1. How fast do natural nails grow?

Nails have the ability to grow throughout life and regenerate after being damaged. Typically, nails grow about 0.1 mm per day, meaning they grow about 3 to 4 mm in a month. After 3 to 6 months, nails are completely regrown. When the nail matrix is ​​severely damaged, nail growth can be delayed or even stop completely.

2. What affects nail growth?

If you want to have beautiful, long nails, it’s important to understand the factors that can affect your nail growth. Below, we examine some of the main factors that can influence the rate of nail growth.

2.1. Dominant hand

The nails on the dominant hand generally grow faster than those on the other hand, simply because we use that hand more. Furthermore, the nail on the little finger often grows more slowly than the other nails.

2.2. Hormonal changes

Hormonal changes, such as pregnancy, can have a significant impact on nail growth. During pregnancy, women experience a sudden surge in estrogen and progesterone. These hormonal changes accelerate nail growth.

2.3. Age

Generally, nails grow faster in younger people than in older people. This is often because blood circulation decreases with age.

2.4. Biting your nails

Although nail biting is a bad habit, it can lead to faster nail growth. This is because nail biting damages your nails, which can stimulate blood flow to the nail bed and accelerate growth.

2.5. Healthy lifestyle

A healthy lifestyle can contribute to faster nail growth. A good diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep are all important for healthy nails.

2.6. Gender

Men generally have faster nail growth than women.

3. How do nails grow?

Nail growth begins at the nail root, also called the matrix. The matrix is ​​responsible for the continuous production of new nail cells. Each cell in the matrix continues to divide, creating new cells and allowing the nail to grow. As the new cells multiply, they push the old cells to the surface. When the new nail cells reach the surface, they lose their ability to multiply and become dead cells. This process repeats itself over and over again. Caution! It is important to note that damage to the matrix can lead to poor nail growth or, in some cases, the nail may not grow at all.

4. Can nail growth be accelerated?

There’s a lot of misinformation out there about accelerating nail growth. Many people believe that cuticle oil or other cosmetic products can speed up nail growth, but unfortunately, this isn’t the case. Cuticle oil can increase the flexibility of the nail plate and therefore reduce its brittleness, making your nails stronger and less likely to break. Your nails will therefore grow longer. But to accelerate nail growth, the nail matrix must produce more cells. This process can be stimulated by eating healthy foods. Vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin B and biotin, are important for nail growth. Zinc and iron also play an important role.

5. What about toenail growth?

Toenails grow much more slowly than fingernails. While fingernails grow an average of 3 to 4 mm per month, toenails only grow 2 to 3 mm per month. Therefore, it takes much longer for toenails to fully grow out—12 to 18 months.

6. Why do fingernails grow faster than toenails?

Fingernails grow much faster than toenails. This is because nail growth depends on factors such as blood circulation, energy, and nutrients. This is the main reason why toenails grow more slowly. Additionally, toenails are treated differently than fingernails, for example, because we wear shoes or socks that restrict blood circulation, which slows growth.