Think of the nail as an organisation of cells

The main component of the nail is a protein known as keratin. 12%-16% water and 0.15%-0.75% fat. The amount of water is affected by the environment surrounding the nail.

For example, the nail becomes hard and dehydrated during winter. Applying manicure or using drugs causes water levels to decrease and may cause the nail to split.

The nail takes approximately 3 to 6 months to regenerate. The nails on the toe take longer to grow compared to those on the hand. Depending on the environment, the nail grows 0.1mm per day.

Look at the nail from a biological perspective

Nails grow from the end of the phalanges (finger bone). Lizards and birds all have cone shaped nails which curve downwards.

For mammals, the shape of the nail comes in 3 forms: flat nails, talons and hoofs. Humans and monkeys need to pick up and use objects, therefore evolved to have flat nails.



Look at the nail from a biological perspective

The nail is formed of the nail plate, and the nail root which is seen on the outside and the inside respectively. They grow towards the direction that the finger points to.

The nail is created at the base area known as the nail matrix. The nail plate cover the area of skin known as the nail floorplate.

The sides of the nail plate are covered by the nail wall. The skin which cover the nail root is known as the apical nail wall. Furthermore, the transparent area which covers the nail plate in crescent moon shape is known as a lunula.

The root of the nail is hidden by a layer of skin. Near the root of the nail and lunula, there is a region known as the nail matrix.