Physiology of a Fingernail
There are scientists in all fields, we know that, but did you know there are scientists out there studying what makes fingernails hard or soft?
According to researchers at the University of Manchester, our nails are at their strongest when at a humidity of 60%, the natural humidiy of the nail bed. When the humidity is lower, nails become brittle, too high - such as when you have your hands in hot water - and they become soft and bend easily.
Nails are made up of three layers, the middle layer protects the inner layer from breaking towards the quick. At humidities higher or lower than 60%, these layers change and lose their protective qualities.
I think we should probably follow the example of our mothers and grandmothers and wear those rubber gloves when doing chores that require our hands be in hot water. Also, remembering that our nails are more at risk in certain conditions, we can be more careful about exposing them to situations that would cause damage.
It’s a good tip though, to soak nails before a manicure to make shaping the nail easier.
By Andrea on April 6th, 2007 at 5:28 am