The pearly colored and crescent shaped is due to the cells being pushed closely together

The overlapping epidermis around the nail. It is the transparent skin that is removed during the manicuring process

The part of the nail that can be filed and shaped

The living reproducing part of the nail. New cells form here and continually push towards to produce the nail plate. It also contains blood vessels and nerves. Blood supply provides the cells with nourishment

The part of the nail where the nail plate rests on, also a continuation of the matrix. It is abundantly supplied with blood vessels and nerves.

The folds of skin that overlap the sides of the nail. They hold your nail in place and protect the nail plate edges.

The visible nail that rests on the nail bed up to the free edge. This is made up from dead cells and it is semi-transparent – allowing the color of blood supply of the dermis to show.

This is common among people with long, perfect nail beds. It may be styled slightly rounded at the base and slightly pointed at the fingertips.

Gives the nail tip strength over the oval shape plus square shape.

It is created by allowing the nail to grow out straight and then filing the tip straight across at right angles with the rest of the nail plate.

This is a strong shape which is great for those who keep their nails short.

Filed away at the sides to a point at the tip; this shape is very weak as the sides of the nail (which provide the strength) are totally lost