If you’re looking to improve your natural nails, like I am, you need to know how to improve the health of your nails, and what can affect how healthy they are, and the speed at which they grow.
I know we’ve all been there, where we’re trying to grow our natural nails as long as possible, only for one to get snagged or caught in something, and end up splitting the nail, and having to start all over again. When trying to grow your nails, how quickly do they actually grow, and can we do anything to make them grow a little bit quicker.
Factors That Influence The Growth Of Our Nails
I used to always think that everyone’s nails would grow at the same average rate, but your daily routine and inner health will vary the growth rate of your nails.
Your nails rely on you having a healthy circulation and wellbeing, so if you’re struggling with illness, stress or a lack of sleep, this can all slow the speed of your nail growth.
Not only that, your age is also a factor. Faster nail growth is usually seen in your younger years, with a gradual slowdown as you age.
Plus, your nutrition affects the speed of growth, and how likely they are to split or break. If you have low protein, iron, zinc or biotin, this can lead to weaker nails with more uneven nail growth.
Keeping yourself hydrated will keep your nail flexible, reducing breakage or nail splits, which can make nail growth seem slower.
If you’re constantly washing your hands, using harsh cleaning products, or exposed to cold/dry weather, this will strip moisture from your nails, causing even more nail splitting issues.
Using nail growth treatments will help to improve the health of your nails, which encourages healthy, quicker nail growth too.
How Fast Fingernails Grow Compared With Toenails
Fingernails usually grow quicker than toenails, and this is something I definitely notice with my own nails.
Your hands are used constantly throughout the day, and are usually warmer, with a stronger circulation; which supports a faster nail growth cycle.
The nail “matrix” within your fingers receive more regular stimulation, from everyday movements, which encourages quicker nail growth.
With your toenails, feet spend more time in cooler conditions, and inside shoes, where they generally experience less day-to-day movement that affects the nails in the same way.
Like I mentioned above, growth varies from person to person, depending on your age, nutrition/health, hormones and daily routine.
Your daily habits also have an effect, like nail biting, picking, or your nail care routine – like using gel polish or acrylics. Tight footwear or socks can lead to increased pressure on your toenails, leading to slower growth, or thickening.
How Much Do Nails Grow In A Week?
In a single week, nail growth may be hard to notice, but most fingernails grow around 0.7 to 1.0mm per week, whilst your toenails grow slower at around 0.3mm to 0.5mm per week.
The actual growth of your nails will depend on your health, age, daily routine, and even the time of the year, which is why some weeks, your nails may appear to grow faster than others.
Your nails may seem slow to grow, because the tips are splitting or peeling, before the nail length builds. Basic nail care makes a big difference, like keeping your cuticles hydrated and moisturized, avoiding strong nail polish removers (like acetone), and wearing gloves when cleaning or washing dishes.
Stick to gently filing your nails (in just one direction), avoiding picking your nails and cuticles, and do regular trims, to keep your nails in a better condition, to encourage quick and healthy nail growth.