On average, it takes about 12 to 18 months for a toenail to fully grow back after it has been lost or removed. You may start to see new nail growth within the first 2 to 3 months, and by 6 to 9 months, the nail is typically about halfway grown
. Toenails grow much slower than fingernails, which usually take about 4 to 6 months to regrow. The slower growth rate of toenails is approximately 1.6 millimeters per month, compared to fingernails growing about 3.5 millimeters per month
. The exact regrowth timeline can vary depending on factors such as:
- The cause of nail loss (trauma, fungal infection, medical removal)
- Severity of the injury
- Age and overall health
- Blood circulation and nutrition, including intake of biotin and protein
- Proper foot care and protection during healing
If the toenail was lost due to trauma or medical removal, it can sometimes take up to 2 years for complete regrowth. It is important to keep the nail bed clean, dry, and protected, and to consult a podiatrist if you experience pain, signs of infection, or abnormal regrowth
. In summary, expect a toenail to take roughly 1 to 1.5 years to grow back fully, with visible new growth starting within a few months after loss
