Caleb Foster
While genetics play a significant role in determining the size and shape of your nail beds, there are ways to make your nail beds grow and appear longer. Nails grow at a slow pace, typically about 2.5 millimetres a month, and it can take up to 3 to 6 months to grow a completely new nail. To promote nail bed growth, it is important to keep your nails clean and moisturized, avoid biting your nails, and treat any fungal infections.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nail growth | Nails grow about 2.5 mm a month and it can take 3 to 6 months to grow a completely new nail |
| Nail bed growth | Nail beds can grow back in a minimum of 6 months; toenail nail beds can take up to 18 months |
| Factors influencing nail growth | Genetics, habits (e.g. nail-biting, cutting nails too short), fungal infections, moisturizing, diet and general health |
| Nail matrix | The "factory" where new nail cells are created; damage to the nail matrix can affect nail growth |
| Nail bed function | Supports and secures the nail as it grows; includes the hyponychium and onychodermal, which protect against pathogens |
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What You'll Learn
Genetics play a role in nail bed size
The size and shape of your nail beds are largely determined by genetics. If your parents have short nail beds, it is likely that you will too. However, it is important to note that nail beds themselves do not grow longer, as they are the skin beneath the fingernail.
While you cannot change the size of your nail beds, there are ways to make them appear longer. One way is to let your nails grow out. As your nails become longer, the white tips will elongate, creating the illusion of a longer nail bed. Additionally, pushing back your cuticles can also give the appearance of a longer nail bed. Before doing this, it is recommended to soak your nails in warm water with a few drops of essential or cuticle oil added to soften the cuticles. It is important to note that cutting or pushing back your cuticles can increase the risk of infection, so it should be done with caution.
Another way to create the illusion of longer nail beds is to avoid certain habits such as biting your nails or cutting them too short. Biting your nails can introduce bacteria to the edges of your nail beds and increase the risk of infection. Additionally, treating any fungal nail infections can help the nail plate reattach to the nail bed, making your nails appear healthier and longer.
While it is not possible to change the size of your nail beds without medical intervention, maintaining healthy habits can help your nails grow stronger and longer. This includes moisturizing your nails and cuticles, avoiding prolonged contact with water or harsh chemicals, and refraining from biting your nails. By combining these habits with the techniques mentioned above, you can enhance the appearance of longer nail beds.
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Biting nails can hurt nail beds
Biting your nails can have several negative consequences, including damage to the nail beds. The nail bed is the layer of skin beneath your nails that supports and secures them as they grow. It includes the hyponychium and the onychodermal—layers of tissue that protect the skin underneath the nail plate from pathogens.
Repeated nail biting can damage the tissue that makes nails grow, resulting in abnormally shaped nails. It can also introduce bacteria to the edges of your nail beds, potentially causing infections such as paronychia, a skin infection around the nail. Moreover, biting your nails can make the skin around your nails feel sore and sensitive, and in some cases, the damage to the nail beds can be permanent.
Chronic nail-biting can also lead to painful hangnails, which may require medical attention if they become infected. It can also cause deformed nails, with ridges and an uneven growth pattern, giving your nails an unhealthy appearance.
If you wish to stop biting your nails, it is important to identify the triggers that lead to this behaviour. Common triggers include boredom, stress, anxiety, loneliness, or hunger. Once you know your triggers, you can develop a plan to avoid or manage these situations effectively. For example, you can replace the habit of nail-biting with healthier alternatives such as squeezing a stress ball, playing with a fidget toy, chewing gum, or wearing gloves. Keeping your nails trimmed and applying bitter-tasting nail polish can also help deter nail-biting.
In some cases, underlying emotional or psychological issues may contribute to nail-biting. If you are unable to break the habit on your own, seeking professional help through cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) or acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) can be beneficial in addressing the root causes of this behaviour.
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Moisturising nails helps them grow stronger
While genetics plays a significant role in determining the size and shape of your nail beds, there are ways to make your nails stronger and healthier. One of the most effective ways to do this is by moisturising your nails regularly.
Additionally, it is important to protect your nails from harsh chemicals and prolonged exposure to water. Wearing rubber gloves when doing chores or using harsh chemicals can help safeguard your nails from these damaging substances. Similarly, if you frequently wear gel polish, be mindful that the required ultraviolet (UV) light exposure can be a risk factor for skin ageing and even cancer. Taking breaks between applications can help mitigate these risks.
Maintaining proper nail care habits is also essential for nail health. Avoid biting your nails, as this can introduce bacteria and potentially cause infections. Instead, keep your nails trimmed and shaped, but avoid cutting them too short, as this can also make them more susceptible to damage.
In addition to external care, internal care is crucial for strong and healthy nails. Drinking enough water and consuming a nutrient-dense diet rich in protein and calcium can promote nail strength and overall health. Certain supplements, such as biotin, collagen peptides, and multivitamins with minerals, may also support nail health, but it is always advisable to consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplements.
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Nails grow at a slow pace
While nail growth is a slow process, there are several ways to make your nails and nail beds appear longer. Nails typically grow about 2.5 millimetres a month or about a tenth of a millimetre per day. It can take up to 3 to 6 months to grow a completely new nail.
The rate of growth depends on several factors, including which finger the nail is on, your age, hormone levels, and overall health. For example, the little finger's nail grows slower than other fingernails, and nail growth tends to slow down with age. Toenails, in particular, grow much slower than fingernails, with a growth rate of 1.62 millimetres per month.
Genetics play a significant role in determining the size and shape of your nail beds. However, you can make your nail beds and nails appear longer by avoiding certain habits such as biting your nails or cutting them too short. Treating fungal nail infections can help the nail plate reattach to the nail bed, and pushing back your cuticles can also give the appearance of longer nails.
To promote stronger and faster nail growth, it is recommended to moisturise your hands and nails with lotion, especially at the base of your cuticles. Using cuticle oil can also help. Maintaining a healthy diet that includes fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, carbohydrates, and healthy fats can contribute to stronger and faster-growing nails. Additionally, taking a biotin supplement, a type of B vitamin, can help strengthen nails and boost their growth.
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Protect nails from water and chemicals
Prolonged contact with water or cleaning chemicals can weaken your nails, preventing them from growing. Water can induce softening and splitting in nails, and chlorinated water can strip nails of their natural oils, leading to dehydration and potential infection. To protect your nails from water damage, try to limit their exposure by wearing gloves when performing tasks such as washing dishes, swimming, or using cleaning solutions.
Additionally, you can apply a base coat and top coat to your nails to create a barrier that protects them from water. Look for nail polishes formulated with plant extracts (like aloe, coconut water, or prickly pear), glycerin, hyaluronic acid, beeswax, and nourishing oils like castor and coconut oil.
It is also important to restore moisture to your nails and cuticles after exposure to water. Try using a hand cream containing ceramides, hyaluronic acid, or lanolin, or apply a cuticle oil formulated with essential oils and antioxidants.
To further protect your nails from the damaging effects of water and chemicals, avoid biting your nails, as this can introduce bacteria and potentially cause infections. Keep your nails moisturized with lotion or cuticle oil, and consider taking biotin supplements to support nail growth. By following these steps, you can help keep your nails strong, healthy, and protected from water and chemical damage.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, nail beds can grow out with nails. The nail bed is the layer of skin beneath your nails that supports and secures the nails.
It takes a minimum of 6 months for a new nail bed to form. Toenail nail beds can take up to 18 months to fully grow back.
Genetics play a big role in determining the size and shape of your nail beds. Prolonged contact with water or cleaning chemicals can also weaken your nails, preventing them from growing.
There are several ways to make your nail beds longer:
- Keep your nails long
- Avoid biting your nails
- Avoid cutting your nails too short
- Use moisturizer or cuticle oil to keep your nails from drying out
- Wear rubber gloves when doing the dishes or using harsh chemicals
If your nail bed is damaged, you should seek medical advice. Treatment for a damaged nail bed depends on the cause of the damage. For example, prescription antifungal pills are typically used to treat nail fungus.
