Beauty can sometimes feel like a waiting game. These things can’t be rushed, from waiting for your hair to grow after a few spur-of-the-moment bangs to seeing if your skin clears up after a breakout. You can also add growing your nails.
You can learn how to grow your nails faster, regardless of whether you are guilty of biting your nails. We’ll show you how to make your nails grow faster and give you tips.
What is the Growth of Nails?
Before we get into the details of how fast nails grow, let us talk about how they grow. This is nail anatomy 101 simplified. You need first to understand the anatomy of the nail and how it affects the growth cycle.
Matrix – This is the nail’s root, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. It is constantly creating new cells. These new cells cause the old cells to be compressed and pushed through the matrix.
Nail plate: This is the hard part of your fingernail. It is the part that you are trying to grow. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, it is mainly made from Keratin. These are the cells that were packed with old cells. The cells are now dead. This is why you won’t feel pain when trimming your nails.
Cuticle – This term is familiar to you. The AAD describes the Cuticle as a tiny section of skin that protects the matrix against germs. Although it does not directly affect how your nails grow, it is still imperative and essential for nail health.
Lunula: According to the NCBI, the Lunula, which is a small, white half-moon shape that can be found at the bottoms of your nails, is called Lunula. This will be most noticeable on your thumbs but on all your nails. It is part of the matrix and the only visible part.
How long does it take for nails to grow?
Knowing how nails grow is the first step. Understanding how long it takes to grow them is the second. It’s slow and steady, as you can see. These are some things to remember about how fast your nails will grow.
Nails grow slowly
The NCBI states that fingernails average a growth rate of three millimeters each month. Three millimeters equals one-eighth of an inch or half the size of a pencil eraser. The growth of the toenails is slower, at one millimeter per day.
As we age, nails grow slower.
According to the NCBI, the growth rate will decrease starting at age 25 by about 0.5 percent per annum. According to the AAD, it can take approximately half a year for a fingernail to grow back. It can take up to a year for a toenail to develop fully.
Your dominant hand grows faster.
According to the AAD, if your hands are right-handed, your nails grow faster on your right hand and your left. Your giant fingers also make your nails grow faster.
Nail Growth Is Affected by the Time Of The Year
According to the AAD, nails grow faster in the summer. They also grow faster during the day.
How to make your nails grow faster
You’re likely wondering if there’s a way to speed up your nail growth now that you are an expert on the topic. There is no magic bullet for increasing nail growth. However, ensuring that your nails grow strong and are healthy is essential. Here are some nail care tips courtesy of the AD.
Clip Your Nails
You can cut your nails horizontally and trim the edges without causing any damage. To manage your length, you can also use a nail file.
Your toenails should be the same. To minimize injury and trauma, keep your toenails shorter.
Do not trim your cuticles.
The cuticles protect the root of your nails, so keep them in place and don’t trim them. Cutting your cuticles can make it easier for bacteria and other infections to enter the body.
Editor’s tip Using cuticle oil every day can keep your cuticles moisturized and prevent dead skin cells from growing on your natural nails.
Do not bite your nails.
This is a severe offense. Doing this can cause damage to the cuticles and nails. You can use a set of push-on pins to help you avoid biting your nails.
Make sure your nails are dry.
Your nails should only be wet if you are getting a manicure. To soften your toenails, soak them in salt water for 5-10 minutes before you cut.
Find shoes that fit you.
Wearing tight shoes can cause damage to your toenails.
