Question: why do nails grow after we cut them

Jacquie Oliwa answered on 6 Jul 2017:

Hi there..
Nails are formed because of accumulated keratin which comes from the part below it called the matrix. As long the matrix is alive, the nails will continue growing even after being cut. They normally won’t stop growing till your death. They stop growing only in some cases of infections/trauma to the nail bed that leads to the destruction of the matrix.

Contrary to the popular belief ,the nails won’t grow after a person is dead. They appear to be growing because of the shrinkage of the underlying skin and the soft tissue surrounding the area.

I hope that answers your question?
Best wishes,
Jacquie