Natural fiber Keratin is a structural protein located at the hard surfaces in many vertebrates. Keratin has two forms, α-keratin and β-keratin and are used by different classes of animals. The naming convention for proteins follows that for keratin, alpha keratin is helical and beta keratin is sheet like. Alpha keratin is found in mammalian hair, skin, nails, horn and quills, while beta keratin can be found in avian and reptilian species in scales, feathers, and beaks. The two different structures of keratin have dissimilar mechanical properties, as seen in their dissimilar applications. The relative alignment of the keratin fibrils has a
Artificial nails overlay acts as a false layer of nail, protecting the nail plate from splitting or becoming damaged. Typically, these methods require the assistance of a trained professional. Cheaper, less rigid tips that can be quickly glued at home are an option to those unwilling to enlist one. Another inexpensive option are stick-on nails, the durability of which ranges from one day to two weeks. Historically, artificial nails were common symbols of status all across the world: "The earliest experiments and resultant artificial nails used a monomer and polymer mix applied to the nail and extended over a supporting form. This