Nails Grow After Death

Because of novels and other forms of media that disseminate this belief, many people believe that their hair and nails can keep growing even after they pass away. It's still a widely held misconception about the human body today. Where does this idea originate from, though, if it's not true?

Unbelievably, it actually has its roots in the study of actual biological processes. When someone passes from this mortal coil, their skin can be retrieved for skin grafts up to 12 hours later, but their organs must be harvested within 30 minutes (if the deceased happens to be an organ donor). After that time, the skin dries down, retracts, and gives the appearance that the fingernails have grown longer.

The skin of a deceased person's chin retracts in a similar manner, giving the appearance that the person's stubble has grown since they passed away. In actuality, the body ceases generating glucose after death, which prevents hair and nail growth.