Do you have fingernails with ridges? While there could be different reasons as to why they appear, it typically is a common occurrence for lots of people.
According to Medicinenet.com, it can sometimes indicate an underlying health problem. If you rule out any medical reasons for having fingernails with ridges, cosmetically, you might want to fix this! This easy guide will teach you more about this phenomenon, and how to fix fingernails with ridges.
Causes of Fingernails With Ridges
If you have noticed Vertical Nail Ridges while examining your fingernails, here is why it typically occurs:
Non-Medical Reason:
Not surprisingly, fingernails with ridges are just something that happens with time.
Just as we get wrinkles on our skin as we age, vertical nail ridges appear when the nail gets more brittle over time.
The Mayo Clinic states, “Vertical nail ridges extend from the cuticle to the tip of the nail. With age, vertical nail ridges may become more numerous or prominent because of changes in cell turnover within the nail.”
Medical Reasons For Fingernails with Ridges:
Vertical Ridges on Nails can signal a Vitamin Deficiency. Here are some of the reason:
However, severe and raised ridges can be a sign of iron deficiency anemia. Nutritional deficiencies, such as a lack of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin B12 or keratin can result in fingernail ridges. Hormonal changes can also cause ridges to appear.
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How To Get Rid Of Ridges On Fingernails
Many times, it is very beneficial to start from the inside out when dealing with fixing problems with your hair, skin, or nails. Since vertical nail ridges can be from a vitamin deficiency as mentioned above, here are some great supplements to add to your diet to add more nourishment to your nails!
- Vitamins – I personally take a beef liver supplement capsule and believe it helps me look my best! This is rich in many many nutrients that are needed to help hair skin and nails. Capsules contain all B vitamins, including zinc, and copper – plus much more! People use to regularly eat liver, and now it isn’t something most people can stomach. I won’t eat it either – taking it in capsule form is way easier. I usually take just one capsule daily of this Perfect Liver Supplement brand. Here are other options too, although I can’t vouch for them since I haven’t tried them.
- Collagen – I also add half a scoop of collagen to my coffee mostly every day to make my nails stronger. I definitely notice that my nails are less brittle and prone to splitting/peeling.
How To Physically Fix Dents on Fingernails
Here is how to smooth out those fingernails with ridges – the quick way!
Step 1.
Buff the affected nails with a buffer. The next time you are at Ulta or the store, pick up a rectangle nail buffer to smooth your nails. I like these the best since they are not as rough. You don’t want to overdo it and damage your nails!
Step 2.
Use a strengthening and perfecting nail base. You might also need to use a recovery kit to really strengthen brittle nails.
Step 3.
Add a GEL POLISH to fill in cracks and lines on nails. With regular polish, it tends to be very thin consistency. When you switch to gel polish, you’ll find it thicker and camouflages any imperfections on the nail.
This is my favorite gel polish – so easy to use at home and it dries fast. There are lots of nice colors too! Try this out, as you won’t be disappointed how smooth and shiny it makes the nails look. And it lasts a while as well!
Step 4.
Add a nail oil. Here are some of the best nail oils for stronger, hydrated nails:
Do you have dry cuticles? Read more about how to help this nail issue here:
Get Rid of Dry Cuticles for Good: The Complete Guide You’ll Want For Fall & Winter
What about horizontal ridges?
What does horizontal ridges mean on nails? These are typically called Beau’s Lines. “Beau’s lines are horizontal ridges or dents in one or more of your fingernails or toenails. They’re a sign that an illness, injury or skin condition interrupted your nail growth. Treating the underlying cause will allow new, smooth nails to grow again.” – Cleveland Clinic
I usually experience these when I get acrylic nails and take them off. I just give it time, and they grow out again!
Best, Mia
This content is for informational purposes only, and what has worked for me personally based on my own opinions. I am not a professional/medical doctor, and you should always consult your doctor or dermatologist on what will work best for you. The information presented here is not legitimate, official advice from a professional. If you choose to rely on any information from this blog, you do so at your own risk. Please refer to the “Blog Disclaimer” tab in the menu bar to read more information and the official disclaimer statement.
