In the fourth installment of our series on important characteristics of natural and artificial nails, we focus on nail sturdiness. We have already discussed strength, hardness, and flexibility. Although each of these properties plays an important role, toughness is a balanced combination of both strength and flexibility. This perfect blend creates nails that are durable, resilient, and resistant to damage in everyday situations. What we really want in our nails is toughness, ensuring that they are both strong enough to withstand pressure and flexible enough to bend without breaking.
What is nail toughness? Why do nails need toughness?
Toughness is defined as a material’s ability to absorb energy and deform without breaking, resulting in a balanced combination of strength and flexibility. Whether natural or artificial, nails need to be strong to protect your delicate fingertips and toes. The more balanced your nails are between strength and flexibility, the stronger your nails will be.
A great example of toughness is found in nylon fishing line. Nylon is about the same thickness as cotton thread, but its perfect balance of strength and flexibility makes it resistant to breakage. Similarly, the plastic rings used to secure soda cans are incredibly durable and can be stretched without breaking. The same principle applies to both healthy hair and nail plates. These are durable materials because they have a good balance of strength and flexibility.
Relationship between nail hardness and toughness
Nail toughness is closely related to hardness, which is also an important property that has already been investigated. Hardness refers to the nail’s resistance to surface damage such as scratches, while toughness ensures that the nail can bend and absorb shock without cracking or breaking. Nails that are too hard and lack flexibility will become brittle and break. On the other hand, nails that are too soft may not have the durability needed to withstand daily wear and tear.
The balance of these properties is important in both natural and artificial nails. If your nails are too hard or too soft, they will lose their toughness and become more susceptible to damage. Because of this, products and treatments must be tailored to ensure that your nails have enough strength and flexibility to stay strong.
Why toughness is important for both natural and artificial nails
The toughness of the nail plate is one of its most important properties, as it must withstand the stress of daily activities such as typing, gripping, and exposure to environmental factors. Without toughness, nails become brittle and prone to splitting and cracking. For artificial nails, it is essential that the coating provides sufficient toughness to prevent service failure, and flexibility helps prevent peeling and lifting.
Loss of nail toughness is often due to an imbalance between strength and flexibility. Too strong without being flexible enough can make your nails brittle, and being too flexible without being strong enough can weaken your nails. As a result, they are less durable and more susceptible to damage. Because of this delicate balance, nail care professionals must be careful with the treatments and products they use to ensure toughness is maintained.
Strengthen nail toughness for optimal health
The key to increasing nail toughness is maintaining the right balance of strength and flexibility. For natural nails, this means following a proper nail care routine, including moisturizing, protecting the nails from excessive water exposure, and avoiding harsh chemicals that can dry out and weaken the nail plate. means. When it comes to artificial nails, you need to choose the right system to withstand the stresses of everyday life, such as one with a balance of flexibility and strength.
In conclusion, toughness is an important property of the nail, combining both strength and flexibility to create a durable and resilient nail plate. Understanding and strengthening toughness can ensure that your nails, whether natural or artificial, are ready to handle the demands of everyday use.
Let’s take a closer look at the important characteristics of nails in this seven-part series.
- nail strength – Learn how nail strength affects nail performance and resistance to damage.
- hardness of nails – Learn how nail hardness contributes to nail health and the balance needed to prevent brittleness.
- nail flexibility – Understand the importance of flexibility in preventing nail breakage and maintaining elasticity.
- brittleness of nails – Understand the causes of brittle nails and how to prevent them.
- Nail solvent resistance – Find out how your nails can withstand damage from chemicals and solvents.
- nail wear – Learn about the factors that affect how your nails withstand daily use and environmental exposure.
By focusing on toughness, and the critical balance between hardness and flexibility in nails, we gain greater insight into maintaining the durability and health of both natural and artificial nails.
