0 DO HAIR AND NAILS CONTINUE TO GROW AFTER DEATH?

(Image: American Exhibitions)

Phot credit: Tom Scott

The belief that even after death a person's hair and fingernails could continue growing has been around since the 17th Century at least, when a number of dead Cavaliers (supporters of Charles II during the civil war) were dug up and found to have longer locks than when they were first buried. To the casual observer, it would seem true. However, neither hair nor nails keep growing once the human or animal has died. It is an optical illusion. What actually happens is after the body dies, it loses water and moisture and dehydrates, making the skin shrink around the skull and skeleton. As this happens, more hair and nails are exposed and make it appear as though they are still growing. Funeral workers will moisturize the body with creams to compensate for this dehydration. 

So, let's hope the only thing growing after your death are those flowers that friends and families hopefully put around your grave if they were (hopefully), fond of you!


Resource(s):
newscientist.com,
independent.co.uk/