- pink in colour
- flexible, smooth, strong, no ridges, little or no blemishes
- skin is hydrated, smooth, supple, soft to touch
Normal
- split, torn, gaps in cuticle
- dry cuticles
- peels, lines/ridges
Hangnails
- extremely thin
- weak
- soft, easily peels
- sensitive to touch
- bruise easily
- slow to grow
- causes can be from artificial nails, harsh chemicals, medication, poor diet
Damaged
- breaks, cracks easily
- free edge, hard & inflexible
- nail plate thickened
- little hydration
- causes: medical conditions, poor circulation, poor diet, harsh chemicals
Brittle
- dull, powdery, flaking free edge
- peels easily, dry cuticles, damaged
- no shine on plate, lack of moisture
- dragged feeling when wiped
- hand washing, chemicals, poor diet can cause this
Dry/Dehydrated
- Used prior to application of nail enamel
Base coat
- Provides shine
- prevents chipping
- seals enamel
Top coat
Strengthen nails
Nail strengthener
Removes excess cuticles
Cuticle remover
- softens
- nourishes
Cuticle cream
Portion of skin between the free edge of the nail and the skin of the fingertip
Hyponychium
Folds of skin overlapping the sides of the nail plate for protection
Nail wall
Visible portion of the nail which rests on the nail bed (commonly called the finger nail)
Nail plate
Cuticle at the base of the nail
Eponychium
Protects the matrix from infection
Cuticle
Only living, reproducing part of the nail
Matrix
Crescent shaped area where the matrix and nail bed meet
Lunula
Extends beyond the end of the skin of the fingertip, part of the nail that is filed
Free edge
Cuticles at the sides of the nail
Peronychium
Deep fold of skin at the base of the nail before the cuticle
Mantle
Portion of the finger where the nail plate rests. Contains nerves lymph & blood vessels
Nail bed/groove
