Nails are a fascinating topic of conversation as they often reveal so much about who we are and how we express ourselves. Whether it’s long manicured acrylics, fun chipping polish, or a carefully buffed and trimmed natural look, nails can sometimes tell us more about the person sporting them than we realize. Not only do nails offer us creative outlets for self-expression, they also alert us to various health issues. Different nail abnormalities, such as color changes and ridging, can sometimes indicate a deficiency in certain vitamins, mineral and proteins, or a sign of underlying medical conditions that may need further investigation. Nails are also a source of strength. Formed by layers of keratin, the same substance found in hair, nails grow more than four times faster than the skin and are designed especially to protect us. That’s why we often find ourselves tapping, scratching, and employing our nails to pick and pry objects open for further inspection. Overall, nails are fascinating indicators about who we are and the mysterious journey that we’re on.