What is a common characteristic of hypopigmentation in nails?

Hypopigmentation in nails is characterized by lighter-colored patches or areas on the nail surface. This occurs when there is a decrease in melanin production, resulting in a lack of pigmentation that makes certain areas of the nail appear paler than the surrounding regions. The presence of these lighter spots can often indicate underlying health issues or trauma to the nail matrix.

In contrast, the other characteristics mentioned in the options relate to different nail conditions. Dark streaks through the nail are typically associated with hyperpigmentation or can indicate problems such as melanoma. Excessive brittleness points to issues such as dehydration or nutritional deficiencies affecting the nail's structural integrity, while ridges across the nail may indicate systemic health conditions or aging but are not related to color changes characteristic of hypopigmentation.