Average Nail Growth: Curious Facts On Healthy Nails Revealed

Human fingernails occupy a unique and quirky space within dermatology and medicine. 

Human fingernails are produced by the living skin cells that reside in the finger. They grow from the matrix or nail bed and are primarily composed of a protein called Keratin. 

Ever wondered why some individuals have fingernails that grow faster, and on the other hand, some individuals have a slower rate of growth for their nails. That's all because our fingernails and toenails are quite closely associated with our body anatomy.

You may not think much about your fingernails and toenails. But you may not know your nails have a job to do. Yes, the hard surface of your nails protects the tips of the fingers and toes.

In fact, not just this, our nails also give a clue's about our overall health. Now, you must further read the article to know all the interesting facts about human fingernails.

If you found this article interesting, then You may also like to read about animal and plant cells for kids and the American invention list. 

The Average Length Of Nail Growth Each Month For An Adult

The average growth rate of fingernails is 0.1 in (3.47 mm) per month, or it can be about a tenth of mm per day in adults. So, we can say that the fingernails grow to the size of short rice every month that is about 0.216 in (5.5 mm) long.

According to many research studies, till the age of 65, 0.13 in (3.50 mm) is the maximum length or growth rate of nails in adults.

To some extent, all adults have the same nail growth rate. However, due to different health concerns, fingernail growth may vary from person to person and sometimes between toenails and fingernails too.

Firstly, to understand the average length of your fingernail, it's essential that you first understand the different factors responsible for nail growth.

One of the most crucial things that affect nail growth is your healthy diet and lifestyle. When you eat a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals, it surely triggers nails to grow faster or speeds up your nail growth.

There is a pattern that it follows every day, week, and month at which they grow, which is applicable to all. Every second average adult's nails grow at a rate of 0.92-1 nm, and in one hour, they have a growth rate of about 0.0036 mm. And in a week, nails grow at a rate of 0.7 mm. 

Which is your fastest-growing fingernail?

The fastest-growing fingernail in humans is the index finger in comparison to other fingernails. You also may not know that nails grow up to five times faster than toenails. The nails of our fingers require at least three-six months in order to regrow completely. 

Now, when we talk of toenails, then they require 12-18 months. Both fingernails and toenails are made up of a tough protective protein named Keratin, which is a protein also found in the cuticles, hooves, hair, horns of vertebrates, and claws.

The research studies also show that after the index finger, the next fingernail that grows faster is your middle finger. The middle nail grows at a much faster rate when compared to another fingernail. Factors that can affect the nail's growth rate are age, gender, hormones, and more.

What makes your nails grow faster?

There are no scientifically proven ways to get a faster nail growth rate in fingernails and toenails. However, if you take good care of your health and you include food rich in proper nutrition, and a protein called Keratin, this could help to encourage nail growth.

Fingernail cuticle is made up of different layers of Keratin. One of the easiest and best ways to improve nail growth rate is by taking biotin elements into your diet.

It is an important Vitamin B compound that allows your body to turn food into energy. It is available in many food items like sardines, cooked eggs, nuts, nut butter, soy, bananas, and more.

Another great way to encourage the nail growth rate of both toenails and fingers is using nail hardeners. They help improve the strength of your nails and prevent the breakage of the cuticles and the nail bed in the short term.

While maintaining a proper nutrition diet that is important for your health, you also need to follow certain skincare things that will help promote your nail's growth rate, out of which one is moisturizing your hands and nails with oils and creams like vaseline or any other moisturizer.

Vaseline is suitable for your nails because it contains a glycerin compound that draws moisture to your skin.

Some rumors say toothpaste is good for your nails. However, no research particularly mentions the advantages of toothpaste in promoting a faster growth in human fingernails.

Reasons Of Slower Nail Growth Rate

The main reason behind your slow nail growth could be your poor health, bad skin regimes, or deficiency of some important vitamins and minerals in your diet. These are some of the most common reasons that make bring your growth of nails slow.

To promote growth in your nails, you certainly need to follow some healthy dietary changes, hygiene, and some daily regimes that will make your toenails and fingernails grow much faster.

There are numerous reasons for a slower nail growth rate. The first one is the location.

It is said that the nails of your dominant hand grow much faster because you use that particular hand more. It is vital for us to actually have a diet that is rich in all nutritions including vitamins, minerals, protein, and more.

That's because when you eat a healthy diet with proper nutrition, you give your nail plate the ability to recover from common nail disorders like white spots, and brittle nails.

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