Surgical procedures around the nail date back to approximately 625 AC. Despite this, there is little public knowledge on maintaining nail health. In order to broaden our understanding of nails, we have included research on other species with nails, such as horse hoofs, and other animals claws. All of these grow at similar rates to human nails and can incur damage such as ingrown nails. Nails are hard, this is why they are able to pierce the skin if there is an ingrown nail. The way in which our nails grow and adhere to our nail bed is unique, this is what created out nail shape. In addition to this, we all have a curvature to our nails. Onychocryptosis or ingrown nails usually occur in the big toe. The big toenail is flatter than the rest of our nails, although there is still a curvature to the sides of the nail. When trimming this nail it is important to pay close attention. Improper trimming can disrupt the curvature of the nail. Combine this with the daily stress of tight closed toed shoes, and it created the ideal environment for an ingrown nail. Those who regularly go into nail salons for pedicures should pay close attention to the tools the nail technician uses as well as how they are cutting the big toenail to prevent onychocryptosis.