Why do toenails grow slower than fingernails?

You may have noticed that your toenails grow much slower. On average one millimeter per month, while your fingernails grow three millimeters per month.

If you've ever had to grow a new toenail, you've no doubt noticed:it takes quite a while for a toenail to grow back.

There are a number of factors that determine how fast your nails grow

1. In the summer your nails grow faster.
2. Men's nails grow a little faster on average and are stronger than women's nails. How unfair is that last one?
3. The nails of your dominant hand grow faster.
4. Good blood circulation ensures that your nails grow faster.

The blood flow is one of the reasons why your toenails grow more slowly. Your toes have less blood circulation and that has an effect on nail growth. The length of the last phalanx of the finger or toe also determines the growth rate. It is shorter at the toes and as a result the nails grow more slowly.