7 Interesting Nail Facts You Just Need To Know

Last Updated on March 31, 2025 by Giorgia Guazzarotti

How well do you know your nails?

Be honest: aside from painting them, biting them, or maybe giving them a quick file when they start to snag on your clothes, you probably don’t think much about your nails. But those tiny keratin shields on the ends of your fingers are more fascinating (and revealing) than they get credit for.

Whether you’re the type who gets a fresh mani every two weeks or you’re still rocking remnants of chipped polish from last summer, this one’s for you. Here are some interesting nail facts that may surprise you:

Nail Fact #1: Nails Are Made From Keratin (Just Like Hair!)

1. So yep, those things you clip every week? Same stuff as what’s growing out of your head. Keratin is super strong, insoluble protein, which is why your nails can protect your fingertips from damage, help you grip things, and still survive all the typing, texting, and dishwashing you throw at them. And while nails and hair are made of the same protein, they actually grow differently—hair comes from follicles, nails grow from a matrix (which we’ll get into later).

Nail Fact #2: Fingernails Grow Faster Than Toenails

Let’s get the science bit out of the way first: Fingernails grow at a rate of about 2.5 mm each month. That means it takes about 3 to 6 months to completely replace a fingernail. Toenails, instead, grow only about 1mm a month. That’s why it takes more than a year (12-18 months) to replace a toenail.

If you’ve ever stubbed a toe so hard you lost a toenail (ouch), you already know just how slow they grow back. Fingernails, on the other hand, are speed demons in comparison. Interestingly, the nails on your dominant hand often grow faster too. So if you’re right-handed, your right fingernails might be a little longer than your left – no, you’re not imagining it.

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Nail Fact #3: Nails Grow Faster In Summer Than In Winter

Why? Blame it on circulation. Warm weather boosts blood flow, and more blood flow to the nail matrix (that’s the part under your skin where new nail cells are made) means faster growth. In the colder months, everything slows down a bit, just like the rest of your body, really. That’s why winter can be especially brutal on your nails, making them more brittle and prone to breaking. Hydration and cuticle oil become your best friends this time of year.

Nail Fact #4: Men’s Nails Grow Faster Than Women’s (Except During Pregnancy)

Hormones play a big role here. In general, testosterone tends to speed things up when it comes to nail growth. But during pregnancy, estrogen levels skyrocket, and suddenly women’s nails grow like weeds. If you’ve ever been pregnant and wondered why your nails looked amazing and strong for a few months, now you know. (Of course, the flip side is that they might go back to their pre-pregnancy state after birth – sorry.)

Nail Fact #5: Age, Malnutrition, And Hormone Imbalance Can All Affect Nails’ Growth

If your nails are suddenly looking thinner, more brittle, or they’re not growing like they used to, it might not just be age. It could be your body trying to tell you something. Lack of iron, biotin, zinc, or protein can all slow down nail growth. Same with thyroid issues or other hormonal imbalances. So if you’re taking good care of your nails on the outside but still struggling with them, it might be worth checking in on what’s going on inside.

Nail Fact #6: The Nail Plate Is Made Up Of Dead Cells, So It Can’t Breath

It’s the nails beds and cuticles that are made up of living cells that need to breathe. This is one of the most common nail myths out there. People think nails need to “breathe” between polish applications. But the hard part you see and paint? That’s dead tissue.

It doesn’t breathe, doesn’t have nerve endings, and doesn’t absorb oxygen. What does need TLC, though, is the area underneath and around the nail: the nail bed and cuticle. That’s where growth happens. Keep it moisturized, don’t pick at it, and avoid harsh chemicals if you can.

Nail Fact #7: Nails Can Tell You If You’re Ill

Your nails are like tiny health report cards. A change in colour, dents, ridges, black lines, swelling around the nails and pain can all be signs that something’s wrong.

Pale nails can signal anemia, yellowing might be a sign of a fungal infection or even issues with your lungs or liver, and dark vertical lines can be a red flag for melanoma. Not to scare you, but it’s worth paying attention.

Doctors can often pick up on issues just by looking at your nails, but they can’t do that if they’re hidden under a coat of opaque polish. So if you’re going in for a check-up, best to skip the mani that week.

The Bottom Line

There you have it, all the interesting nail facts you never asked for. Truth is, your nails are doing a lot more behind the scenes than you probably give them credit for. From showing signs of your overall health to changing with the seasons, age, and hormones, they’re not just dead protein hanging out on your fingertips.

Whether they’re growing fast, breaking easily, or suddenly looking a little weird, your nails are worth paying attention to. The more you know about them, the better you can take care of them – and maybe even catch a few health clues along the way.