Anatomy of the Nail

Anatomy of the Nail

The nails main function is to be a protective plate for the finger and toe endings. Its main constituency is keratin, a protein containing a high proportion of sulphur and a relatively low amount of calcium. Natural nails have moisture content of about 18%. The nail plate extends from the cuticle to the free edge. The plate is made of layers of keratin cells attached to the nail bed. The lower layers of keratin are softer, the surface harder. The plate itself does not contain any nerves or capillaries. Keratin is the same substance that our hair is made of.

So when you hear the comment of: "my nails need to breathe", the nail plate itself is actually made of the same substance as your hair.

Once it has grown out past the (moon) or the cuticle area, it becomes hardened keratin and "does not breathe"

Damage to your nails is caused from over filing them and they will become weak and soft if you do that. Also like a band-aid on your skin. You skin becomes softened when its on but once its removed it hardens again, as will your nails.

Nail Fact

According to an article in Nailpro Magazine, the desire to have long beautiful nails first began during China's Ming dynasty (1368-1644), when aristocratic women grew their nails up to 10 inches long as a sign that they performed no manual labor. To protect their nails, they often sheathed them in gold or silver. Chinese men also grew long nails as a sign of their masculinity and to protect themselves from evil. Our fascination with long nails continues to grow, and has established nails as a multi-billion dollar industry.

Nail growth

The average growth of healthy fingernails vary. In general, fingernails will grow approximately 2mm per month. There is a gradual slowing of growth with age and physical condition.

The nail plate replaces itself approximately every 4-6 months and grows faster in summer than in winter. Growth and condition of nails depends on general health, proper circulation and adequate supply of minerals in the body.

Nail Blood Supply

A strong healthy nail is dependent on a good blood supply. Under normal conditions there is enough supply of blood to both nail bed and fold.

The blood vessels are quite exposed and are likely to go into spasms in cold weather. Under these circumstances the nail will probably become thin and ridged and in extreme cases will split along those ridges.

The Matrix - Nail Root

Matrix is the extra cellular (outside the cell) material found in cartilage. The matrix (nail root) produces keratin cells, which harden and grow into the nail plate itself. It contains blood capillaries and nerves, therefore it is very sensitive. If the matrix is damaged, the nail will no longer grow, or it will grow in deformed, depending on the extent of the damage.

Cuticle - Eponychium

The cuticle is the thin layer of skin at the base of the nail. It is made of soft keratin and seals off the potential space between the root of the nail and the skin. It is the cuticle that helps protect the newly forming nail. The eponychium should be pushed back very gently, without deep pressure.

The Half Moon - Lunula

Lunula connects the matrix and root areas to the nail bed. The nail is not solidly attached to the matrix, only in connection with the lunula. This contact creates a half moon shape.

Nail Bed

The nail bed lies under the nail and contains nerves and capillaries, therefore it is very sensitive. The capillaries reflect through the nail giving it a pinkish color. The nail bed extends from the root to just under the free edge of the nail.

The Free Edge

The free edge is the part of the nail that is completely free of the nail bed, providing protection to the fingertip. It should be filed from the left or the right corner to the center and never from center to corner. This method could cause the nail to split.

Point of Separation - Hyponychium

The point where the nail actually attaches itself to the nail, under the free edge is called the hyponychium. It is important not to clean the nails too deeply, as you may cause a separation from the hyponichium and the nail plate. This could be painful and could create an opening where disease and bacteria can enter the body.

Nail Groove / Nail Wall or Side Wall - Perionycium

As the nail grows, it pushes old cells outwards along the nail grooves, along the indentation in the skin on either side of the nail. The skin that overlaps the grooves is the nail wall. This is also called the perionycium

The Four Basic Nail Shapes

There are four basic types of nail shapes: Round/Oval, Rectangular (square is flatter on the top with straight edges), and Pointed/Fan

Round

The round nail should be slightly tapered and extend just a bit past the tip of the finger. Round nails are the most common choice for male clients because of their natural shape.

Oval

The oval nail is an attractive nail shape for most women's hands. It is a square nail with slightly rounded corners. Professional clients who have their hands on display (professional business people, teachers, or salespeople, for example) may want longer nails.

Rectangular or Square

The rectangular nail should extend only slightly past the tip of the finger with the free edge rounded off. This shape is sturdy because the full width of the nail remains at the free edge. Square nails are very similar, but the tip is much flatter and the edges are not rounded off. Clients who work with their hands- on a typewriter, computer, or assembly line - will need shorter squarer nails.

Pointed

The pointed nail is suited to thin hands with narrow nail beds. The nail is tapered somewhat longer than usual to enhance the slender appearance of the hand; however these nails are weak and break easily.

Some people consider doing their own nails a "chore", but we at Get Nailed at Home want you to have fun "doing your nails" and not consider it a chore, but a "Great Nail Job"!

I just want to let you all know: NO HUMANS WERE HARMED IN THE TESTING OF THIS PRODUCT