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Throughout history, hair and nails have served as more than just physical features; they’ve symbolized identity, health, and social status. From the caveman to the businessman, these keratin-rich structures help define us. During the COVID-19 lockdowns, this connection became clearer as many of us attempted to maintain our hair and nails without professional help. Even pop icon Taylor Swift reportedly took matters into her own hands, cutting her own hair during isolation.
But why do some people’s hair and nails grow faster than others? The answer lies in biology, genetics, and lifestyle factors.
How Hair and Nails Grow
Hair and nails are made primarily of keratin and grow from specialized matrix cells under the skin. These cells divide and push older cells outward, creating visible growth. Fingernails grow at an average rate of just over 3 millimeters per month, while scalp hair grows approximately 1 centimeter per month.
However, unlike nails, hair growth isn’t constant. It occurs in cycles:
- Anagen (growth phase): Lasts 2–8 years.
- Catagen (transition phase): Lasts about two weeks.
- Telogen (resting phase): Lasts 2–3 months.
- Exogen (shedding phase): Marks the loss of old hair and the start of new growth.
Each hair follicle follows its own cycle independently, ensuring that not all hair is shed simultaneously. While we lose 100–150 hairs daily, our scalps hold around 100,000 hairs, so this shedding is hardly noticeable.
Why Growth Rates Differ
Several factors influence how fast hair and nails grow:
- Genetics: Family traits largely determine individual growth rates. Siblings, especially identical twins, often have similar patterns of growth.
- Age: Growth rates peak in youth and slow with age due to reduced metabolism and cell division.
- Hormones: Pregnancy can boost growth, while menopause or stress-related cortisol can slow it.
- Nutrition: Hair and nails rely on keratin, water, fats, and minerals. A balanced diet with sufficient iron, zinc, and other nutrients promotes stronger, faster growth. Deficiencies, however, can lead to brittle nails and hair loss.
Record-Breaking Growth
For some, hair and nail growth reaches extraordinary lengths. Aliia Nasyrova, known as the Ukrainian Rapunzel, holds the record for the longest hair on a living woman at 257.33 cm. Meanwhile, Diana Armstrong from the U.S. boasts record-breaking fingernails totaling 1,306.58 cm.
The Myth of Growth After Death
Contrary to popular belief, hair and nails don’t grow after death. The illusion arises as the skin dehydrates and shrinks, exposing more of the existing hair and nails. Morticians often address this phenomenon using tissue fillers to maintain a natural appearance.
The Endless Task of Grooming
Hair and nail growth is a testament to the body’s regenerative abilities. While impressive growth can signal good health, maintaining hair and nails can feel like a never-ending chore. Whether we admire their biological intricacies or lament their upkeep, these keratin wonders are a vital part of who we are—living proof of our vitality.
