Isla Bennett
Human nails are made of a tough, dead substance called keratin, the same material that makes up hair. Nails grow at a rate that tends to somewhat exceed the typical rate of wear and tear. This is likely because nails serve an evolutionary purpose, protecting our sensitive digits from damage. If nails did not grow, our fingers would be vulnerable to harm. Nails have been with us for millions of years, and while they require regular maintenance, they are a piece of evolution that links humanity to its humblest beginnings.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nails grow continuously | They can grow up to 8 meters long if not trimmed |
| Nails grow at a rate that exceeds the typical rate of wear | This rate of growth is advantageous as it allows for nails to regrow after being damaged or destroyed |
| Nails are made of keratin | The same material that makes up hair |
| Nails grow faster on the dominant hand | Due to increased usage |
| Toenails grow slower than fingernails | Toenails are subjected to less trauma |
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What You'll Learn
Nails grow at different rates
Secondly, the rate of nail growth is also influenced by hand dominance. Nails on the dominant hand tend to grow faster due to increased use, which can lead to a higher risk of trauma. The body's natural response to trauma is to increase blood flow and nutrient delivery to the affected area, promoting repair and potentially accelerating nail growth.
Additionally, the growth rate differs between finger and toenails. Toenails grow much slower than fingernails, with an average growth rate of 1.62 mm per month. The slower growth of toenails is attributed to less frequent trauma or injury compared to fingernails.
External factors, such as the season and nutrition, can also impact nail growth rates. Nails tend to grow faster during the summer and can be influenced by nutritional deficiencies or underlying health conditions. For example, sun exposure and dietary choices may affect nail growth rates, as suggested by some individuals' experiences.
While the exact mechanisms behind nail growth rates are not fully understood, it is clear that a combination of evolutionary advantages, genetic factors, and external influences contribute to the varying growth rates of human nails.
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Nails grow indefinitely
Human nails grow indefinitely and pretty slowly, at a rate of about 1.62 mm per month for toenails and faster for fingernails. Nails are made of a tough, dead substance called keratin, the same material that makes up hair. Nails have been with us for millions of years, and this constant growth has evolutionary benefits. Nails grow and replenish themselves, and if they are damaged, they can be 'grown out' and regrown. This is especially useful for people who work with their hands and may experience more nail trauma.
The growth of nails is an important characteristic that natural selection can work on. Nails are used in ways that wear them down, and without constant trimming, they would reach lengths that are difficult to manage. Trimming nails is an instinct that is easier to evolve than trimming fur, so there is greater selection pressure on hair to grow according to a cycle that inhibits length. Nails are used for fighting, traction, digging, and marking territory, and so it is beneficial that they can be replenished.
The rate of nail growth exceeds the typical rate of wear and tear, and this is likely due to phylogenetic constraint and the absence of strong enough negative selection. If nails stopped growing in adulthood, they would be worn away by normal wear and tear. This is not a problem for body hair, as it does not typically undergo the same kind of trauma as nails.
Nail growth can vary depending on several factors, including the dominant hand, which tends to have faster-growing nails due to increased use, the season, with nails growing faster in the summer, and nutrition.
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Nails are made of keratin
Human nails grow at an average rate of about 1.5 to 3 millimetres per month for fingernails and 1.62 millimetres per month for toenails. Nails are made of a hardened protein called keratin, which is also found in hair and skin. The formation of a nail begins inside a part of the fingertip called the nail root or nail bed, where cells gradually die, harden, and are pushed out of the skin to form the nail plate. This process is driven by the matrix, a part of the nail that is not visible and is located under the cuticle, which constantly produces new keratin that gathers at the nail plate and pushes the nail forward, causing it to grow.
Keratin is a tough, hard protein that makes up not only nails but also hooves, claws, and horns in animals. In humans, it is found in hair and skin in addition to nails. The difference between hair and nails is that the keratin chains in hair are less compacted than in nails. This results in different growth patterns, with hair growing more quickly than nails and responding differently to factors such as nutrition and trauma.
The process of nail growth is not fully understood, and there are various factors that can influence the speed of growth. For example, nails on the dominant hand tend to grow faster due to more frequent use, which increases the risk of trauma and stimulates the body to send more blood and nutrients to the area to support repair and growth. Similarly, fingernails grow faster during the day and in the summer, although the reasons for this are not well understood.
Nail health can provide important clues about overall health, lifestyle, and stress levels. For example, yellow, brown, or green nails can indicate a fungal infection, while yellow nails can also be a symptom of a thyroid condition, psoriasis, or diabetes. White spots or lines are usually caused by minor injuries such as nail biting, and horizontal lines can appear after periods of stress that slow or temporarily stop nail growth.
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Nails protect fingers from damage
Human nails are protective plates found at the tips of fingers and toes, corresponding to the claws in other animals. They are made of a tough, rigid protein called alpha-keratin, which is also found in the claws, hooves, and horns of vertebrates. The nail plate, or nail body, is the visible hard nail area from the nail root to the free edge. It is made of several layers of dead, compacted cells that make the nail strong yet flexible. The nail matrix, or active tissue, generates these cells, which harden as they move outward from the nail root to the nail plate.
Nails serve several important functions, including protecting the sensitive tips of our fingers and toes from damage. They act as a protective barrier, safeguarding the distal phalanx, fingertip, and surrounding soft tissues from injuries. This protective mechanism is particularly crucial in preventing damage to the fingers during daily activities and tasks that involve precise delicate movements.
The nails also enhance the precision of these delicate movements through counter-pressure exerted on the pulp of the finger. When the end of the finger touches an object, the nail acts as a counter-force, improving the sensitivity of the fingertip. This allows for an "extended precision grip," such as when pulling out a splinter from one's finger or performing certain cutting or scraping actions.
Additionally, the growth of nails is self-replenishing. In other words, nails continuously grow and wear down with use, which is why they don't get excessively long. This growth control mechanism is an important characteristic that allows for natural selection to act upon it. While it may seem that long nails are uncomfortable and useless, they can provide protection and precision for our fingers.
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Nails are an evolutionary trait
Human nails are indeed an evolutionary trait. Nails are made of a tissue type called keratin, which is also a component in hair and found in other animals, including horse hooves. The way keratin cells link together influences the consistency and feel of the nails. The nail layers are made of soft, moderately hard, and hard keratin, creating a protective shield.
Nails are thought to have evolved from claws. The change from claws to nails happened when humans became monogamous and no longer needed to fight for females. This is also when bipedalism evolved, and humans could expend resources on other things. Smaller claws were also advantageous because they reduced the likelihood of starvation, and were better for tool use.
Nails are thought to have several functions. Firstly, they strengthen the fingertips, making them one of the strongest parts of the hand. They also protect the fingertips and toes from injury and infection. There is also an intricate network of nerves underneath the nail, which helps with grip.
Nails are not the only evolutionary trait that requires maintenance. For example, humans need to trim their hair, and sheep need to be shorn. Similarly, human nails would grow very long without trimming, but they are also worn down by use.
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Frequently asked questions
Human nails grow so long due to evolution. Nails have been with us for millions of years, and the fact that we've been growing them for millennia suggests that there must be some evolutionary benefit to them. Nails are made of a tough, dead substance called keratin, the same material that makes up hair. Nails protect our sensitive digits, and because they grow, any damage to the nail can be 'grown out'.
The nails on your dominant hand grow faster than the rest, as do the nails on your longer fingers. Your fingernails also grow faster during the day and during the summer. Toenails grow much slower than fingernails, at an average rate of 1.62mm per month.
If your nails are growing unusually slowly, or you are experiencing discolouration, you should speak to your doctor. Your symptoms may be tied to nutritional deficiencies or another underlying condition.
Nails are unlike animal claws in that they grow indefinitely. Without trimming, they would reach lengths that are difficult to manage. Trimming is much easier than finding ways to trim fur, so there would have been greater selection pressure on hair growing in a cycle that inhibits length.
There are no scientifically proven methods to make nails grow faster, but you can increase the overall health of your nails by taking biotin.
