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The nail is just like every other part of the body it has a structure. The funny part is that in nail care it is amazing that we are not more familiar with the structure of the nail. We are devoted to getting our mani pedi and sculptured tips, but have no idea of what a cuticle actually is and if it should be removed or not. That why I am here! Don't worry I am going to give you a few scientific nail terms and straighten out some facts so that will have you sounding a like a "know it all" when sitting in a salon chair having services done. LOL
Fact #1 Health nails have a water content of between 15 and 25 percent. The lower the water percentage the more rigid the nails becomes.
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Did you know that when you use oil-based nail conditioner or nail polish it reduces water loss in the nail. It also prevent excessive absorption or over saturation of water. When using these products it makes the natural nail it improves the natural nails flexibility.
Flexibility is important in a nails ability to bounce back your nails are less likely to break if they have flexibility. I use to hate the feeling of my nail bending. I thought it was a sign of unhealthy nails were damaged.
Fact #2 The Eponychium and Cuticle are 2 different structures of the finger.
Th📷e flesh or living skin where the nail extends from is called the Eponychium (ep-on-NIK-eeum). The Eponychium protects the matrix area. The Matrix area is where nail plate cells are formed. The Cuticle ( KYOO-tih-kul) is the dead colorless tissues attached to the nail plate. It is very sticky and difficult to remove from the natural nail plate. It appears to be a white or clear film that some people have on their nails. Not everyone has cuticle on their nail plate. I have done clients that have little to no cuticle and have done clients that have cuticle. I have cuticle on my nail plates. Cuticle buildup are on both finger nails and toe nails and those are to be nipped during manicure services. If not, they will cause lifting of products like polish, acrylic, and gel. The eponychium (living skin) IS NEVER SUPPOSED TO BE NIPPED WITH A NIPPING TOOL. You as the client can not even request/permit a nail technician to cut any living skin (Eponychium). Those that suffer with dry eponychiums like myself will just have to be treated to a hot oil treatment of course as an up charge on service to get that magazine worthy look. *wink* *wink*
Also make sure your manicurist is very careful in pushing back your eponychium to expose the cuticle. Too hard of a push has the potential to cause damage to the matrix.
Fact #3 The Hyponychium DOES NOT need to be pushed back or down from the nail.
📷The Hyponychium (hy-poh-NIK-eeum) is the slightly thick layer of skin that lies between the fingertip and the free edge of the nail plate. Its also a protective barrier that prevents microorganisms from invading and infecting the nail bed. Some people's hyponychium extends as their nails grow while others do not. The hyponychium is to NEVER be pushed down or push back. As with most things with the body it has a purpose for being there in the first place. The hyponychium also gives the nail plate strength.
I use to be big on making sure that layer of skin was pushed down as often as needed. I had no idea I was potentially opening myself up to harmful bacteria that could potentially damage my nail bed. Do not get me wrong you are able to clean under you fingernails and definitely should BUT in doing so try to be as careful as possible not to hit that skin meat LOL.
Facts #5 Prenatal vitamins have no impact of nail growth.
📷Be believe the hype! Prenatal vitamins do not make your nails grow. As with all things with the body nail growth depends largely on nutrition, exercise, and a person's general health. Nails grow faster in the summer and slower in the winter. Children's nails grow more rapidly and begin to slow down as we get older. The middle finger nail grows the faster and the thumb nail grows slower. Nothing can make the nail grow thicker this would require the size of the matrix to be larger. The average rate of nail growth in a normal adult is 1/10" to 1/8" per month. Toenails grow slower than the fingernails. According to the American Academy of Dermatology your prominent hand nails tend to grow faster. They also state that if you lose a nail due to injury it will take 6 months for your nail to grow back. On average a nail takes 3 to 6 month to regrow.
I hope you enjoyed reading some of these cool facts our phalanges! LOL but Keep in mind that everyone's nails are different. Diet, exercise regimes and overall health play a large part in nail growth. Also note I am not saying do not try products and nail care regimens that are focused on nail growth. Scientist do not know everything and nor have they discovered everything if you know something that works or worked in the past for you please feel free to share your nail growth regimen.
Until next time Have Blingtastic Day !!
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