Toenails grow much more slowly than fingernails, sometimes taking a year to fully replace.

The longer version

Toenails grow from the same kind of tissue as fingernails, with new cells produced at the base pushing the hardened plate forward. The difference in speed appears to relate mainly to circulation and to how much the tissue is used: toes spend most of the day enclosed and receive less blood flow and less mechanical stimulation than fingers do.

Growth also slows whenever the nail bed is damaged or compressed. Replacing an entire toenail therefore takes many months, and the timeline lengthens with age. The plate is usually thicker as well, since the nail bed on the toes is broader. Injury to a toe can leave a visible ridge that travels outward as the nail slowly grows.

Where this entry sits

These facts look at how the human body works in ordinary moments, from breathing and blinking to balance and sleep. They focus on anatomy, senses, and small reactions that happen constantly without any conscious effort. The full list sits on the Human Body page, where every entry is listed in order.