What makes fingernails grow?
If youre concerned about how to make your fingernails grow faster, its important to understand how fingernails grow in the first place. Fingernails are composed of protein fibers called keratin which is the same protein hair is made of. Growth occurs from the moon shaped area seen at the base of the nail which is sometimes known as the growth plate. As the nail grows, cells from the matrix multiply, mature, and die. Upon death, they become filled with this protein matrix which gives the nail its tough, hard exterior. How Fast Do Fingernails Grow? How fast go fingernails grow? Nail growth rates vary, but on average theyll grow around an inch and a half each year in a normal person. The rate of fingernail growth varies depending upon the nutritional status of the person as well as how much blood flow reaches the growth center or matrix of the nail. Interestingly enough, the nails on the hand you favor grow faster than the ones on the opposite hand. If youre right handed, the nails on the