What are fingernails made of?

Answer by  DRS (621)

Keratins are essential structural proteins that maintain the structure of every cell in your body. Different kinds of keratins perform different functions. The keratin in your nails is produced from cells that join together and harden, whereas the keratin in your skin maintains an impermeable barrier with the outside world.

Answer by  popper (107)

Fingernails are composed of a substance called keratin which is a thick protein. Skin has several layers of tissue which is part water, part protein and part lipids and minerals.

Answer by  Valentine62 (2131)

Keratin is a protein that makes up the fingernails and toenails; also makes up animal hooves and horns. Nails are an attachment of the skin, along with hair and teeth.

Answer by  JoJackson (177)

Your friend is right. fingernails are made of the same substance as hair and the top layers of skin. The substance is called keratin.