Nails - Fingernails and Toenails

Fingernails and toenails are made of protein - similar to the composition of hair, but obviously much harder.

Fingernails require 3 to 6 months to regrow completely. Toenails require 12 to 18 months. Although, growth of nails is not constant, and is dependent on age, season, exercise level, and hereditary factors.

Although we are usually unaware of it, our fingernails form an integral component of our abilities to grip and scratch. Many people addicitvely bite their nails as it is often used to relieve stress. However, biting your nails can result in the transportation of germs that are buried under the surface of the nail into the mouth. Just remember that if you’re a nail biter, whatever you touch will eventually get into your mouth!

Artificial nails have recently become widely popular. These nails are not a replacement, but an extension for natural nails. There are two main approaches to creating artificial nails—tips and forms. Tips are lightweight plates that are glued on the natural nail. Forms are fit over the nail and then an artificial nail is molded and the form is removed.