How well do you know your nails?
Probably not as well as you think. Here are some interesting facts about them that may surprise you:
1. Nails, just like hair, are made of keratin, a tough insoluble protein.
2. Fingernails grow faster than toenails. Fingernails grow at a rate of about 2.5 mm each month. That means it takes about 3 to 6 months to completely replace a fingernail. Toenails, instead, grow only about 1mm a month. That’s why it takes more than a year (12-18 months)Â to replace a toenail.
3. Nails grow faster in summer than in winter.
4. Men’s nails grow faster than women’s (except during pregnancy).
5. Age, malnutrition, and hormone imbalance are all factors that can affect nails’ growth.
6. The nail plate is made up of dead cells, so it can’t breath. It’s the nails beds and cuticles that are made up of living cells that need to breathe.
7. Nails can tell you if you’re ill. A change in colour, dents, ridges, black lines, swelling around the nails and pain can all be signs that something’s wrong. That’s why you should never wear nail polish when you go to the doctor.
Do you know any other interesting facts about nails? Share them in the comments below.
Great post! I remember when I was anemic, my doctor suspected it when she noticed my fingernails were blue, so ever since then I’ve kept an eye on that.
Amy, thanks. Nails really tell a lot about our health condition. I hope you are well now. 🙂
Interesting facts, thanks for sharing 🙂
Marina, you’re welcome. 🙂
The half moon shape that appears near the base of your nail indicates good blood circulation. They’re also very porous. If they are hard they contain a lot of water. When they lack water they become dry and brittle, and break! Another reason hydration is key!
Lauren, thanks for sharing this very interesting nail fact! And I agree, it’s so important to keep nails hydrated.