dominant: strong; used most often
keratin: a fibrous protein found in hair, nails, and the outer layer of skin
puberty: the growth period during which a child’s body reaches sexual maturity
nail-biting: causing anxiety or nervousness
root: base; starting point
hangnail: a flap of torn skin at the nail root
Fingernails Grow Faster Than Toenails
Are you trying to grow your nails? Nails may refer to fingernails or toenails. Fortunately, fingernails grow three to four times faster than toenails. Unfortunately, toenails are much thicker than fingernails. Fingernails can break, split, or bend quite easily. Did you know that the nails on your dominant hand grow more quickly? This is handy, since these nails are more likely to wear down from use. Nails are made of keratin, a protein that is also found in hair and skin. Long, strong nails in children are a sign of good health. Fingernail growth slows down after puberty. This can be a nail-biting time for teens. People who bite their nails often get hangnails. Hangnails are not really nails. A hangnail is a flap of torn skin at the root of the nail. Hangnails on toes are usually caused by dry skin.
