What is a common characteristic of healthy nails?

Healthy nails typically exhibit a smooth surface, which is a key characteristic of their overall condition. When nails are healthy, they do not show ridges, grooves, or any form of discoloration. These imperfections can indicate issues such as nutritional deficiencies, trauma, or underlying health conditions.

While a shiny appearance can be a sign of healthy nails, it is not as definitive as the absence of ridges or discoloration. Nails may sometimes appear dull due to environmental factors, yet still be healthy. The thickness and rigidity of nails can vary from person to person and is not by itself an indicator of health; some people may naturally have thinner nails that are perfectly healthy. Therefore, the most reliable characteristic of healthy nails is their smoothness and lack of any visible imperfections.