How do toenail and fingernail growth compare?

The growth rate of fingernails and toenails indeed differs, with fingernails generally growing faster than toenails. However, the reasoning behind why toenails are thicker is primarily due to their anatomy and the structure of the nail matrix.

Toenails are thicker because they have a longer nail matrix, which is the tissue responsible for producing the cells that form the nail plate. This longer matrix not only contributes to the thickness of the toenail but also affects how the nails respond to various factors such as pressure, trauma, and environmental conditions.

Fingernails, while growing faster, tend to be thinner as they do not require the same level of durability or protection that toenails do, which are subjected to more pressure and often face more external stress due to walking and other activities. Thus, the increased thickness of toenails can be attributed to the longer matrix and the evolutionary necessity for greater strength and resilience.

Understanding the structural differences between toenails and fingernails is important for nail technicians, as this knowledge aids in providing appropriate care and treatment for each type.