You notice that your nails are not smooth, that they are distorted by vertical or horizontal lines. No need to beat around the bush, your nails are ridged. Sure, it’s a bit unpleasant, even annoying when you want perfectly neat nails, but it’s a very common problem with multiple causes. Rest assured, there are solutions to fix it and regain beautiful, radiant nails.
Decoding ridged nails
Vertical or horizontal, there are two types of ridges, each with very different origins.
Longitudinal or vertical ridges
These are vertical ridges running from the cuticles to the tips of the nails. They are also called "nail wrinkles" because they often appear with age and, in women, with menopause. They indicate that the body produces less keratin, the fibrous protein that makes up most of the nail.
These longitudinal ridges can also be linked to nutritional deficiencies in vitamins and minerals. Another possible cause of parallel lines: minor trauma caused by aggressive manicures on the nail matrix (applying fake nails, filing, using acetone-based remover) or intensive exposure to cleaning products or water.
Transverse or horizontal ridges
These horizontal ridges cross the nail plate widthwise, forming grooves and bumps on the nail surface. Transverse ridges can affect both fingernails and toenails. They indicate abnormal nail growth due to stress or emotional shock.
Ridges on nails are nothing to worry about, the solution is within reach!
Why do nails become ridged?
Ridges on the nails correspond to irregularities in nail growth that become visible on the surface of the nail. In most cases, there is no need to worry: ridges are common, harmless, and can appear at any age, especially vertical ridges. However, they signal an imbalance, a weakening of the nail, which should be taken into account to act accordingly.
Natural aging of the nail
Like skin or hair, nails change with age. Keratin production slows down and nail growth is disrupted. Vertical ridges can then become more pronounced on certain fingers and are accompanied by a dull, dry appearance. Hence their nickname “nail wrinkles.”
Dehydration and dry nails
Dehydration plays a major role in the appearance of ridges. Repeated hand washing, cold, hot water, or certain harsh removers can destroy the natural oils of the nail that serve as a protective barrier. The result: the nail loses flexibility and becomes fragile. The balance within the matrix is disturbed, and ridges form on the surface.
Possible deficiencies
Certain nutritional deficiencies can explain the appearance of deeper or persistent ridges. An insufficient intake of minerals such as iron, zinc, or silicon, B8 vitamins (or biotin), or proteins can slow down keratin production.
When ridges on the nails are accompanied by other signs of weakness (very brittle, soft, or split nails), it is best to consult a healthcare professional and return to a balanced diet.
Chemical and mechanical aggressions
Ridged nails can also be linked to repeated actions that weaken the nail, both internally and externally. Frequent application of semi-permanent polish or gel nails with filing, acetone-containing removers, excessive filing, or the use of household products without gloves… all these aggressions can hinder keratinization and contribute to the appearance of ridges on the nails.
Stress, fatigue, or certain health episodes
Intense stress, prolonged fatigue, or certain periods of fragility can have a visible impact on nails. Indeed, in cases of emotional shock or major health issues, nail growth can slow down and the quality of keratin can deteriorate. The ridges are the visible sign of this.
However, if they persist or are accompanied by other unusual symptoms, medical advice is still recommended to rule out an underlying condition.
Now that you know how to identify the different types of ridges and their causes, let’s look at the best practices to treat and prevent ridged nails.
How to treat and prevent ridged nails?
Care routines to repair and smooth
We have designed 3 modular routines combining smoothing bases and strengthening treatments to restore smooth, deformation-free nails in 2 weeks. Basic, Starter, or Ultimate, it’s up to you to choose the nail care set that best suits your needs. To help you select the right routine, feel free to take a personalized online diagnosis.
1. The Basic routine, simple and effective
The goal here is to deeply nourish and hydrate the nail and its surrounding area to restore healthy and regular growth. For this, your best allies will be:
- Green Oil: a complex of 6 botanical oils including castor oil, sweet almond oil, and coconut oil.
- Active™ Smooth: a CC Polish effect treatment polish that acts as a smoothing base and strengthens the nail thanks to a formula enriched with castor fibers, hexanal, AHAs, and vitamin E. It is available in 4 shades (00 pink, 01 beige, 02 golden, 03 bronze) to suit all skin tones.
👉 How to do it?
- Apply Active™ Smooth on bare nails 3 times a week for 2 weeks, without removing the first layers.
- Additionally, apply 2 times a day a few drops of Green Oil by massaging it onto the nail and cuticles.
💡Good to know: at the end of your treatment, take a one-week break to let your nails regain their natural balance. Enjoy the benefits of this routine by renewing it every month.
2. The Starter routine, the intermediate approach
A targeted routine to repair, nourish, and smooth ridged nails. Here’s what you need to achieve it:
- Preparatory Lime: a magical tool that evens out the nail surface and opens the keratin scales for better absorption of the treatment.
- Green Oil
- Active™ Smooth
- S.O.S. Mask: a night mask that hydrates and stimulates cellular repair during sleep.
👉 How to do it?
- Prepare your nails using the preparatory Lime, by gently buffing the nail plate. Then apply Active™ Smooth on bare nails 3 times a week for 2 weeks, without removing the first layers.
- At the same time, apply a few drops of Green Oil twice a day by massaging it onto the nail and cuticles.
- After removing the layers of Active™ Smooth with a gentle remover, apply the S.O.S. Mask 3 nights a week, in a thick layer that you let air dry. Remove the next morning, by peeling off or with soapy water.
💡Good to know: this routine is perfectly suited for sensitive nails because the products used are made up to 99% of natural origin ingredients, posing no risk to nails and cuticles.
3. The Ultimate routine, in intensive mode
An intensive treatment day and night to reduce or even eliminate transverse lines and other imperfections that can deform the nail plate. For this, you will need:
- Preparatory Lime
- Green Oil
- Active™ Smooth
- S.O.S. Mask
- Perfecting concentrate: a nourishing and strengthening care pen, easy to carry for on-the-go regenerating care.
👉 How to do it?
- Prepare your nails using the preparatory Lime, lightly buffing the nail plate. Then apply Active™ Smooth on bare nails 3 times a week for 2 weeks, without removing the initial layers.
- At the same time, apply a few drops of Green Oil twice a day by massaging it onto the nail and cuticles. Follow with the complete Serum applied twice a day, also massaged onto the nail and its surrounding area.
- After removing the layers of Active™ Smooth with a gentle remover, apply the S.O.S. Mask 3 nights a week in a thick layer and let it air dry. Remove the next morning, either peel-off or with soapy water.
The right steps to prevent ridged nails
Extend the benefits of your care routine by adopting a few simple habits and actions that will help prevent the return of ridges, such as:
🍽️Maintain a balanced diet
As mentioned earlier, longitudinal ridges can be caused by nutritional deficiencies. It is therefore very important to have a balanced diet that provides the necessary intake of vitamin B, vitamin C, and prevents iron or zinc deficiencies. Make sure to consume enough fruits, vegetables, proteins, and nuts, and complement this diet with a Nail Boost supplement regimen. Enriched with natural active ingredients and vitamins (bilberry extract, brewer's yeast, minerals, vitamin A, vitamin B2, vitamin B9, vitamin C, biotin), these supplements strengthen the nail matrix from within and stimulate nail growth.
🛡️Protect your nails daily
Longitudinal ridges can be caused by repeated trauma to the nails related to overexposure to water or household detergents. Try as much as possible to protect your nails from daily aggressions, for example by wearing household gloves.
Also avoid overly aggressive manicure actions such as:
- Filing too often or too hard during nail preparation.
- Excessive filing during removal.
- Use of acetone removers.
💅Choose a gentle and long-lasting manicure
It is essential to have a manicure routine based on quality products with bio-sourced formulas such as those of Green™ polish and Green Flash™. To remove your polish, ditch acetone and the nail drill! Opt for gentle acetone-free removers like the gentle Green Flash™ remover. Finally, alternate semi-permanent polish applications with care treatments or an Active™ care polish application to restore strength and shine to your nails.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the causes of ridged nails and should you be concerned?
The appearance of ridges on the nail surface is caused by various factors. Ridged nails can be a sign of aging, nutritional deficiency, or significant stress. They can also be caused by overexposure to water or chemicals related to household chores. These lines can also appear due to too frequent semi-permanent applications and/or the use of aggressive products and practices on the nail matrix (sanding, acetone, etc.). Good to know: ridged nails are not a pathology, but if accompanied by pain, significant nail plate deformities, or yellowing of the nail, it is recommended to consult a doctor or dermatologist.
What care should be used to smooth ridged nails?
To smooth ridged nails, rely on Active™ Smooth, a CC Polish effect care polish. Enriched with castor fibers, AHA, and vitamin E, it instantly erases irregularities while strengthening the nail structure. In one stroke, the surface is unified, the ridged appearance is visibly reduced, and the nail regains a clean and naturally luminous finish. Use it as a smoothing base or alone for a flawless “clean nail” effect.
Is polishing ridged nails a good idea?
Polishing ridged nails may seem tempting, but it is a gesture to perform with caution. If done too often, it weakens the nail plate by thinning it and can increase the ridges. To reduce your ridges, opt for a preparatory file with a very fine grit (280). Gently polish the nail surface, always in the direction of growth, without back and forth. You can then apply a treating base coat or a smoothing base. The surface of your nails is clean and even, without defects, ready for a new manicure.
What deficiency causes ridged nails?
Certain nutritional deficiencies can promote the appearance of ridged nails or worsen existing ridges. The most common involve iron, zinc, biotin (vitamin B8), and certain proteins essential for keratin production. A varied and balanced diet remains essential to ensure strong and even nails. A course of dietary supplements rich in biotin can help restore healthy nail growth.
Are ridged nails serious?
In most cases, ridged nails are not serious. Vertical ridges on nails are common and often appear with age, dehydration, or repeated damage to the nail plate. However, some changes should prompt a consultation: sudden appearance of very pronounced ridges, color changes, pain, significant deformation, or involvement of only one nail. These situations may require medical advice to identify a possible underlying cause.
Why do I have vertical ridges on my nails?
Nails with lengthwise ridges are generally linked to the natural aging of the nail. Over time, keratin production becomes less consistent, and ridges may gradually appear on the nails. Dehydration, frequent washing, chemicals, or certain harsh manicures can also accentuate these irregularities. Vertical ridges are therefore most often harmless, especially when they affect several nails in a similar way.
Are horizontal ridges normal?
Horizontal ridges are less common than vertical ridges and deserve more attention. They can appear after a trauma to the nail, a period of significant fatigue, or an illness. When these marks cross the nail clearly and deeply, they indicate a temporary dysfunction in keratin production. If several ridges appear suddenly or become very pronounced, it is best to seek advice from a healthcare professional.
