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Nail facts

Nail polish on a model's feet

The more you know about your nails, the better you'll be able to take care of them and get them looking their best.

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  • On average normal nails grow about 0.25cm (0.1") per month, or 3.8cm (1.5") per year.
  • The nail plate of each finger grows at different rates.
  • Nail plates grow slower at night and during the winter.
  • Nail plates grow about 20% faster in the summer and during pregnancy.
  • The left thumbnail usually grows faster than the right.
  • The index fingernail grows the fastest, followed by the middle and the ring finger.
  • The longer the finger, the faster the nail plate will grow.
  • Growth rate peaks during the ages of 10 and 14, slowly declining after age 20.
  • Nail-biting, damage or loss of a nail causes nails to grow faster.
  • Men's nail plates grow faster than women's.
  • Factors that could slow the growth of nail plates include: poor circulation, malnutrition, infections, psoriasis and certain medications.
  • Gelatin or special creams will not increase growth rate.
  • Proper circulation is a critical part of maintaining healthy nails.

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