Noah Sinclair
There are many factors that influence how fast our nails grow, including nutrition, hormones, and disease. For example, nails grow faster in warm weather than in cold weather, and they also grow faster on our dominant hand, possibly because we use that hand more. Nails are made of layers of dead keratin protein cells, which are similar to hair and skin cells. The hard part of the nail is called the nail plate, which protects the sensitive skin underneath, called the nail bed. The nail matrix, located under the cuticle, is where nail growth begins. While there are no scientifically proven methods to make nails grow faster, strengthening the nail bed, matrix, and surrounding skin can enable nails to grow longer and stronger.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Age | Nail growth is said to peak during puberty and slow down as people age. |
| Dominant hand | Nails on the dominant hand grow faster due to increased use. |
| Health conditions | Individuals with conditions like hyperthyroidism, anemia, or diabetes may experience faster nail growth. |
| Circulation | Healthy blood flow provides the necessary nutrients and oxygen for nail growth. |
| Trauma | An influx of nutrients to the area may speed up nail growth. |
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What You'll Learn
Blood flow and circulation
Certain health conditions can impact blood circulation to the nails, influencing their growth rate. For example, peripheral artery disease (PAD) reduces blood flow to the legs and feet, affecting the nail matrix and slowing nail growth. Similarly, skin conditions like severe eczema can interfere with the nail matrix's function, leading to slower nail growth and potential abnormalities.
Age also plays a factor in nail growth, as blood circulation tends to slow down as we get older. This decrease in blood flow can contribute to the decline in nail growth rate that is often observed with aging.
To promote healthy nail growth, it is important to maintain good blood circulation. This can be achieved through regular exercise, a healthy diet, and avoiding prolonged periods of inactivity. Additionally, maintaining short, trimmed nails can help prevent trauma and injury to the nails, reducing the risk of disrupting the nail matrix and impeding nail growth.
While there are no scientifically proven methods to accelerate nail growth, taking biotin supplements and using nail hardeners sparingly can help strengthen nails and prevent breakage, allowing them to grow longer. However, it is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any supplements or experiencing persistent nail abnormalities.
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Trauma and injury
More severe trauma, such as crushing injuries or deep cuts, may result in long-term or permanent effects if the nail matrix (the tissue inside the cuticle where new nails are formed) is significantly damaged. After severe trauma, conditions like chronic thickening, uneven or irregular growth, or complete and permanent nail loss may occur. In some cases, the nail may grow more slowly or even stop growing temporarily as it recovers from the injury.
Nail injuries can be treated in various ways, depending on the severity of the injury. Minor nail bed injuries, including subungual hematomas (bruising under the nail), often heal on their own. For more severe hematomas, a procedure called nail trephination can be performed to drain the trapped blood and relieve pain. In some cases, the nail may need to be removed and replaced with a synthetic nail as the new nail grows.
It's important to note that keeping the injured area clean can promote recovery and help prevent infection. Additionally, bandages and ice packs can be used to treat minor injuries, and prompt treatment can help ensure that the nail grows back smoothly. In some cases, professional treatment or surgical procedures may be necessary to ensure proper healing and nail growth.
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Hormones and pregnancy
Hormones play a significant role in nail growth, and this is particularly evident during pregnancy. Pregnancy is associated with a surge in various hormones, including oestrogen, which can lead to noticeable changes in the body. One of the most well-known changes is an increase in hair thickness and growth, which is caused by higher levels of oestrogen prolonging the growth phase of the hair cycle. This same hormonal influence can also affect nail growth.
During pregnancy, some women experience faster nail growth, which can be a welcome side effect. This acceleration in nail growth is attributed to the normal surge of hormones that occurs during this time. However, it is important to note that not all women will experience this change uniformly. While some may enjoy longer nails, others may find that their nails become more brittle, weak, or prone to splitting and breaking. This inconsistency in nail health during pregnancy is also attributed to hormonal fluctuations.
The hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause an increase in nail thickness. While some women may notice stronger nails, others may experience issues like onycholysis, which is the separation of the nail from the nail bed. Additionally, the increase in certain hormones can lead to skin conditions like acne, melasma, hyperpigmentation, and stretch marks. These skin changes are often a result of fluctuating hormones that disrupt the skin's oil production and increase melanin production.
To maintain nail health during pregnancy, it is recommended to protect nails by wearing gloves during household chores and ensuring proper nutrition and moisturization. Keeping nails trimmed and filing them regularly can also help prevent breakage. While manicures and pedicures are generally considered safe during pregnancy, it is worth noting that there is limited research on the potential risks of chemical compounds in nail products. Therefore, it is advisable to prioritise ventilation during at-home manicures or pedicures and opt for alfresco nail painting when possible.
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Environmental factors
Several environmental factors can influence nail growth rates. Firstly, age plays a significant role, with nails tending to grow faster in younger individuals and slowing down as we get older. This is due to the nail matrix, the part of the nail responsible for cell production, becoming less active with age.
Secondly, the nails on our dominant hand typically grow faster due to increased use. The body responds to this greater wear by regenerating nails at a quicker rate. This phenomenon is supported by studies showing that fingernails and toenails grow fastest during the summer, when circulation is generally improved.
Health conditions and medications can also impact nail growth. For example, individuals with hyperthyroidism, anemia, or diabetes may experience accelerated nail growth, while those with psoriasis could have weakened or slowed nail growth. Similarly, certain medications, such as chemotherapy drugs, can slow nail growth by affecting cell division and regeneration.
Trauma to the nail area can also influence growth rates. When an injury occurs, the body sends an increased amount of blood and nutrients to the affected area to facilitate repair, which may result in faster nail growth. Additionally, individuals with healthy blood flow ensure their nails receive the necessary nutrients and oxygen for optimal growth.
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Nail care routine
While factors such as age, gender, and dominant hand affect nail growth, maintaining healthy nails requires a good nail care routine. Here are some tips to include in your nail care regimen:
Firstly, ensure you regularly wash and dry your hands and nails to prevent bacterial growth. Keep your nails moisturized to prevent cracking, and avoid biting your nails or pulling off hangnails. You can also take vitamins, such as biotin, or use cuticle oil to provide extra nutrients and protect your nails from damage. For loose hangnails, soak your fingers in warm water to soften the skin, then gently remove the loose skin with tweezers.
It is also important to maintain your nails by giving them a regular trim. Nails that are too long can become thin and prone to breaking or splitting. When trimming, use a glass nail file as they are gentler on the natural nail and very precise. If you have cuticles, push them back with a flat, wooden stick to keep them neat and even.
By incorporating these steps into your nail care routine, you can help keep your nails healthy and strong.
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Frequently asked questions
Thumbnails grow faster because they are on your dominant hand, which you use more frequently. This increases the risk of trauma, and when trauma occurs, your body sends more blood and nutrients to the affected area to help repair it. This increase in blood flow and nutrients may speed up nail growth.
Nail growth is influenced by nutrition, hormones, and disease. For example, women tend to experience faster nail growth during pregnancy and slower nail growth during lactation.
Nail biting has been associated with a faster growth rate. This is because biting causes trauma to the nail, stimulating circulation in the nail bed. However, compulsive nail-biting can lead to infection or permanently damage the nail and nail bed, which may cause a nail to stop growing.
A balanced diet that includes protein, water, fruits and vegetables, and a wide array of vitamins and minerals is essential for healthy nail growth. For example, people who do not get enough iron may have brittle or dented nails.
Nail growth tends to be faster between the ages of 10 and 14, after which it starts to slow down and continues to slow with age. This is likely due to a decrease in blood circulation as we age.
