The Hair & Nails Growth Story

Throughout recorded history, our hair and nails played an important role in signifying who we are and our social status. You could say they separate the caveman from businessman. It was no surprise then that many of us found a new level of appreciation for our hairdressers and nail artists during the COVID lockdowns. Even Taylor Swift reported she cut her own hair during lockdown.
So, what would happen if all this hair and nail grooming got too much for us and we decided to give it all up? Would our hair and nails just keep on growing?
The answer is yes. The hair on our head grows, on average, one centimetre per month, while our fingernails grow an average of just over three millimetres.
When left unchecked, our hair and nails can grow to impressive lengths. Aliia Nasyrova, known as the Ukrainian Rapunzel, holds the world record for the longest locks on a living woman, which measure an impressive 257.33 cm.
When it comes to record-breaking fingernails, Diana Armstrong from the United States holds that record at 1,306.58 cm.
Most of us, however, get regular haircuts and trim our nails—some with greater frequency than others. So why do some people's hair and nails grow more quickly?
A biology crash course
Hair and nails are made mostly from keratin. Both grow from matrix cells below the skin and grow through different patterns of cell division.
Nails grow steadily from the matrix cells, which sit under the skin at the base of the nail. These cells divide, pushing the older cells forward. As they grow, the new cells slide along the nail bed—the flat area under the fingernail which looks pink because of its rich blood supply.
Esta historia es de la edición January 04, 2025 de Ahmedabad Mirror.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición January 04, 2025 de Ahmedabad Mirror.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
MESSIAH'S FREE-KICK LIFTS MIAMI OVER PORTO
After conceding early penalty, Inter Miami roar back as Segovia equalises and Messi's sublime free kick seals win over Porto FC

Bypolls: EC Orders Re-polling at Two Booths in Visavadar
AAP claims decision came after its complaint of bogus voting; Collector cites 'voting disruption'

Apex court bar bodies deplore ED summons to senior lawyers
Say action hits very foundation of legal profession; anti-money laundering agency withdraws summons issued to senior counsel

Despite Regulatory Issues, HDB Fin Services Launches Rs 12,500 Cr IPO
Firm sets price band of Rs 700-740, at 66% discount in the grey market

Rahane backs Jaiswal to score in England
After rumoured rift, Rahane says Yashasvi Jaiswal's attacking game suits England challenge

Nadda, CM, Paatil Pay Tributes to Rupani
Prayer meet held at BJP HQ Kamalam for former CM who died in AI plane crash
Light to moderate showers predicted in city by IMD
Heavy rains lash South Gujarat; Saurashtra gets light showers
Canada dream becomes nightmare for woman
NRI husband allegedly demanded Rs 50L dowry, had an affair with another woman in Canada
Ahead of Rath Yatra, 10 absconders nabbed
Two-day crackdown by Crime Branch to ensure smooth and peaceful procession on June 27

Justin Gets Access to the Messages
Court Grants Him Access to Messages Exchanged Between Taylor Swift and Blake Lively