BRUSH UP ON YOUR BIOLOGY

Decode the jargon you need to really know your nails

EPONYCHIUM

The scientific term for your cuticle – the skin around the nail.

PARONYCHIUM

The fold of skin around the side of the nail, which protects it from infection.

HYPONYCHIUM

The thick skin under the free edge of the nail that protects the nail bed from infection.

LUNULA

The white crescent shape at the base of the nail. This is actually the visible part of the matrix, which produces the nail plate.