Hair strands and fingernails are made up primarily of dead cells that are ejected from the body. These cells can be manipulated slightly, but the color, shape, strength and rate of growth of both are greatly determined by genetics. Understanding how your hair and fingernails form clarifies why they look the way they do and distinguishes what can be changed about them.
Hair Growth
Hair grows when cells gather at the root of each hair follicle and are pushed upward by more cells, according to The Nemours Foundation (TNF). Once the cells are pushed up, they no longer receive nourishment and go through a process called keratinization, which transforms them into a hard protein. The hair you see is a combination of keratin and dead cells that have been expelled by your body.
Rate of Hair Growth
On average, hair grows at a rate of about ¼ inch to 1 inch per month. Each strand can grow for up to six years, but growing your hair long might take much longer if the average growing phase of the follicles is less on average, reports TNF. While there is speculation that hair can grow faster in summer months, there is no scientifically proven way to make hair grow faster than your genetics allow, says Brian Thompson of the Philip Kingsley Trichological Clinic.
Baldness
Baldness occurs when follicles become inactive and no longer produce new hair, which is a genetic factor, according to FamilyDoctor.org. This is a commonly known trait in men, but the American Hair Loss Association notes that about 40 percent of hair loss sufferers are women. Apart from genes, hormones, medicines, infections and diseases can contribute to excessive hair loss.
Fingernail Growth
Fingernail growth is very similar to hair growth, notes TNF, except the cells are pushed into plates instead of strands. They are created from dead cells that build up and are converted into keratin, just like hair. The average growth rate of fingernails is about ½ inch to 4 inches annually, which can vary depending upon your diet, the time of year and your age and sex.
Improving Fingernail Growth
As with hair, it is difficult to truly change the appearance of your fingernails since they are a product of your genetics. However, the Langone Medical Center in New York City suggests that the B vitamin biotin may help to increase the thickness of nails and decrease cracking. Additionally, calcium, zinc, vitamin A and iron may improve the microscopic structure of your nails, although no controlled research exists to prove this. Silicon is another potential strengthener and can be found in the herb horsetail.
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