Health

Did You Know Your Nails Are Technically Hair?

Posted
February 27, 2026
4:53 am

Did you know your nails technically share the same material as your hair?

It sounds surprising, but it’s true. Fingernails and toenails mainly contain keratin, the tough structural protein that also forms your hair and the outer layer of your skin.

While nails and hair look completely different, their biological building blocks are remarkably similar. Let’s break down the fascinating science behind this everyday body part you probably never think twice about.

What Are Nails Actually Made Of?

Your nails are made of layers of hardened keratin protein. Keratin is a fibrous protein that protects cells from damage and stress. It’s strong, flexible, and water-resistant — which makes it ideal for protective structures in the body.

Keratin is also found in:

Hair
Skin
Animal fur
Hooves and claws

So technically, your nails are not “mini bones” or “dead skin.” They are compacted, hardened layers of keratin cells.

How Do Nails Grow?

Nails grow from a hidden area under your skin called the nail matrix. This is where new cells are constantly being produced. As these new cells form, older cells are pushed forward, flatten, harden, and become the visible nail plate.

This natural process is part of your body’s continuous cycle of nail growth.

Interesting nail growth facts:

Fingernails grow faster than toenails
Nails grow quicker in summer than winter
The average fingernail grows about 3 millimeters per month
Your dominant hand often has slightly faster growth

Even though nails are made of dead keratin cells once they appear above the skin, the matrix beneath is very much alive and active.

Why Don’t Nails Hurt When You Cut Them?

If nails are technically related to hair, why don’t they hurt when trimmed?

The answer lies in biology. The visible part of the nail is composed of dead keratinized cells. These cells contain no nerves or blood supply. That’s why trimming them is painless — as long as you don’t cut too deep into the living nail bed underneath.

The living portion beneath the nail plate contains nerves and blood vessels. That’s why injuries to the nail bed can be painful.

The Protective Role of Nails

Nails serve important functions beyond appearance:

Protecting sensitive fingertips
Improving grip and precision
Enhancing tactile sensation
Supporting fine motor skills

Without nails, simple tasks like picking up small objects, scratching an itch, or typing would be more difficult.

They are small but essential tools built into your body.

Are Nails and Hair Exactly the Same?

Although nails and hair share keratin protein, they are structured differently.

Hair grows from follicles and contains layers such as the cortex and cuticle. Nails, on the other hand, grow as solid plates from the nail matrix. Their growth patterns and textures differ because of how keratin cells are arranged.

So while nails are technically similar to hair at the molecular level, they are biologically specialized for different functions.

What Your Nails Reveal About Your Health

Your nails can sometimes provide clues about your overall health.

Changes in color, thickness, or texture may signal:

Nutritional deficiencies
Hormonal imbalance
Circulatory issues
Skin conditions

For example:

Pale nails may indicate low iron
Yellow nails may signal fungal infection
Brittle nails could reflect dehydration or vitamin deficiency

Healthy nail growth often reflects good overall wellness.

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