Nail Basics
What protein makes up most of the natural nail?
Keratin
What part produces new nail cells?
Matrix
What hard structure protects the tips of fingers and toes?
The nail plate
How long does it generally take to replace a fingernail?
About 4-6 months
What is the free edge?
The part of the nail plate extending past the fingertip
What is the technical term for the natural nail?
Onyx
What is the visible, pale half-moon at the base of the nail?
Lunula
What living skin supports the nail plate as it grows?
The nail bed
Approximately how fast do fingernails grow each month?
About 1/10–1/8 inch
Why should you be gentle when cleaning under the free edge?
Damage to the hyponychium can allow infection.
What qualities describe a healthy nail?
firm and flexible
What dead tissue sticks to the nail plate near its base?
Cuticle
What are the lateral nail folds commonly called?
Sidewalls
When the matrix produces nail cells faster, what happens?
The nail plate grows faster
What is the difference between cuticle and eponychium?
cuticle=non living/dead tissue
eponychium= living skin or living tissue
What is the normal water content of a healthy nail?
About 15–25%
What living skin surrounds the base of the nail plate and should not be cut?
the eponychium
What nail fold covers the matrix area?
The proximal nail fold
How does pregnancy commonly affect nail growth?
Growth often accelerates
Why should you avoid filing lengthwise grooves on aging nails?
It thins and weakens the nail plate
About how many layers of nail cells form the nail plate?
Approximately 100
What thickened skin lies beneath the free edge?
The hyponychium
What type of tissue connects bones or holds an organ in place?
ligaments
Which usually has a thicker nail plate, a toenail or a fingernail?
toenail
A client asks how to permanently make their natural nail plate thicker. What should you explain?
you cannot make the nail plate grow permanently thicker with manicures or products