Why do our nails grow faster in Thailand?

Wrists, side by side, with matching black ampersand tattoos, symbolising a belief in “and” instead of “either/or”.

It’s a small question, but one we’ve asked myself during each of our three long-stays in Thailand over the past three years. Until now, it has never gone beyond a passing thought. That, in itself, is a reminder that curiosity does not always have to lead to a grand discovery or urgent action. Sometimes a question can just sit there without demanding an answer or needing a quick trip to an AI app to satiate the curiosity.

Still, when I finally decided to look into it, the reasons were surprisingly straightforward. Warmer weather boosts blood circulation, especially to your hands and feet. That means more oxygen and nutrients reach the nail matrix, the part under the cuticle where growth happens. The humidity also matters. In dry climates nails can become brittle and split before they grow much. Here, the moisture in the air helps them stay flexible and intact.

Diet plays its part too. Without thinking about it much, we eat more vegetables, eggs, nuts, and fresh fruit here. These are rich in biotin, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids, all of which support nail and hair growth. Even the small bottles of fermented milk you see in every 7-Eleven could be helping. The probiotics improve gut health, which means nutrients are absorbed more efficiently. A healthier gut often shows up in better skin, hair, and nails.

The extra time outdoors adds another layer. More sunlight means higher vitamin D levels, which help the body absorb calcium, essential for both nails and bones. There is also the incidental movement that comes with daily life here, such as walking to markets, climbing stairs, and carrying groceries. All of this supports circulation and oxygen delivery to tissues.

The same factors that influence nail growth are likely at play elsewhere, even if we do not notice them. Warmer temperatures, more movement, and better nutrition could be affecting how we work, think, and get through the day. I am not tracking it, but it is reasonable to assume the impact goes beyond just nails.

Noticing something like this is not about tracking every change or turning it into a project, like we often do. Sometimes it is enough to observe, connect a few dots, and carry on. The small stuff can remain small. Yet noticing something like this is a reminder that there is value in paying attention at all. Curiosity does not have to lead to action or a grand answer. Sometimes it is enough to spot a change, acknowledge it, and let it sit there as one more thing you know about the world.

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