Your nails are a very important part of your body! They can tell you a lot about your health, and they can also be used to express your personality.
In this article, I’ll discuss everything you’ve ever wanted to know about nails! I’ll cover topics such as the composition of nails, how fast they grow, and what the different colors mean.
So stay tuned – you’re in for a nail-biting good time!
Let’s start with what your nails actually are!
All ten of your nails are composed of keratin, which is a type of protein. Without enough keratin, nails would be soft and easily damaged.
The cells that produce keratin are located in the nail bed, and they work to continuously produce new nail cells. As the old nail cells die, they are pushed out towards the end of the nail. This process is known as keratinization, and it is what gives nails their hard, protective qualities.
Now that we know what nails are made of, let’s discuss how fast they grow.
It’s typically said that nails grow about one-tenth of an inch per month. However, this number can vary depending on age, health, and other factors.
For example, nails tend to grow faster in the summer months than they do in the winter. This has to do with temperature and humidity. When it’s warmer and more humid, your nails absorb moisture from the air, which helps them to grow faster. In contrast, when it’s cold and dry, your nails tend to be drier and brittle, which can cause them to break or chip more easily. So if you want your nails to grow longer and stronger all year long, make sure to keep them hydrated by using a hand cream or cuticle oil regularly. You might also want to invest in a humidifier for your home or office to help keep your nails in tip-top shape even in the driest seasons!
Another factor is age. Nails tend to grow faster in children and adolescents than they do in adults. Anyone who has ever had to routinely trim a toddler’s nails knows that they grow at an astonishing rate. In fact, children’s nails grow about twice as fast as adults’. There are a few reasons for this accelerated growth. For one, children have higher levels of keratin in their bodies. Additionally, their nail beds are softer, which allows for more easy growth. Finally, children’s bodies are simply growing at a faster rate overall, and nails are no exception.
So though it varies, as long as you have enough keratin, your nails are always growing!
The color of your nails can say a lot about you. And while this is also true for which type of polish you choose, here I’m focusing on the natural shades beneath the polish.
So, what do different nail colors mean?
The most common nail color is pink, which indicates healthy nails. However, nails can also be white, yellow, brown, or even black. Different colors can indicate different things about your health.
For example, white nails may indicate anemia or liver disease. Yellow nails can be a sign of diabetes. Brown nails may indicate kidney or lung problems. And black nails can be a sign of melanoma, which is a type of skin cancer.
If you notice any difference in the color of your nails, be sure to address it quickly in case it has to do with a health issue.
The lunula is the crescent-shaped area at the base of the nail. It’s usually a bit lighter in color than the rest of the nail and is more pronounced on thumb nails. The lunula is actually made up of a number of cells that are packed tightly together. These cells produce keratin, which helps to protect the nails from damage. The lunula is also believed to be involved in the production of new nail cells. While the exact function of the lunula is still not fully understood, it’s clear that it plays an important role in keeping nails healthy and strong.
Now that you know more about your nails, what about taking care of them?
Nail care is important for keeping your nails healthy and looking their best. If you’re looking to have the healthiest and best-looking nails possible, here are a few tips for taking care of them:
– Keep your nails clean and free of dirt and debris.
– Use a nail brush to scrub under your nails and around the cuticles.
– Apply a moisturizing cream or oil to your nails and cuticles to keep them hydrated.
– Trim your nails regularly, and file them into a shape that you like.
For more tips on caring for your nails, check out a previous article I wrote called 14 Tips For Stronger Nails.
But right now, I want to focus on the BEST thing you can do if you want healthy nails…
It has to do with biotin.
This essential vitamin is responsible for the production of keratin (you know, the protein that makes up your nails!)
As such, if you don’t have enough, your nails can’t grow to their potential.
It’s why research has shown that introducing a daily biotin supplement can increase nail plate thickness by up to 25%! [1]
If you want to learn how to get a reliable dose of biotin every day…
PLUS some added natural ingredients that can also support your nails AND your hair AND your skin…