Yes, nail growth rates can vary.
Factors Affecting Nail Growth
Several factors influence how quickly your nails grow, including which hand they are on and whether they are bitten.
Dominant Hand vs. Non-Dominant Hand
- Dominant Hand Advantage: The nails on your dominant hand tend to grow slightly faster than those on your non-dominant hand.
- This is due to the increased circulation and activity in your dominant hand.
- Longest Fingers: You may also notice that nails on your longest fingers grow quicker compared to those on your shorter fingers.
- The difference in growth rate can be around 0.1 mm, which is a noticeable difference.
Bitten vs. Healthy Nails
- Bitten Nail Growth: Interestingly, if you bite your nails, they will grow about three times faster compared to the nails that are not bitten.
- This is thought to be the body's response to repair the damage caused by biting.
Summary
| Factor | Effect on Nail Growth |
|---|---|
| Dominant Hand | Faster |
| Non-Dominant Hand | Slower |
| Longer Fingers | Faster |
| Shorter Fingers | Slower |
| Bitten Nails | Much faster (3x) |
| Healthy Nails | Slower |
So, while the general rate of nail growth is fairly constant, factors like which hand and whether the nail is bitten can make a noticeable difference.
