Those who have seen the film will undoubtedly recall that as Elphaba’s magical powers get stronger, she becomes more confident and self-assured. Early in the film, Elphaba’s lips are the same color green as her skin, and her nails are unremarkable.

By the end, her lips are more bold, and her nails have become a distinctive and attention-grabbing part of her overall look — something which is also true for Cynthia in her day-to-day life. 

And Cynthia admitted that she is the one who broached Elphaba’s nails with Wicked’s director Jon M. Chu, noting that not only is this a personal passion of hers, it also seemed to be a homage to the Wicked Witch in The Wizard Of Oz.

After looking at a photo of Margaret Hamilton, who played the witch, that is on display at the Academy Museum, Cynthia explained: “I looked closely, and she has a full set of long nails.”

This is what planted the idea of Elphaba’s nails getting darker and longer as her powers get stronger. But even more important than nails was hair.