- By Aditi Priya Singh
- Sun, 07 Sep 2025 05:39 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Why Cutting Nails Doesn't Hurt : Our body is made up of many unique parts, each serving a special purpose to help us move, work, and protect ourselves. While some parts are hard and serve as barriers against normal wear and tear, others are soft and delicate. It's interesting to note that there are body parts that we can slightly remove, shape, or trim without experiencing any discomfort. Ever wonder why some parts, like our hair and nails, don't hurt when cut, but even minor skin injuries can hurt a lot?
The answer lies in the way our body is designed, especially how nerves and blood vessels are distributed. Certain tissues are directly linked to pain-sensing regions, while others are dense with nerve endings. We can easily take care of our bodies without injuring ourselves thanks to their natural design. In this piece, we will explore the science underlying this fascinating phenomenon that we frequently take for granted and explain why it occurs.
Why Cutting Nail Does Not Hurt?
Why cutting nails doesn't pain (Image: Canva)
The outer portion of our nails and hair are made up of Keratin, which is a dead protein. It does not have any nerves or blood vessels.Only the part underneath, called the nail bed, has nerve endings.
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What Happens If We Cut Our Nail Too Deep?
Trimming too close to the skin causes pain. Numerous nerve endings can be found in the nail bed and surrounding skin. Bleeding and discomfort can result from cutting too deeply.
How Do The Nails Grow?
They grow from a root under the skin called the matrix. New cells push the old ones forward, forming a hard surface. Fingernails grow faster than toenails due to better blood supply.
Five Interesting Facts About Nails
1. Made of Keratin – Nails are made from a strong protein called keratin, the same protein found in hair and skin.
2. Fingernails Grow Faster Than Toenails– Fingernails grow about 3 mm per month, while toenails grow only around 1 mm per month.
3. Health Indicator – Nails can reveal health issues. Discoloration, ridges, or unusual thickness may signal underlying health problems.
4. Non-Living at the Tip – The visible part of your nail is made of dead cells, which is why cutting it does not hurt.
5. Stronger Than Bones (in Layers) – Nails are tough and flexible, made of several layers of keratin that protect your fingertips.
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The reason we don’t feel pain when we cut our nails is because the part we trim is already dead tissue without nerves. As long as we avoid cutting too deep and injuring the nail bed, the process is completely painless. This natural design helps us maintain hygiene, comfort, and appearance without harm.
