Why do we have nails?

[Zingara]

During my usual explanation today, to a new nail enhancement client, of aftercare advice, I used my by now well worn and slightly jokey phrase of

"Treat them as jewels, not tools"

And she answered back

"Well, if they are jewels, not tools, why do we have nails in the first place?"

And you know, I couldn't in all honesty answer her! She of course, didn't mean her gleaming enhancements, she meant why did nature give mankind as a whole nails?

I can see why nature gave us most other limbs, extensions, body parts etc....invariably they are used in hand with one of our senses, or for example, in the case of body hair, it is also used, or has in past days, to regulate body temperature, but why nails, if not to have a 'tool' as part of our digits?

I'm guessing they may be some kind of throw back to claws, and by association, yes a tool, but I'd love to know other's thoughts? Its certainly a subject that's intrigued me today...and the first time I got that question from a client!

 

[Bagpuss]

Like hair, nails are a type of modified skin — and they're not just for beauty. Nails protect the sensitive tips of our fingers and toes. Human nails are not necessary for living, but they do provide support for the tips of the fingers and toes, protect them from injury, and aid in picking up small objects. Without them, we'd have a hard time scratching an itch or untying a knot. Nails can be an indicator of a person's general health, and illness often affects their growth.

Hows this for an explanation....:lol:....(found it on a website)

 

[smiler13334]

To help get the bogies right up the top of our noses lol

Seriously they are there to protect the ends of our fingers / bones
To aid manipulation like picking things up.
stop the flesh at the ends of the fingers from splaying out.
x

 

[adelekeegan1]

Like all other animals, we are designed to use nails for digging, rooting around etc.

Like a lot of my clients to be honest:green:

 

[CurlyQs]

It also serves as self defense and a place to collect DNA if attacked.....

 

[beautyseeker]

To scratch that itch?

 

[izzidoll]

I think Angie has hit the nail on the head....nails are protective plates for the fingers and toes!!

 

[oey]

Yes - go with the protection thing too. We have more nerve endings on our finger tips than most other parts of the body (apart from I believe lips and genital parts) so the nails are there to help protect what is underneath them.