Repairing Ridges: Fixing Lines On Your Fingernails

Ridges in your fingernails can be a sign of ageing or a health condition, nutrient or vitamin deficiency. Vertical ridges are often a sign of ageing, while horizontal ridges, known as Beau's lines, can indicate issues like malnutrition, serious nail injury, or an underlying illness. While there is no guaranteed way to prevent nail ridges, treating the underlying cause can help you grow smoother nails.

Manage underlying health conditions like diabetes or nutrient deficiencies

Ridges in your nails can be a sign of underlying health conditions, such as diabetes or nutrient deficiencies. If you notice persistent or concerning nail ridges, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for personalised advice and an accurate diagnosis. Here are some general strategies to address and manage these underlying conditions:

Managing Diabetes

Diabetes can affect nail health in several ways, and effectively managing blood sugar levels is crucial to maintaining nail health. Here are some tips to manage diabetes and improve nail health:

• Monitor Blood Sugar Levels: Work closely with your healthcare team to keep your blood sugar levels within a healthy range. This may involve medication, insulin management, and lifestyle changes.
• Nail Care: Pay attention to your nail health and any changes, such as redness around the nails, thickening, discolouration, or changes in shape. Regularly trim and care for your nails to spot any early signs of diabetes-related nail issues.
• Foot Care: Diabetes can increase the risk of foot complications, so daily foot checks are essential. Prioritise wearing well-fitting, closed-toe shoes and breathable socks, such as diabetic socks, to keep your feet safe and comfortable. Avoid walking barefoot to prevent injuries and infections.
• Healthy Habits: Engage in regular exercise, eat a balanced diet, and maintain a healthy weight. These habits can help manage blood sugar levels and improve overall health, which will positively impact your nail health.
• Medical Care: Consult your doctor or a podiatrist for professional advice and treatment options. They may recommend specific foot care routines or prescribe medications to address any nerve pain or other diabetes-related complications.

Addressing Nutrient Deficiencies

Nutrient deficiencies, particularly those involving iron, vitamin B12, and magnesium, can contribute to weak, brittle, or discoloured nails. Here are some strategies to address these deficiencies:

• Dietary Adjustments: Ensure you are consuming a balanced diet rich in whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Include iron-rich foods and those containing vitamin C, which aids in iron absorption.
• Supplements: Consider taking supplements, such as multivitamins, biotin, or specific nutrient supplements, after consulting with your healthcare provider. They can guide you on which supplements are most appropriate for your needs.
• Lotions and Gloves: Apply lotions or creams that contain alpha hydroxy acids or lanolin to help strengthen and protect your nails. When doing household chores or working with chemicals, wear gloves to protect your nails from further damage.
• Medical Advice: Consult a dermatologist or your healthcare provider for personalised advice. They can help identify specific nutrient deficiencies and recommend appropriate dietary changes or supplements to improve your nail health.

Apply nail ridge filler and nail polish to hide the ridges

If you want to hide the ridges on your nails, you can use a nail ridge filler. This product fills in the gaps in your nails, creating a smooth canvas for your nail polish.

First, apply one thin coat of the ridge filler to your bare nails. You can wear the ridge filler alone for a natural, matte look, or you can follow it with one or two coats of nail polish. If you want to use nail polish, allow the ridge filler to dry first.

You can also use a ridge filler as a base coat for your nail polish. This will help your nail polish last longer and create a smooth base for your manicure. If you're using a ridge filler as a base coat, make sure to cure it for 60 seconds under an LED nail lamp or for two minutes if you're using a UV lamp.

It's important to note that not all ridge fillers are created equal. Some may contain ingredients like formaldehyde or formalin, which can be damaging to the nail over time. When choosing a ridge filler, be sure to read the ingredient list and choose a product that is safe and effective.

Additionally, if you prefer to get manicures at a salon, you can ask your manicurist to incorporate a ridge filler into your service. Some salons may include this as a standard part of their manicures.

Moisturise your nails and cuticles daily

Ridges in your nails can be a sign of ageing, a health condition, or a nutrient deficiency. If you're experiencing lines in your fingernails, it's important to determine the underlying cause. If you're unsure, consult a healthcare professional.

Once you've addressed any underlying causes, you can improve the appearance of your nails by moisturising your nails and cuticles daily. This is because the cuticles act as a barrier, preventing bacteria from entering the nail matrix, which is the base of your nails where new nail cells form. By keeping your cuticles moisturised, you can improve the strength and flexibility of your nails, preventing issues like hangnails.

To establish a daily moisturising routine, first, select the right moisturiser for your cuticles. You can use a cuticle oil, a cuticle serum, or a moisturiser designed for the hands and nails. Look for ingredients like jojoba oil, vitamin E, avocado oil, and cactus flower extract, which are known to provide deep hydration and promote nail health.

Next, consider when and how often to apply your moisturiser. The frequency of moisturisation depends on factors like skin type, daily activities, and environmental conditions. For example, during colder months or in drier climates, your cuticles may require more attention to prevent dryness and cracking. Washing your hands frequently can also strip the skin and cuticles of natural oils, so be sure to moisturise after washing your hands to keep your cuticles hydrated throughout the day.

Finally, pay attention to how your cuticles respond to your moisturisation routine. If you notice dryness, cracking, or irritation, you may need to moisturise more frequently or try a different product.

Smooth nails with a nail buffer

Buffing your nails is a great way to smoothen and add shine to your nails. It is a simple process that can be done at home with a few tools and can be a part of your manicure routine.

Firstly, it is important to ensure your nails are clean, dry, and free of any old nail polish. Dip a cotton swab in nail polish remover and rub each nail until all the polish is removed. You may need to go over each nail again with a clean cotton swab to remove any traces of polish.

Next, trim your nails to your desired length and file them into your desired shape. You can file them into a round or square shape, or any other shape that suits you.

Now, you can begin the buffing process. Hold the buffer parallel to your nail and place the large grit side of the buffer on your nail. Using gentle, unidirectional strokes, buff your nail in an X shape. Remember to use only six to eight strokes to buff each nail as over-buffing can damage your nails. Repeat this process for each nail.

Once you have buffed all your nails, use the finer grit side of the buffer to polish your nails. Similar to the buffing process, use light, unidirectional strokes to polish each nail in an X shape to smooth it.

Finally, use the smooth side of the buffer to shine your nails. Place the smooth side on your nail and, using light pressure, move the buffer in tiny circular motions over the entire surface of your nail until you achieve a glossy look.

Buffing your nails is a great way to improve blood circulation under the nail bed, boosting nail growth and shine. However, it is important to remember to not overdo it and only buff your nails once a month as doing it too often can cause damage and make your nails brittle.

Avoid manicures, artificial nails, and harsh nail products

Ridges in your nails may be a sign of a health condition or nutrient deficiency. They can also be caused by manicures, artificial nails, and harsh nail products. Beau's lines, for example, can be caused by damage to your nail matrix, such as dropping something heavy on your finger or toe, or by chronic conditions that interfere with blood flow to your nail matrix.

If you're concerned about lines in your fingernails, it's best to avoid manicures, artificial nails, and harsh nail products. Manicures that include cuticle trimming can be especially problematic, as cuticles protect your nails and the surrounding skin from infection. Additionally, gel manicures require UV light to harden, and constant exposure to UV lamps can weaken the keratin in your nails, leading to brittleness, a rough surface, and even breakage.

Artificial nails can also cause nail damage, with gel and acrylic nails causing nail brittleness, peeling, and cracking. While gel nails are more flexible than acrylic nails and therefore less likely to cause your nails to crack, they still require UV light to harden. If you choose to get artificial nails, opt for soak-off gel nails instead of acrylic nails, and choose a salon that uses an LED curing light, which emits lower levels of UV radiation than a UV curing light.

By forgoing manicures and artificial nails, you can avoid exposure to harsh chemicals commonly found in nail products, such as DBP, toluene, and formaldehyde, which have been linked to asthma, birth defects, and even cancer. Taking a break from manicures will also allow your nails to rehydrate and repair, and it will eliminate your exposure to unwanted germs and the risk of fungal infections, which are common in nail salons that do not follow proper disinfection protocols.

Frequently asked questions