1. What is the basic information about nails?
Fingernails and toenails are made from skin cells. Structures that are made from skin cells are
called skin appendages. Hairs are also skin appendages. The part that we call the nail is
technically known as the “nail plate.” The nail plate is mostly made of a hard substance called
keratin.
2. How do you remove a damaged fingernail?
Use scissors to remove the detached part of the nail if the nail is partly attached. Soak your
finger or toe in cold water for 20 minutes after trimming the nail. Apply a thin layer of petroleum
jelly, such as Vaseline, and cover the area with a nonstick bandage.
3. How long should your nails be?
The nail length can vary depending on the person's taste. But in general, keep the nails
even with—or not much longer than—the tip of the finger. Let the nails dry if they are
still damp and soft. Use a nail file to gently smooth the edges of the nails, especially at
the corners.
Interesting Nail Facts
Your nails grow about 3 - 4 millimeters per month. That's a rate of approximately
0.1 millimeters a day.
Fingernails grow faster during summer. Why? There are a few different theories.
One theory is that people absorb more nutrients during the summer; as they are
more likely to drink a lot of water on a hot summer day. Another theory is that
since sunlight exposure causes your body to make Vitamin D, the increase in
Vitamin D results in your nails growing at a faster rate.
Toenails grow at roughly half the rate of fingernails. They typically grow around
1.6 millimeters a month.
There is a proper medical name for the habit of biting your fingernails:
Onychophagia. It's estimated that 25-30% of children are in the habit of nail
biting.
Your hair and nails are made up of the same protein. They are both made up of
Keratin; however, your nails are much stronger than your hair due to the
difference in the arrangement of Keratin molecules: which gives your nails more
resilient properties.
Men’s fingernails grow faster than women’s. Men’s fingernails typically grow
upwards of 3.5 millimeters per month.
Your nails do not breathe. Nails are not alive to begin with; so they don’t need to
breathe. However, it's recommended that you do let your nails take polish breaks
in order to avoid some of the harmful side effects of keeping nail polish/ acrylics
on for too long.
Stress can affect the growth of your nails. Stress is one factor that will inhibit your
nail growth. Don’t worry, however, your nails will grow again.
Fingernails need blood to survive. Blood flow is essential for nail health and
growth; as this is how nails get their key nutrients. Your fingernails can actually
temporarily stop growing when there is an injury preventing them from getting
proper blood flow.
Fingernails cannot sweat. Your nail bed does not contain any sweat glands; so
it's impossible for your fingernails to sweat.