What is the average nail growth

The nails on your dominant hand grow faster than the rest, as do the nails on your longer fingers. Your fingernails also grow faster during the day and during the summer.

Read on to learn more about these factors, as well as what you can do to make them grow faster. The nails on your dominant hand are said to grow faster simply because you use your dominant hand more. This increases your risk for trauma, like catching your nail on a snag or hitting your nail with a hammer. If trauma does occur, your body naturally sends more blood and nutrients to the area to help repair it. This influx of nutrients may speed up nail growth. The rate of growth also depends on which finger the nail is on.

A study found that the fingernail on your little finger grow slower than other fingernails. Being younger has also been associated with a faster nail growth rate. At age 23, Dr. William Bean observed that his left thumbnail grew at a rate of 0. By the time he reached age 67, this rate had dropped to 0. During this time, women experience a sudden and dramatic increase in estrogen and progesterone. These hormonal changes have been shown to result in rapid nail growth during pregnancy, but decrease the rate of nail growth during lactation.

Outside of pregnancy, puberty is usually the most tumultuous time for your hormone levels. Nail growth is said to peak during puberty and decline as your hormone levels balance out with age. Chronic conditions can also have an impact on your nail growth, as well as the shape and overall appearance of your nails.

It is a good idea to wear gloves when washing dishes, clothes, and surfaces. This can help them prevent water or cleaning products from sitting on top of the nails. Keeping the nails filed into a slightly rounded or squared shape can prevent them from snagging and breaking. Good nail grooming may also discourage biting and picking. Snagging, breaking, and biting can all have an impact on nail growth. Medical conditions, such as diabetes , can reduce circulation to the nails, making them weaker.

This is more likely to affect the toenails than the fingernails. However, gentle massage can promote circulation to the nails, offsetting the effects of diabetes and other circulatory issues. The cuticles are thin pieces of skin that protect the nail matrix. Cutting them very short can expose the nail matrix or nail bed. This may lead to nail damage and infection. Some nail salons can contribute to nail infections. Aggressive manicure techniques, such as cutting the cuticles very short, may allow bacteria to enter the nail bed and weaken the nails.

Take personal tools to the nail salon or make sure the salon uses properly sanitized equipment to minimize the risk of infection. If a manicure starts to hurt, ask the technician to stop, as manicures should not be painful. Avoid using acetone polish remover because it can dry and weaken the nails. Steer clear of nail polishes that require its use. However, if acetone is the only option, avoid soaking the nails in acetone.

Instead, rub them with the polish remover, then thoroughly wash and moisturize the hands. Several medical conditions can affect the skin and nails, such as psoriasis and diabetes.

Anyone with these conditions should see a doctor for treatment. If symptoms change or get worse, it is important to see a doctor. This also applies if a person has a chronic disease that starts to cause nail problems.

Nails, like the rest of the body, need a balanced diet for healthy growth. A varied, healthful diet should include protein , water, fruits, vegetables, and a wide array of vitamins and minerals. People who do not get enough iron, for instance, may have brittle or dented nails. Some specific dietary changes can strengthen the nails and promote growth. Fingernails grow about three to four times faster than toenails.

The nails on your dominant hand grow faster than those on your other hand, and nails grow faster on your longest fingers as well. Fingernails also grow more quickly in the summer than in the winter -- scientists aren't sure why, but one theory is that nails that are used more often and exposed to the elements grow faster [source: Binghamton University ].

So how fast do the average adult's nails grow? The simple answer is that fingernails grow about one-tenth of an inch 3 millimeters a month. If you lose a fingernail, it will take four to six months to regrow completely.

Toenails take a year to a year and a half to grow from cuticle to tip [source: Robb-Nicholson ]. If you notice a change in your nails or their growth rate, see your doctor. Sign up for our Newsletter! Mobile Newsletter banner close. However, little is known about the growth rate of human nails.

Objective: To estimate the average growth rate of fingernails and toenails and examine factors that may influence nail growth rate. Methods: Twenty-two healthy American young adults marked their nails close to the proximal nail fold with a provided nail file following a standardized protocol, and recorded the date and the distance from the proximal nail fold to the mark.