What Your Hair, Skin & Nails Say About Your Inner Health…
When it comes to understanding what’s really going on inside the body, our hair, skin, and nails often give us the first clues.
I’ve spent years diving deep into the art and science of physical examination (PE)—a skill that, surprisingly, many practitioners don’t feel confident using. But once you know how to observe and interpret these subtle signs, it becomes an invaluable tool—not just for clinical insight, but for creating genuine connection with your clients.
Why Physical Examination Became My Passion
My journey with PE started right after completing my naturopathy degree. I found myself tossed straight into the thick of it as a student clinic assistant, navigating the fast-paced, hands-on world of timetables, equipment, and supporting both students and supervisors.
That chaos soon turned into clarity when I began lecturing, especially in physical examination. I saw how students would pass the subject but not always feel ready to use it confidently in clinic. The same went for qualified practitioners—many were unsure about implementing PE in their own practice.
For me, PE quickly became a cornerstone. It helped me pick up red flags, guide treatment protocols, and—perhaps most powerfully—it became a bridge to deeper client rapport. I’ve seen time and again how people open up during an assessment, revealing crucial pieces of their health puzzle.
Eventually, I chose to focus entirely on this love—developing training to make PE more accessible and holistic for other practitioners.
Is PE an Art or a Science?
Both. And that’s what makes it so powerful.
The art lies in your intuition—the ability to choose the right examination, perform it with care, and truly observe your client. There’s a moment I call “secondary information,” where the client shares or reveals something deeply personal. It often happens during an abdominal exam, for example, and it’s always significant.
The science is grounded in anatomy and physiology. Knowing how the body should function allows us to spot when something’s off. Many PE techniques are rooted in Western medicine, but we blend them with holistic perspectives to form a richer, more complete picture.
What Can We Uncover Through PE?
Honestly—so much.
From early-stage neurological signs to thyroid nodules and gut irregularities, PE helps us identify issues that might otherwise go unnoticed. While we don’t diagnose in the conventional sense, we do guide our clients to the right support at the right time.
I still remember a particularly heartbreaking case of a woman with persistent lesions misdiagnosed as a fungal infection. With strong advocacy and a referral, she was finally diagnosed with a rare form of labial cancer. It wasn’t a fairy-tale ending, but she finally felt heard. That’s why we keep pushing for our people.
How Did COVID Change PE?
The shift to online consulting was huge—but not necessarily limiting.
Even virtually, we can assess a lot: nails, tongue, skin tone, waist-to-hip ratio, and more. It also opens the door to empowering clients through self-assessment tools—BP monitors, glucose tracking, temperature checks. Education is key, and clients love being part of their own healing journey.
Of course, some things still require in-person follow-up. That’s where a trusted referral network is essential.
The Hidden Language of Hair, Skin & Nails
These are what I call “secondary organs.” The body prioritizes vital organs first—heart, lungs, liver. So if your hair, skin, or nails are struggling, it could mean something deeper is going on.
Let’s break it down:
Hair
We all want that lush, Insta-perfect hair—but what’s going on beneath the surface?
Premature greying: Think B12, protein, or biotin deficiency.
Hair loss: Could point to low iron, essential fatty acids, selenium, thyroid issues, or stress.
Sparse growth or dull texture: Often linked to poor protein or EFA intake.
These signs offer real insight—and need proper assessment by a qualified practitioner.
Skin
The skin is our largest organ and a mirror for internal health.
Yellowish tone: Might signal liver congestion or jaundice.
Pale skin: Could indicate anaemia or low vitality.
Darker tones or ashy appearance: May suggest kidney stress or detox overload.
White or milky tones: Often tied to lymphatic congestion.
We never diagnose on skin alone—it’s one piece of the bigger picture.
Nails
Nails are fascinating! Their colour, shape, and texture tell us so much.
Blue tint: Signals low oxygenation.
White spots: Often zinc deficiency.
Pale nails: Possible anaemia.
Yellowing: May point to lymphatic stagnation.
Red or dark streaks: Think circulatory stress.
Even “moons” on the nails are a traditional naturopathic marker of vitality. The more prominent they are, the more vitality you may have constitutionally.
Want to Learn More?
If you're a practitioner wanting to deepen your PE skills, check out my training via katiebarron.com.au. It’s loaded with tools to make PE both effective and intuitive.
If you're looking for naturopathic care, you can learn more or book a session with me here: healthbank.io/p/katie-barron
And if you’re just curious about what your face might be telling you—grab my fun Facial Analysis Cheatsheet here: Download
Let’s keep tuning in to the clues our bodies give us—they’re speaking all the time. You just have to know how to listen.