Nail Anatomy Glossary

The hard, visible part of your nail, made of layers of keratin, the same protein found in hair. It has no nerves or blood supply of its own, so it can be filed and shaped without pain.

The living skin underneath the nail plate. It is rich in blood vessels, which is what gives a healthy nail its pink colour.

The area at the base of your nail, hidden under the skin, where new nail cells are made. It is the most important part to protect, because damage here can change the way your nail grows, sometimes permanently.

The pale half moon shape you may see at the base of your nail. It is the visible front edge of the matrix, and it is often easier to see on thumbs.

A thin layer of dead, colourless skin that sticks to the nail plate as it grows. It can be gently pushed back and tidied during a manicure.

The living skin at the base of your nail, often mistaken for the cuticle. It forms a seal that protects the matrix from germs, so it should never be cut away.

The skin under the free edge of your nail. Like the eponychium, it forms a protective seal, so pushing tools hard under the nail tip is best avoided.

The part of the nail that grows beyond your fingertip. This is the part that is filed and shaped.

The skin that frames the sides and base of your nail. Keeping these areas moisturised helps prevent hangnails and splits.

The curved line where the nail plate leaves the nail bed and becomes the free edge. It is the line traced by a French manicure.

The point where the free edge meets the nail bed. It takes the most pressure, which is why nails often break here and why enhancements are built strongest at this point.

Fingernails grow faster than toenails. A fingernail usually takes around six months to grow out completely, and a big toenail can take a year or more. This is why damage takes time to grow out.

The strong protein that makes up your nails, hair and the outer layer of your skin.

A nail plate that has become weaker or bendier, often from over filing, picking off gel or removing products too harshly. Gentle care and time help new, stronger nail grow through.

Fine lines running along the nail. Many people develop vertical ridges with age, and they are usually harmless. Ridges that appear suddenly, or run across the nail, are worth showing to your doctor.