Nails and Hair

Your nails and hair do more than just make you look good—nails protect your fingertips, and hair helps keep you warm.

Nails are made of keratin, a strong protein. They grow from the nail bed as new cells form, pushing older ones forward.

This growth keeps nails functional and able to recover from wear, while their structure helps to grasp and pick up objects.

Like nails, hair is also made of keratin and grows from hair follicles in the dermis, the inner layer of the skin. Hair grows as new cells push older ones out.

Beyond growth, hair helps keep your body warm by trapping heat. Some types of hair, like eyelashes and nose hair, protect your eyes and nose from dust.

Both nails and hair protect the body, and since they grow constantly, it's important to care for them. Keeping nails clean and trimmed helps prevent infections, and washing your hair regularly removes dirt and oil.

Along with good hygiene, eating a diet rich in protein and vitamins keeps your nails and hair strong and healthy.