Ridges can sneak through even the best polish, making nails look uneven and dull.
Whether they run vertically or horizontally, ridges on fingernails can mess with your nail game and leave you wondering what’s going on beneath the surface.
Sometimes they’re harmless, just a sign your nails are growing or aging – but other times, they’re your body’s way of sending up a flare.
This article is for anyone who’s ever stared down at their nails and thought, “Why do they look like this?”
If you’re tired of hiding your hands or switching to textured polish to mask uneven surfaces, you’re in the right place.
We’re diving into everything from the root causes to realistic ways to smooth things out – for good.
Whether you’re a beauty lover or a clean-girl aesthetic devotee, this guide on how to get rid of ridges on fingernails will give you the clarity (and care tips) you’ve been craving.
How to Get Rid of Ridges on Fingernails the Right Way
Let’s get one thing clear: ridges on nails aren’t automatically bad.
In fact, vertical ridges – running from the cuticle to the tip – are usually a totally normal sign of aging.
As we get older, cell turnover slows down and the nail matrix (the growth area under your cuticle) doesn’t produce keratin as evenly.
The result? Fine lines that feel bumpy to the touch.
Horizontal ridges, however, can be a different story.
Known as Beau’s lines, these can point to interruptions in nail growth caused by stress, illness, injury, or underlying health conditions like thyroid imbalance or severe zinc deficiency.
If these types of ridges show up suddenly, get them checked by a healthcare provider before trying to treat them at home.
Nourish from Within
Before you even reach for your buffer, start with your nutrition.
Your nails are made of keratin, a protein that depends on certain nutrients to form properly.
If your body is lacking in:
- Biotin (Vitamin B7)
- Iron
- Magnesium
- Zinc
- Omega-3 fatty acids
…your nails are going to show it.
A good-quality multivitamin can help, but getting these through whole foods is even better.
Think eggs, salmon, leafy greens, almonds, and lentils.
Bonus: your skin and hair will thank you too.
Ditch Dehydration
Dehydrated nails are more likely to develop ridges.
Just like your skin, your nails need moisture to stay smooth and healthy.
Regularly apply cuticle oil (I like jojoba or sweet almond oil) and a hand cream that locks in hydration without leaving you greasy.
Also, avoid overwashing your hands with harsh soaps or sanitizers.
If you’re in a job that demands it (nurses, hairstylists, chefs – you know who you are), wearing gloves and following up with moisturizer can make a world of difference.
Gentle Buffing – But Don’t Overdo It
A light buff can minimize the appearance of ridges, but be cautious.
Use a fine-grit nail buffer and gently go over the surface no more than once every 2-3 weeks.
The goal is to even out the surface slightly – not to grind down the nail plate.
Too much buffing can thin the nail and cause more problems than it solves.
Upgrade Your Nail Routine
When ridges show through polish, it’s often because the nail isn’t prepped correctly.
Here’s what I recommend to my clients before applying polish:
- Start with clean, dry nails.
- Use a ridge-filling base coat.
- Choose polishes that are free from drying ingredients like formaldehyde and toluene.
- Avoid using acetone every time you remove polish – it’s extremely drying.
Also, if you wear acrylics or gels often, give your nails a breather now and then.
Over time, the filing and chemicals can damage the matrix and lead to – you guessed it – ridges.
Try Nail Treatments with Peptides or Keratin
If your ridges are chronic, invest in a nail strengthener or serum with peptides, keratin, or hydrating oils.
These treatments can help replenish what’s missing from weak, aging, or damaged nails.
Look for ingredients like:
- Hydrolyzed keratin (supports nail structure)
- Collagen (plumps and smooths)
- Vitamin E (moisturizing and anti-inflammatory)
Apply these treatments consistently (think: 2-3 times a week) for visible improvement over time.
What Causes Nail Ridges to Suddenly Appear?
Sudden nail ridges – especially deep horizontal ones – can be linked to an internal issue, not just surface damage.
While not always serious, they’re worth paying attention to if they show up out of nowhere.
Here are some of the more common reasons they might appear:
- Recent Illness or Fever: Your body may have diverted resources away from nail growth while it healed, leading to Beau’s lines.
- Major Physical or Emotional Stress: Traumatic events or intense stress can disrupt nail growth, especially if cortisol levels spike.
- Thyroid or Hormonal Imbalances: Conditions like hypothyroidism can slow down nail matrix activity.
- Vitamin Deficiencies: If you’ve recently changed your diet (looking at you, ultra-low-carb folks), your nails might be trying to adjust.
- Chemotherapy or Certain Medications: These can interfere with cellular turnover, causing temporary ridges or even nail lifting.
If you’re not sure what’s causing them, it’s smart to consult a dermatologist or physician.
They may suggest blood tests or review your medications and lifestyle for clues.
Additional Questions People Ask About Sudden Nail Ridges:
- Can ridges in nails be reversed?
In many cases, yes. Vertical ridges from aging may always be somewhat visible, but hydration and nutrition can reduce their appearance. Horizontal ridges caused by illness or stress will grow out with time, especially once the underlying issue is resolved. - How long do nail ridges take to go away?
Since fingernails grow about 1/8 inch per month, it could take 4-6 months for ridges to fully grow out and be clipped away. Consistency is key. - Are nail ridges related to anemia?
Yes, iron-deficiency anemia is a known cause of brittle or ridged nails. If you have symptoms like fatigue or cold hands and feet, get your iron levels checked.
Do Nail Products Help with Fingernail Texture?
Absolutely – if you choose wisely.
Not all nail products are created equal.
A ridge-filling base coat is a great short-term fix, but for long-term care, look for formulas designed for repair rather than just coverage.
Some popular options include:
- Nail strengtheners with protein or calcium
- Hydrating nail serums with hyaluronic acid
- Overnight nail masks with coconut oil or castor oil
Avoid products with too many harsh solvents or synthetic fragrance, especially if your nails are already damaged.
These ingredients can worsen brittleness and lead to peeling – which will only make ridges look more obvious.
Other Common Questions About Nail Products and Ridges:
- Will using gel polish worsen nail ridges?
It can if applied improperly or if your nails aren’t healthy to begin with. Always hydrate between gel sets and avoid over-filing during removal. - Is buffing better than using a ridge filler?
Not necessarily. Buffing is more of a physical quick fix, while ridge fillers work cosmetically. Ideally, combine both occasionally for best results. - Can cuticle oil help with nail ridges?
Yes! A healthy cuticle equals a healthy matrix. When your matrix is in good shape, it produces smoother keratin – and that means smoother nails.
So if you’re dealing with fingernail ridges, remember this: they’re more common than you think, and they don’t have to stick around forever.
With the right mix of gentle care, internal support, and targeted products, you can get back to that smooth, polished look you love – no filters required.
And the best part? Most fixes for ridges on fingernails also boost your overall nail health, making every manicure look just a little bit better.
