A+ Nails

It is difficult to say how fast the nail plate grows, since many factors affect the growth rate. For example, the nail plates on each finger grow at different rates. Nail plates grow slower at night and slowest during the winter. The rates shown in the accompanying image are “typical”. Normally, it will require five to six months to completely replace the entire finger nail plate. Toenails take about a year or longer to replace. The left thumbnail usually grows slightly faster than the right. The middle fingernail plate grows the fastest followed by the pointer and ring finger, which grow at about the same rate. The thumb is the next slowest, but the slowest of all is the little finger. As a rule, the longer the finger the faster the nail plate will grow.

Here are some interesting nail growth facts:

• Nail plates grow about 20% faster in the summer.

• Normally men's nail plates grow faster than women, especially on the dominant hand.

• Nail plates grow fastest during pregnancy.

• Nail plate growth increases by about 3 1/2% between the 4th and 8th month of pregnancy.

• From the ninth month until after delivery, nail growth rate increases by a whopping 20%.

• Age also affects the growth rate. Growth peaks between the ages of 10-14 years and slowly declines after age 20.

• Nail biting, accidental damage or loss causes nail plates to grow faster.

• Many factors cause slow growth of nail plates, i.e. being immobilized or paralyzed, poor circulation, malnutrition, lactation, serious infections, psoriasis, and certain medications.

Nothing you can eat will make healthy nail plates become stronger than normal. But, poor nutrition can certainly make them weaker! There are many scientific studies showing malnutrition and severe dieting makes the nail plates grow thin and/or weak. Poor nutrition may also contribute to nail plate splitting. Poor nutrition can also dramatically slow nail growth. It can also affect hair growth (and other parts of the body), as well. One well-known myth says calcium makes nails stronger. Studies show that the natural nail plate contains less than 0.1% calcium. It is extremely unlikely that calcium is important to maintaining healthy nail plates. Eating calcium rich foods such as gelatin or taking calcium supplements more than likely does nothing positive for the nail plate, either. Applying products containing calcium to the top surface of the nail plate is even less likely to have a positive benefit.

To date, no conclusive scientific studies have linked vitamin supplements or special foods to faster growth of healthy nails. Studies on horses and sheep have found nutritional links to hoof and wool growth, but these are quite different from human fingernails. Each of these is keratin, but so are a bird’s feather and a rhino’s horn. There is no firm proof that any of these substances work in humans. Someday science will develop a true nail growth formula. But, when they do… it will be big news in the medical world and will be reported in a prestigious medical journal. You won’t first hear about this new “miracle product” in the tabloids or on a TV shopping network. Personally, I think it’s just a matter of time before science learns to regulate the growth of the nail plate. Until then, good nutrition is a great way to maintain normal nail health. Eating right and exercising regularly will keep your entire body healthy, including your nails. Neither the latest secrets of the stars fads, nor vitamin supplements will make your nails as healthy as eating right and getting plenty of exercise. That’s the best nail beauty secret known. Cosmetic creams, oils and lotions that say they are “nail growth accelerators" are making false and misleading claims. It is illegal to make such statements about any cosmetic! No cosmetic product may claim that it changes or alters any function in the body. Cosmetics are designed for beautifying only. Cosmetics don’t heal- only FDA approved, medical drugs can legally make these types of claims. To be clear, a nail coating that protects the nail plate and prevents it from breaking can certainly help the plate grow “longer”, but they cannot make the nail plate grow “faster”.

------
Excerpt Taken from Doug Schoon’s book, “Nail Structure and Product Chemistry”, 2nd Edition.

This summer, you need to have beautiful, well-pedicured feet so you can flaunt them in the beach. Apart from having a cute sandal or slippers, the best thing that can complete your look is a set of lovely toenails. Here are some pretty and elegant manicure and pedicure designs you can get so you could confidently say that you're ready for spring time...

Want a design for your Valentine's Day? We have a hug selection of hearts for your loving nails. We can design with powder, polish, shellac... You name it.
Photo 1: design is done by Shellac
Photo 2: 3D design using powder
Photo 3-5: polish design