The horn-like envelopes covering the tips of our fingers and toes are called nails. They are highly specialised epidermal appendages. Finger- and toenails are made out of a tough fibrous protein, the alphakeratine. The nail consists of the nail plate, the nail matrix and the nail bed below it, and the grooves surrounding it.1
Apart from the aesthetical aspect, a healthy fingernail has the function of protecting the fingertip and the surrounding skin from injuries and preventing the skin at the end of fingers and toes from rolling backwards over the distal phalanx. The nail helps to improve sensitivity and the grip of the fingers and also enables the precise manipulation of small objects through counter-pressure exerted on the pulp of the distal digits (e.g. pulling out a splinter in one’s finger), as well as certain cutting or scraping actions.1,3
The market for nail products is big and constantly growing. Specialised analysts predict that by the end of 2019, it will have a value of nine billion USD. The Americas, especially the US and Brazil are the main players, but are closely followed by Asia and Europe.2
Over 90% of young girls, from ages as young as 9 to 17 years old, use some kind of nail product. Thus, these are becoming the most popular cosmetic product among teenage girls. This trend proves that apart from the above mentioned functions, today the nail has become a fashionable, stylish accessory.2
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