Isla Bennett
Nails grow at different rates for everyone, with an average growth rate of 3.47mm per month. While there is no proven method to increase nail growth, there are ways to improve nail health, such as maintaining a balanced diet, keeping nails clean and moisturized, and avoiding water or cleaning products from sitting on top of the nails. Minor damage to the nail matrix can also affect nail growth, and in some cases, it may take several weeks for the nail to grow back.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average nail growth | 3.47 mm per month |
| Toenail growth | 1.62 mm per month |
| Factors influencing nail growth | Age, genetics, environment, behaviour, dominant hand, trauma, diet, medical conditions, medication, and hormones |
| Nail growth inhibitors | Dry skin, eczema, water, cleaning products, nail biting, nail picking, and glue-on nails |
| Nail growth remedies | Moisturising, wearing gloves, trimming nails, pushing back cuticles, nail hardeners, biotin, and non-toxic or water-based nail polishes |
| Nail structure | Nail plate, nail bed, nail matrix, and germinal matrix |
| Nail composition | Keratin (80% hard and 20% soft) |
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What You'll Learn
The evolutionary function of nails
While nails may not be vital for human existence, they do serve several important purposes. Firstly, they protect the delicate soft tissues, nerves, blood vessels, and muscles underneath from injury and infection. This protective function is especially important for our toes, as the tops of our toes are susceptible to injuries and infections. Toenails also assist in balance and spatial awareness while walking.
Fingernails, on the other hand, provide support for our fingertips, which are wider on average than those of most other primates. They strengthen our fingertips, making them one of the strongest parts of the hand. This extra strength helps to prevent our fingertips from rolling backward when we hold something and enhances our grip.
From an evolutionary perspective, nails are believed to have similarities to claws, talons, and hooves. Human fingernails are thought to be flattened versions of claws, which supported the development of broad fingertips in primates. As humans evolved from living in trees to inhabiting caves, our fingertips broadened further, facilitating our ability to grip stone tools. This dexterity allowed early humans to create tools and other useful items, contributing to our survival and adaptation.
Nails are composed of a modified form of keratin, a protein that is also found in our hair and nails, as well as in other animals' hooves, horns, and claws. The nail plate, the hard visible surface of the nail, is made of compacted layers of dead keratin cells. These cells die as the nail grows and pokes out from the skin, which is why trimming our nails does not hurt.
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How to care for your nails
While there is no proven way to make your nails grow faster, there are several ways to strengthen your nails and improve their overall health.
Firstly, it is important to maintain a balanced diet, including protein, water, fruits, vegetables, and a wide array of vitamins and minerals. Nails are made of a protein called keratin, so consuming sufficient protein is essential for nail health. For instance, people who do not get enough iron may have brittle or dented nails.
Secondly, keeping your nails clean and dry is crucial. Bacteria and fungi thrive in a moist environment, so ensure you thoroughly dry your nails after swimming or showering and wear gloves when washing dishes or clothes.
Thirdly, use sharp nail scissors or clippers to cut your nails straight across, rounding them slightly at the tips for maximum strength. Avoid biting your nails or using them as tools, as this can cause damage such as chipping and splitting.
Additionally, consider using nail hardeners sparingly to strengthen your nails and reduce breakage. However, limit or avoid strengtheners containing formaldehyde or formalin. Instead, opt for non-toxic or water-based nail polishes.
Finally, moisturize your hands and nails regularly, especially during winter. Oiling your nails and cuticles can prevent them from cracking, peeling, or bleeding and give them the flexibility to withstand everyday wear and tear.
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The impact of diet on nail health
While there are no scientifically proven methods to make nails grow faster, a healthy diet can strengthen nails and help prevent them from breaking, allowing them to remain long as they grow.
Dr. Sara Norris, a naturopathic doctor, explains that "our bodies are smart, so when we're low in vitamins and minerals, our nails and hair will show it." Indeed, nail health is often an indicator of poor nutritional intake or poor digestion. A varied and healthful diet should include protein, water, fruits, vegetables, and a wide array of vitamins and minerals.
For instance, people who do not get enough iron may have brittle or dented nails. Consuming lean meats like chicken and turkey can provide collagen and protein, which are crucial to nail health. Salmon and other fatty fish are also excellent sources of healthy fats, which help supply the body with magnesium, essential for bone and nail health. Nuts, seeds, and avocados are also good sources of healthy fats.
Additionally, taking biotin supplements can improve overall nail health and reduce breakage. Keeping nails clean and moisturized is also key to maintaining nail health.
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Medical conditions that affect nail growth
Several medical conditions can affect nail growth. Nails can reveal a lot about a person's health, and nutrient deficiencies may impact their appearance. For instance, people with low iron levels may have thin, spoon-shaped nails, known as koilonychia. This condition can also be caused by high altitude.
Deep grooves or gaps that run the width of a nail, known as Beau's lines, can indicate malnutrition, malnourishment, or a previous illness. Conditions that cause high fevers, such as measles, mumps, and scarlet fever, can lead to Beau's lines.
Yellow nail syndrome, characterised by thickened nails that grow slower than usual, can be a sign of lung disease, rheumatoid arthritis, or a serious nail infection. Nails that thicken and curve around the fingertips, known as clubbing, can indicate low oxygen levels in the blood.
Nail pitting, or small depressions in the nail, is common in people with psoriasis, a skin condition that causes dry, red, and irritated skin. However, it can also be a sign of systemic diseases affecting the entire body, such as alopecia areata.
Certain medical conditions can also cause nail discolouration. Dark streaks on the nails may be a sign of melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer. Terry's nails, where the tip of each nail has a dark band, are often associated with aging but can also be caused by various other factors.
Fungal infections, such as onychomycosis, are common nail disorders, especially in older adults. Other conditions that can affect nail growth include thyroid disease, hypopituitarism, diabetes, osteoporosis, pulmonary tuberculosis, and syphilis.
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The role of the nail matrix
The nail matrix is a crucial structure in nail growth and health. Located at the base of the nail, it is responsible for the production of new cells, which form the nail plate or the hard part of the nail. The nail matrix consists of two parts: the germinal matrix and the sterile matrix.
The germinal matrix is the primary site of nail production, contributing about 90% of nail cells. It lies under the base of the nail, closest to the knuckle. The cells produced here have nuclei, giving the nail a natural curvature. The germinal matrix is vulnerable to trauma and deep injuries, which can cause nail cell production to stop and even lead to permanent nail loss.
The sterile matrix accounts for the remaining 10% of nail cells. It is located above the lunula, the white crescent-shaped structure at the base of the nail. While it produces fewer nail cells, the sterile matrix plays a critical role in keeping the nail attached to the underlying skin.
Injuries and certain health conditions can damage the nail matrix, affecting nail growth and appearance. For example, pinching or crushing the finger or dropping something heavy on the toe can injure the nail matrix, potentially causing the nail to fall off. Skin conditions like severe eczema and diseases such as peripheral artery disease can also interfere with nail growth by impacting the nail matrix.
The nail matrix is essential for healthy nail growth. Maintaining proper nail care, protecting the nails from trauma, and managing underlying health conditions are all important for supporting the nail matrix and promoting optimal nail health.
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Frequently asked questions
Touching the nails does not make them grow. However, there are several ways to improve nail health and support nail growth.
Good nail hygiene is essential for nail health. Keep your nails clean and moisturized, and maintain well-groomed cuticles.
To prevent breakage, you can take biotin supplements, use nail hardeners sparingly, and avoid glue-on nails and toxic nail polishes.
Several factors influence nail growth, including age, genetics, diet, and certain medical conditions. Nails on the dominant hand tend to grow faster, and environmental factors like warm weather may also promote nail growth.
