the nail will need to regrow from scratch, which can take months or even a year and a half.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nail regrowth | Usually possible |
| Nail growth rate | 1mm every 10 days |
| Factors affecting nail growth | Age, blood flow to nails, damage/injury, exposure to strong chemicals, moisture, manicures |
| Nail injuries | May cause white marks that disappear within weeks or months |
| Severe nail injuries | May cause colour changes (black or purple) due to blood accumulation; professional treatment needed |
| Nail separation from nail bed | Nail cannot reattach and must regrow from scratch, taking months to a year and a half |
| Nail resiliency | High, due to the toughness of the nail matrix |
| Nail composition | Keratin, a substance also found in hair |
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What You'll Learn
Nails are resilient and can grow back after most injuries
Nails are made of a substance called keratin, which is the same thing that our hair is made of. Nails are living cells, and that's why they continue to grow. However, once they become the nails that we see, they harden and die, which is why it doesn't hurt when we clip or file them.
Nails are incredibly resilient, and nail regrowth is almost always possible. Even if your nail falls off due to an injury, it will usually grow back with proper medical care. Nails grow back slowly, and it can take about six months or longer for a fingernail to grow back and up to 18 months for a toenail. Aging and diseases may decrease blood flow to the hands and feet, causing a slight decrease in nail growth rate.
In some rare cases, the nail matrix, the "factory" where your body makes new nails, can be permanently damaged, preventing the nail from growing back. This can be caused by severe nail injuries or certain illnesses. For example, severe eczema can affect your nail matrix and temporarily interfere with nail growth, causing Beau's lines, pitting, and texture or color changes. Additionally, nail matrix melanoma, a type of skin cancer, can affect the nail matrix and cause brown or black discoloration.
To promote nail regrowth after an injury, it is important to keep the nail bed dry, clean, and covered with petroleum jelly and an adhesive bandage until the nail has grown back. Watch for signs of infection, such as increasing heat, redness, pain, tenderness, swelling, or pus. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical attention.
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Fingernails grow one millimeter every 10 days
Fingernails are incredibly resilient, and they almost always grow back. If you lose a fingernail, it may take up to six months to completely regrow. The rate of growth is about one millimetre every 10 days or 0.1 millimetres daily. Toenails grow much slower, at an average rate of 1.62 mm per month, and they can take up to a year and a half to grow back.
The growth rate varies for each person and can be influenced by several factors. For instance, the nails on your dominant hand grow faster than those on your non-dominant hand because you use your dominant hand more often. Similarly, the nails on your longer fingers and your fingernails grow faster during the day and in the summer.
Age is another factor that affects nail growth. As you get older, the rate of growth may decrease slightly due to reduced blood flow to your nails. Hormones can also play a role, with hormonal changes during pregnancy causing nails to grow faster, while lactation may slow down nail growth. Overall health and nutrition are other factors that can influence nail growth. Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or circulatory issues, can also impact nail growth.
To promote healthy nail growth, it is essential to eat a nutritious, well-balanced diet and maintain good nail hygiene. Keeping your hands moisturised and using proper protection can help prevent nail injuries and support nail health.
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Older people may experience slower nail growth
Our nails are made of a substance called keratin, which is also what our hair is made of. Nails are incredibly resilient, and nail regrowth is usually possible. Every 10 days, your fingernails grow about one millimetre. Toenails grow much slower, at an average rate of 1.62 mm per month.
However, as we age, our nail growth rate tends to decrease. Starting at around age 20 or 25, the rate of nail growth slows by about 0.5% per year. This decrease in growth rate may be related to reduced blood flow to the nails, which is a common effect of ageing.
Older people are also more susceptible to nail alterations, including normal age-related changes and disorders that are more common in this demographic. For example, with age, nails may become brittle and prone to breaking. They may also change in appearance and texture, becoming thicker or thinner, and may turn yellow or become discoloured.
Additionally, older individuals are at a higher risk of developing fungal infections, which can cause nail thickening and discolouration. Conditions such as anemia, hardening of the arteries, and hormonal problems can also lead to changes in nail texture. Therefore, it is essential to consult a healthcare provider if you notice any significant changes in your nails as you age.
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Protect your nails from damage by keeping hands moisturized
Keeping your hands and nails moisturized is an important step in maintaining nail health and protecting them from damage. Nails that are not properly moisturized can become brittle and break, chip, and peel easily.
There are several ways to ensure your hands and nails are adequately moisturized. Firstly, drinking enough water is essential for nail health, as it helps nails retain moisture and stay strong. Secondly, when doing tasks that involve water, such as washing dishes or taking a bath, it is recommended to wear gloves to prevent nails from becoming brittle. Nails can absorb water and expand, but when they dry, they contract, leading to weakness and a higher chance of breakage.
Additionally, using the right products is crucial. Applying a moisturizing cream or hand balm daily can help keep your nails and hands hydrated. Look for products containing ingredients such as urea, phospholipids, or lactic acid to prevent cracking. Petroleum jelly, vitamin E, or cuticle creams can also be applied to the cuticles at night to promote moisture retention.
It is also important to protect your hands and nails from the sun. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends applying sunscreen to your hands at least 20 minutes before sun exposure. Some creams combine sunscreen with moisturizing agents, providing dual protection.
Finally, be mindful of the products you use on your nails. Constant use of nail polish, even non-toxic varieties, can weaken nails over time. It is recommended to leave your nails polish-free for a week after wearing nail polish for a similar duration. When removing nail polish, opt for an acetone-free remover to avoid further drying and potential damage to the nails.
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Consult a doctor for advice on promoting nail regrowth
Nails are made of a protein called keratin, which is also what our hair is made of. They are incredibly resilient, and nail regrowth is almost always possible. However, if an injury causes your nail to separate from the nail bed, the nail cannot reattach, and regrowth may take months or even a year and a half.
If you have suffered a nail injury, it is important to seek professional treatment. Consult a doctor for advice on promoting nail regrowth and preventing further damage. They may recommend certain lifestyle changes, dietary adjustments, or medical treatments to support nail health and regrowth.
For example, a doctor might suggest physical therapy or ergonomic adjustments to improve hand and finger health, thereby promoting nail regrowth. They could also recommend addressing any underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes, that may be affecting nail growth. Additionally, certain nutritional deficiencies, such as low iron levels, can result in brittle nails. A doctor can advise you on any necessary dietary changes or supplements to support nail health, such as increasing your intake of iron, calcium, vitamin A, vitamin D, and biotin.
In some cases, a doctor may refer you to a specialist, such as a hand surgeon, for further evaluation and treatment. They can provide expert advice on nail care and regrowth, as well as recommend specific products or treatments to enhance nail health and promote regrowth.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes about 3 to 6 months for a fingernail to grow back. Fingernails grow at a rate of 0.13 inches or one-tenth of a millimeter per month.
It takes anywhere from 6 months to 2 years for a toenail to grow back. Toenails grow at about half the rate of fingernails.
If you've lost a nail, keep the area clean and dry to prevent infection. You can also file any sharp edges smooth or cover the nail with tape or an adhesive bandage. Soaking your finger or toe in cold water and applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly can also help.
