- Nails are made of a protein called keratin, which also makes up the hair. At the bottom of your nail, beneath the cuticle, there is a section of living nail called the matrix. The matrix produces new cells and pushes mature nail cells toward the tip of the finger. As cells are pushed out of the matrix, they harden and die, becoming the protective, visible nail.
- There are a number of external factors that influence nail growth, but on average, nails grow .004 inches per month, resulting in a growth of 1.5 inches a year. Nails grow faster in warmer weather, on your dominant hand, on your longest fingers, on people under 30, and on men.
- Nails are a great indicator of overall health. Check out yours: are they brittle, ridged, discolored, green-tinged or coming off of the nail bed? Brittle and dry nails can be the result of an iron deficiency, poor blood circulation or improper care. Ridged or grooved nails are caused by stress, iron deficiency or poor nutrition. Nails get discolored by smoking and certain dyes. Green nails indicate a fungal infection. If your nails are lifting away from the nail bed, it may mean that they've been in water too long, or it could indicate a more serious skin disorder called psoriasis.
- For healthy, quick-growing nails, make sure you're eating enough protein. Without this vital food group, nails will weaken and growth will slow. In addition to protein, include enough A, B-Complex, C, D and E vitamins in your diet, as well as iron, zinc, calcium, sulfur and omega-3 fatty acids. A well-balanced diet is the easiest way to ensure healthy nail growth.
- Proper nail care not only keeps them looking good, but helps to prevent splitting, breaking or infections. Wash your hands with soap and use a nail brush to remove dirt from beneath the nails. After showers, your cuticles will be softened by the hot water and steam, so use this opportunity to push them back with a soft towel. Be very gentle. Keep your nails at the same length, and always trim any ragged bits that might snag or tear. File the tips to keep them smooth. In cold weather, make sure that you keep your nails and the skin around them well-moisturized.
- Even if you've followed all the steps above, your nails will be ruined if you treat them like power tools. Always wear gloves when dealing with chemicals, cleaning supplies or extended exposure to water. Never bite or pick at your nails and cuticles; that's just asking for a painful infection. And keep your nails at the appropriate length for your lifestyle.
