Why do we have fingernails?
We have fingernails because they serve a number of helpful functions. For example, nails help us grab, scratch, dig, and climb, plus they protect the fingertip from injury. We might not often take full advantage of these
capabilities, but our ancestors likely relied on them for survival.

What is the nail plate made of?
The nail plate is made of translucent keratin, a type of protein that offers
support and protection for the skin and nails. The health of your fingernails, toenails, hair, and skin depend on the production of keratin.

What is Keratin?
Keratin is a type of protein that’s found in epithelial cells on the surface of the skin. Different types of keratin are responsible for the growth and structure of the fingernails, hair, and skin. Keratin is an intermediate filament-forming protein that provides support and a barrier of protection.

The health of the fingernails, hair, and skin relies on the amount of keratin present in the body at any given time. In the animal kingdom, keratin is found in hooves, wool, and feathers, and it can be extracted and used for supplements, treatments, and other products to help with hair, skin, and nail health.