Fingernails grow faster than toenails

Understand the mechanisms of nail growth

Before discussing the reasons why finger nails grow faster than toenails, we need to first understand how the actual nail growth mechanism is.

Like bones and teeth, nails are the hardest part of the body because they contain very little water. Nails are made up of a protein called keratin - which is also found in skin and hair. Each nail begins to grow from a tiny pocket under the skin, called the nail matrix. This nail matrix continually makes new cells and pushes older cells up and out towards the fingertips of the tiny patch of skin under your nail called nail bed .

The lunula is a whitish streak that you may see under your nails. If you don't see your lunula, don't worry. The lunula is actually just below your cuticle. Even some people with smaller nails may only be able to see it with a magnifying glass.

Fingernails grow 3x faster than toenails

Dermatologists reveal that fingernails grow faster than toenails, where fingernails are three times faster than toenails. The American Academy of Dermatology says that fingernails grow about 0.1 mm per day. That means that the fingernails grow by 3 mm in a month.

According to scientists, this is because your fingers are used much more frequently than toenails. Well, this is what makes your finger nails grow faster than toenails. In addition, there are also scientists who say that finger nails lengthen faster than toenails because the fingernails are closer to the heart, so that the fingernails get better blood circulation than toenails.

So, in general the growth of fingernails is faster because their blood circulation is better than that of toenails. However, there are other factors that also affect the growth of nails, both hands and feet, namely hormones, age, climate and time of year.

That's why, don't be surprised if adult nails grow slower than children's nails and your nails will grow faster in the summer. Even though the growth differs between fingernails and toenails, give them the same care to avoid infection and fungus that can grow on toenails and fingernails.

Tips for caring for nails so that they grow fast

Regular nail care can help increase the strength of your nails, promote their growth and reduce breakage. Some of the ways to keep your nails in order well are:

Make sure to always keep your nails dry and clean so that they don't allow bacteria to grow on them.
Cutting your nails regularly will keep your nails healthy and look clean and beautiful. After trimming your nails, try to smooth the tips of the nails with a file.
When doing nail care, don't forget to provide a moisturizer to treat the cuticles. But remember, don't rub too hard or even peel your cuticles, as this can damage and infect nails.
Avoid biting your nails or cutting your nails too short.