Classification of Adult Women's Fingernail Type

This study improves the dimensional suitability of nail tip products by reviewing the type of fingernail as seen among adult women in Korea. Subjects were 147 adult women ranging from age 20 to 40. Direct fingernails measurements were made using digital Vernier calipers and a curvature gauge. Data on various fingernail shapes were collected through indirect measurements using photography to reveal the shape characteristics of each fingernail types. In this sense, data were analyzed by statistical methods with the use of factor analysis. There were various factors considered to classify extracted fingernail types such as five factors (for the thumb), four factors (index, middle, and little fingers), and three factors (for the ring finger). The cluster analysis resulted in three types. Type 1 is a 'Square' shape characterized with wide fingernails, low height, flat, and low curvature of the cuticle line. Type 2 is 'U-round' shape characterized with narrow fingernails, high height, convex, and the highest curvature of the cuticle line. Type 3 is a 'Round' shape in which the fingernails are wide, high in height, convex, and characterized with a medium curvature of the cuticle line. The results are useful for companies that develop the free edge shape of fingernails for consumer products. The measured values of fingernail can be applied to the shape and lake setting of the nail tip product, depending on type of fingernail.

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