Long, healthy nails are functional and beautiful. People with healthy nails often choose to paint, shape and otherwise adorn their nails to show off their beauty. Historically, nail growth has been seen as a sign of overall health and attractiveness. During China's Ming dynasty, women grew their nails to 10 inches long to show them off. Long nails are also seen as desirable today. Nails that fail to grow properly can be a sign of an underlying health condition or poor self-care.
Growth Rate
Nails grow at a rate of about 3mm per month, with some variation between people. The speed at which nails grow also changes with age. Children have the fastest nail growth rates, which generally peak sometime between ages 10 and 14. Other times when the growth rate speeds up are in summer and during pregnancy. Also, different nails grow at different rates, with the index finger nail growing fastest and the pinky growing slowest. Toenails grow more slowly than fingernails.
Process
Nail growth begins in the matrix, an area hidden beneath the skin at the base of the nail. In the matrix, keratin cells are produced, flattened out and pushed forward to create the flat nail plate, the main part of the nail. The size and shape of the matrix affect the growth of the nail, determining the final shape, curvature and hardness.
Nutrition
Proper nutrition is necessary for healthy nail growth. Calcium, vitamins B and C, folic acid, protein and iron are all needed in the diet to ensure optimal nail health. Water is another important dietary component that can affect nail growth. If you don't get enough water, nails will grow out brittle and prone to breaking and splitting.
Problems
Ingrown nails are the most common problem associated with nail growth. In this condition, the nail--instead of growing straight out as usual--curls under at the sides and cuts into the skin painfully. Other nail growth problems include split nails and hangnails.
Care
Caring for growing nails is fairly easy. Most people trim nails with a nail clipper when they become too long for comfort or chipped at the edges. Protecting nails from prolonged exposure to water or household chemicals can help prevent damage to the matrix, thereby protecting the nails' ability to grow properly. Wearing gloves when cleaning is a simple way to protect nails.
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