Factors That Affect Nail Growth

Nails are made of many layers dead keratin protein cells, which are similar to hair and skin cells. The hard part of the nail, called the nail plate, protects the sensitive skin underneath, called the nail bed. The material that makes up the nail plate is formed in the matrix, located under the cuticle. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, fingernails grow an average 2 or 3 millimeters per month, while toenails grow about 1 millimeter per month 1. Many factors influence how fast individual nails may grow.

Age

The speed of nail growth changes throughout a person's lifetime. Infant nails grow more slowly than adult nails, but children's nails grow more quickly than those of adults. Nails tend to grow the fastest between the ages of 10 and 14. After that, growth begins to slow, and continues to slow with age.

Location

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Toenails grow more slowly than fingernails, and the growth rate of each fingernail also differs. The nail on the pinky finger grows the slowest. The thumbnail also grows relatively slowly. On most people, the nails on the index and middle fingers grow the fastest. In general, the difference in growth is quite small, and is measured in tenths of a millimeter.

Handedness can also affect nail growth, so the nails on your dominant hand grow faster than those on the non-dominant hand. Additionally, people who use their hands a lot on a daily basis tend to have faster nail growth than people who don't use their hands much.

Season

The weather can affect nail growth. Nails grow faster in warm weather than they do in cold weather.

Hormones

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The American Academy of Dermatology points out that a hormone imbalance can cause nails to grow more slowly 1. However, hormones can affect nail growth in healthy people as well. For example, women tend to experience faster nail growth during pregnancy and slower nail growth during lactation. Women also might experience faster nail growth right before menstruation begins.

Cutting

Cutting your nails causes them to grow a little more quickly. Nail-biting also makes nails grow more quickly. Compulsive nail-biting, however, can lead to infection or permanently damage the nail and nail bed, which may cause a nail to stop growing.

Health

The condition and growth rate of the nails can be indicative of a health condition. The American Academy of Dermatology states yellow nails may indicate diabetes, while yellowing thick nails that grow slowly might be a symptom of a lung condition 1. Nail growth may also be slowed by poor circulation.