Can the pink part of your nail grow?

When it comes to nail growth, there are a lot of myths out there. You’ve probably heard that if you bite your nails, they won’t grow back; or that if you paint them too often, they’ll stop growing altogether. But one question that seems to come up time and time again is whether or not the pink part of your nail – also known as the ‘nail bed’ – can actually grow (well maybe?).

The Anatomy of a Nail

First things first: let’s talk about what makes up a nail. Each finger (and toe) has its own unique toenails, which all begin just underneath the eponychium (fancy word for ‘cuticle’). From there, each cell migrates outward and begins to form the hard plate we know as our fingernail (ain’t science amazing?).

Underneath this hard plate lies something known as the matrix – essentially a group of cells responsible for producing new nail material. These cells secrete keratin (the same protein found in hair), which forms strands that interlock with one another to create a sturdy structure.

And finally, at the very base of our nails is something called the germinal matrix; where brand new skin and tissue is produced (sorta like inception I guess).

So…Can It Grow?

This brings us back to our original question: can the pink part of your nail really grow? In short: nope! While only seeing white tips might dissuade you from believing so but hear me out…

The truth is that while it may appear like more nail-ey surface area happens over time , in reality ONLY THE PART YOU CUT will get replenished from beneath by those buncha healthy young keratin secreting stem-cells down yonder.. (Easy-peasy right?)

That’s right, the pink part of your nail – aka the “nail bed” – is actually just exposed dermis – no stem-cells being secreted here. (see what I did there?) Because it lacks anything resembling a matrix in humans, there’s technically no way for new tissue to be created within this area.

So Why Does It Look Like It’s Growing?

I know what you’re thinking: “But…it looks like my nail bed is growing! What gives??” And hey, I get it; because even some professionals seem to believe that this myth holds some water (Remember our trustworthy friends from grade school who seemed to have all the secrets? Yeah that’s ppl usally)…

And truthfully speaking…It could very well boil down to an optical illusion we’ve all experienced. When you damage (ouch!) or otherwise stress-out your nail in a certain spot-whether by excessive biting habits or ill-fitted shoe situations-and it recovers over time,the new regrowth can definitely appear longer against where the skin used-to-touch (Understood visual image so far yes/no?)

This misconception likely arises from changes in colouration and lighting conditions,( remember ladies,the better it shines under light..the pricier manicure u’d end-up paying) ~so~ since The Lower portion of our nails-bed distorts and becomes paler when compared with upper layers with whole plate lengthening on top as-a-result-of newer ‘stuff’ being laid above(Yup nanites would make perfect sense about now….le sighh)….

How Can You Promote Nail Health Instead?

While we can’t make any promises about magically extending the length of your nail bed – sorry folks! (tough-cookie alert haha)-there ARE things you can do easily at home right-now!! ….To keep your overall nail health in top notch condition:

1. Avoid biting your nails.

As tempting as it might be, chewing on your fingertips is rather un-hygienic and increases the likelihood of bacterial or fungal infections putting a dent in the beauty regimen you’re working so hard to maintain!

2.  Keep them clean and trimmed.

After all, dirt build-up under any nail can cause its own brand of funkiness (Eww much? I know 😅). So, trim regularly & keep things neat.

3. Moisturize!

Dry/cracked cuticles are like an open invitation for bacteria, so don’t scrimp when it comes to moisture maintenance! Invest in some good hand-cream that won’t feel oily but packs enough oomph into deed you properly moisturized.

Basically anything healthy you’d do for skin or follicles elsewhere should consistently be done here too!…

Hope we made somethings clearer folks,

Cheers!!

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