Nails & Beauty Solutions Ltd Nail Anatomy

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The Matrix

The Matrix is the Root of the nail. The Matrix produces keratin cells. These cells are white and plumpish in appearance, but loose their shape and colour as they are pushed forward and flattened by newer cells being produced.

Damage to any area of the matrix can result in possible permanat damage to the nails.

Lunula - (moons)

The Lunula is the front end of the matrix (root of nail). The collection of the cells are visible, because they have not yet been flattened.

Many call this area the “moons”. The lunula is not always visible, those of you who have visible moons on all 10 nails are lucky (nice appearance).. Most of you may notice that they are only really visible on the thumb nails.

Proximinal Nail Fold

Because the Matrix is so delicate it needs to be protected. The skin on our fingers does not just stop before the nail starts. It takes a 180 degree turn and double backs to form a cushioning over the matrix to protect it. This part of the nail unit is called the Proximinal Nail Fold.

Lateral Nail Folds

The Lateral Nail Folds are very similar to the Proximinal Nail Fold, but it runs down both sides of the nail.

Eponychium

The Eponychium acts like a protective seal. It runs along the end of the Proximinal Nail Fold. This protective band seals and protects anything from the out side environment entering the delicate area of the matrix.

This area is often WRONGLY described as the cuticle. It is not the cuticle, we will explain the TRUE CUTICLE in the next section.

THROUGHOUT OUR INSTRUCTIONS WE WILL TELL YOU TO "PUSH BACK THE CUTICLES". Because the term CUTICLES is so widely used to describe the Eponychium we have decided to use the term CUTICLE to refer to the Eponychium.

Confused???? Just take your time to re read the above.

When this area is broken or damaged infection can enter. Always gently push back this area.

True Cuticle

So what is the TRUE Cuticle?

As the nail grows it sloughs of the skin from the underside of the Proximinal Nail Fold. This skin rides on the nail plate. This is the True Cuticle.

When preparing your nails, you will have to push back the Eponychium. When you push back you will see the True Cuticle. This dead skin that rides on your nail needs to be removed. It is easily removed with a Plastic Pusher or Dual Tool.

Those of you who have not had the time to care for their nails will notice that their True Cuticle is visible and quite stuborn.

Perionychium

This area is similar to the Eponychium. The Perionychium runs down the side of the nails to seal the area. There is also a build up of dead skin down the sides. Removal of any dead skin cells prior to extensions is essential. Just gently scrape the area with your Plastic Pusher or Dual Tool.

Hyponychium

Again, a protective seal. This time the seal runs along the area where the nail leaves the Nail Bed. It is very important not to poke around this area. If the seal is broken infection can occur under the nail bed.

The Nail Bed

This area of the nail unit is where the nail is attached to the underlying skin. The skin beneath the nail is pinkish in appearance. The transparent nail is attached to the skin.

Free Edge OR Distall Edge

This is the area of the nail that leaves the nail bed. The nails have a milky transluscent appearance. This is the part of the nail that people like to grow. This is the area you wish to extend with nail tips.