NAIL

NAIL AND ITS

ITS
STRUCTURE
STRUCTURE
 The actual nail consists of the nail body, nail root,
and free edge.
 Nail body or Plate - is the main part or plate of the
nail that is attached to the skin at the tip of the
finger.
• Nail root - is where nail growth begins. It is
embedded underneath the skin at the base of the
nail.
• Free edge - is the end of the nail that extends
beyond the fingertip.
The structures beneath the nail include the nail bed.
matrix, and lunula.

 Nail Bed is the portion of skin beneath the

nail body that the nail plates rest upon. It is
supplied with blood vessels that provide the
nourishment necessary for nail growth. The
nail bed also contains nerves.
 Matrix (May-triks) contains nerves together with
lymph and blood vessels that produce the nail cells
and control the rate of growth of the nails. It is
located under the nail root. The matrix is the very
sensitive part of the nail and if injured will produce
nails with irregular growth and disorders.

Note: Be careful not to apply excessive pressure to

this area during a manicure.
 Lunula is the light-colored half-moon shape at the
base of the nail. This is where the matrix connects
with the nail bed.
Skin Surrounding the nail
 Cuticle (KYOO-ti-kel) is the overlapping skin
around the nail. A normal cuticle should be loose
and pliable.
 Nail Fold or Mantle (MAN-tel) is the deep fold of
skin at the base of the nail where the nail root is
embedded.
 Nail Grooves are slits or tracks in the nail bed at
the sides of the nail on which the nail grows.
 Nail Wall is the skin on the sides of the nail above
the grooves.
 Eponychium (ep-o-NIK-ee-um) is the thin line of
skin at the base of the nail that extends from the
nail wall to the nail plate.
 Perionychium (PER-i-o-nikee-um) is the part of the
skin that surrounds the entire nail area.
 Hyponychium (heye-poh-NIK-ee-um) is the part of
the skin under the free edge of the nail.
Shapes of Nail
 
1. Oval Nail
 It is common among people with long, perfect nail
beds. It may be styled slightly rounded at the base
and slightly pointed at the fingertips. Most often
this type of nail has a natural look and looks very
good in short-medium length.
2.Square nail
 It is created by allowing the nail to grow
out straight and then filing the tip straight
across at right angles with the rest of the
nail plate.
3.Round Nail
 This is ideal for shorter nails. The nail is
ideal to grow out at the sides for
approximately 1.5 mm and then the tip is
filed into a rounded shape. This is a
strong shape which is great for those who
keep their nails short.
4. Squoval Nail
 The squoval nail is a square nail but the softer
edges of an oval.

5.Pointed Nail
 A pointed nail is filed away at the sides to a
point at the tip; this shape is very weak as the
sides of the nail (which provide the strength)
are loose.