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Healthy Nails Basics: How Nails Grow and What Affects Them

Understanding brittle, dull and splitting nails, and what your feet need to stay comfortable.

Quick answer

Nails grow from a living nail bed called the matrix and are made of keratin, a tough protein. Fingernails grow about 3 mm a month and toenails about 1 mm, so changes take months to show. Brittle, splitting or dull nails are often linked to frequent wetting and drying, harsh chemicals, ageing, poor circulation or nutritional gaps. Discoloured, thickened or painful nails can signal infection or illness and should be checked by a doctor.

Key takeaways

Your nails are more than cosmetic. Their strength, colour and texture can reflect how well your body is nourished and how well blood is reaching your hands and feet. Here's what every adult should know.

How nails grow

The nail matrix

Every nail grows from the matrix, living tissue hidden under the cuticle. New cells are pushed forward, harden and become the visible nail plate.

Made of keratin

Nails are made of keratin, the same tough protein found in hair and the outer layer of skin. Building keratin requires protein, vitamins and minerals.

Slow growth

Fingernails grow roughly 3 mm a month; toenails about 1 mm. A full toenail can take 12 to 18 months to replace, which is why consistency matters.

What affects nail and foot health

FactorEffect
Frequent wetting and dryingBrittle, peeling nails
Harsh soaps and nail productsDryness and splitting
AgeingSlower growth, thicker or more brittle nails
Poor circulationLess nourishment reaching the nail bed
Tight shoes and damp socksPressure, friction and unhealthy feet

Supporting healthy nails and feet

Wear gloves for cleaning and dishwashing. Moisturise hands, cuticles and heels daily. Keep feet clean and dry, especially between the toes. Choose breathable socks and well-fitting shoes. Eat a balanced diet with protein, fruit and vegetables. Many people also add a daily nail and foot supplement with vitamins, minerals and botanicals.

See a doctor or podiatrist if: a nail becomes discoloured, thickened, crumbly, lifts from the nail bed or is painful, or if you have diabetes or poor circulation. These can be signs of infection or another condition that needs proper treatment.

Sources

  1. American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) – "Nail care tips."
  2. Mayo Clinic – "Nails: how to keep your fingernails healthy and strong."
  3. American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) – "Toenail and foot health."

Common questions

What causes brittle nails?

Frequent wetting and drying, harsh chemicals, ageing and nutritional gaps are common causes of brittle nails.

How long does it take a toenail to grow out?

A full toenail can take 12 to 18 months to grow out completely.

When should I see a doctor about my nails?

See a doctor or podiatrist if a nail becomes discoloured, thickened, crumbly, painful or lifts from the nail bed.

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