Do you feel that your nails don’t look smooth, that they’re marked by vertical or horizontal lines? No need to beat around the bush: your nails are ridged. It can be a little unpleasant, even frustrating when you want flawless nails, but it’s a very common issue with multiple causes. Rest assured, there are solutions to help address it and restore beautiful, radiant nails.
Understanding ridged nails
Vertical or horizontal, there are two types of ridges, each with very different causes.
Longitudinal or vertical ridges
These are vertical ridges that run from the cuticles to the tips of the nails. They are also known as "nail wrinkles" because they often appear with age and, in women, with menopause. They are a sign that the body produces less keratin, the fibrous protein that makes up most of the nail.
These longitudinal ridges may also be linked to dietary deficiencies in vitamins and minerals. Another possible cause of parallel lines: minor trauma caused by harsh manicures to the nail matrix (artificial nail applications, filing, use of acetone-based nail polish remover) or intensive exposure to detergents or water.
Transverse or horizontal ridges
These horizontal ridges run across the nail plate, forming grooves and raised areas on the nail surface. Transverse ridges can affect fingernails as well as toenails. They indicate abnormal nail growth due to stress or emotional shock.
No need to make a big deal out of ridged nails—the solution is within reach!
Why do nails become ridged?
Nail ridges are irregularities in nail growth that become visible on the nail surface. In most cases, there is no need to worry: ridges are common, harmless and can appear at any age, especially vertical ridges. However, they can signal an imbalance or weakened nails, which should be taken into account so you can act accordingly.
Natural nail ageing
Like skin or hair, nails change with age. Keratin production slows down and nail growth is disrupted. Vertical ridges may then become more pronounced on certain fingers and be 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 handwashing, cold weather, hot water or certain harsh nail polish removers can strip away the nail’s natural oils, which act as a protective barrier. As a result, the nail loses flexibility and becomes more fragile. The balance within the matrix is disrupted and ridges form on the surface.
Possible deficiencies
Certain nutritional deficiencies can explain the appearance of deeper or more persistent ridges. An insufficient intake of minerals such as iron, zinc or silicon, vitamin B8 (or biotin), or protein can slow down keratin production.
When nail ridges are accompanied by other signs of weakness (very brittle, soft or splitting nails), it is best to consult a healthcare professional and return to a balanced diet.
Chemical and mechanical damage
Ridged nails can also be linked to repeated actions that weaken the nail, both internally and externally. Frequent semi-permanent polish applications or gel nails with filing, acetone-containing removers, excessive filing or the use of household cleaning products without gloves… all of these can disrupt keratinisation and contribute to the appearance of nail ridges.
Stress, fatigue or certain health episodes
Intense stress, prolonged fatigue or certain periods of vulnerability can have a visible impact on nails. In fact, in the event of an emotional shock or major health issue, nail growth can slow down and keratin quality can deteriorate. Ridges are the visible result.
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 for treating and preventing ridged nails.
How can you treat and prevent ridged nails?
Care routines to repair and smooth
We have designed 3 customisable routines combining smoothing bases and strengthening treatments to restore smooth, even nails in 2 weeks. Basic, Starter or Ultimate: choose the nail care set that best suits your needs. To help you choose the right routine, feel free to take a personalised online diagnosis.
1. The Basic routine, simple and effective
The aim here is to deeply nourish and hydrate the nail and its surrounding area to restore healthy, regular growth. For this, your best allies are:
- Green Oil: a blend of 6 botanical oils, including castor oil, sweet almond oil and coconut oil.
- Active™ Smooth: a CC Polish-effect care polish that works as a smoothing base and strengthens the nail thanks to a formula enriched with castor fibres, hexanal, AHAs and vitamin E. It is available in 4 shades (00 pink, 01 beige, 02 gold, 03 bronze) to suit all skin tones.
👉 How to do it?
- Apply Active™ Smooth to bare nails 3 times a week for 2 weeks, without removing the first layers.
- In addition, massage a few drops of Green Oil into the nail and cuticles twice a day.
💡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 repeating 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:
- Prep file: a magical tool that smooths the nail surface and opens the keratin scales for better treatment absorption.
- Green Oil
- Active™ Smooth
- S.O.S. Mask: an overnight mask that hydrates and stimulates cellular repair while you sleep.
👉 How to?
- Prepare your nails using the prep file, gently buffing the nail plate. Then apply Active™ Smooth to bare nails 3 times a week for 2 weeks, without removing the first layers.
- At the same time, massage a few drops of Green Oil twice a day into the nail and cuticles.
- After removing the layers of Active™ Smooth with a gentle nail polish remover, apply the S.O.S. Mask 3 nights a week in a thick layer and let it air-dry. Remove the next morning by peeling it off or with soapy water.
💡Good to know: this routine is perfectly suited to sensitive nails as the products used contain up to 99% ingredients of natural origin, with no risk to nails or cuticles.
3. The Ultimate routine, in intensive mode
An intensive day-and-night treatment to reduce, or even eliminate, transverse lines and other imperfections that can distort the nail plate. For this, you will need:
- Prep File
- Green Oil
- Active™ Smooth
- S.O.S. Mask
- Perfecting Concentrate: a nourishing and strengthening care pen, easy to take with you for regenerating care on the go.
👉 How to?
- Prepare your nails using the prep file, lightly buffing the nail plate. Then apply Active™ Smooth to 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, massaging it into the nail and cuticles. Follow with Complete Serum twice a day, also massaging it into the nail and 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 by peeling it off or with soapy water.
The right steps to prevent ridged nails
Extend the benefits of your care routine by adopting a few simple steps and habits to help prevent ridges from returning, such as:
🍽️Eat a balanced diet
As mentioned earlier, longitudinal ridges can be caused by nutritional deficiencies. It is therefore super important to have a balanced diet that provides the necessary intake of vitamin B and vitamin C, and helps prevent iron or zinc deficiencies. Make sure you consume enough fruit, vegetables, protein and oilseeds, and complement this diet with a course of Nail Boost food supplements. Enriched with naturally derived active ingredients and vitamins (blueberry extract, brewer’s yeast, minerals, vitamin A, vitamin B2, vitamin B9, vitamin C, biotin), these food supplements strengthen the nail matrix from within and stimulate nail growth.
🛡️Protecting your nails every day
Longitudinal ridges can be caused by repeated trauma to the nails linked to overexposure to water or household detergents. As much as possible, try to protect your nails from everyday stressors, for example by wearing household gloves.
Also avoid overly harsh manicure practices such as:
- Filing too frequently or too aggressively when preparing the nails.
- Excessive filing during removal.
- Use of acetone-based nail polish removers.
💅Choose a gentle, long-lasting manicure
A manicure routine based on quality products with bio-based formulas, such as Green™ nail polishes and Green Flash™, is essential. To remove your polish, skip acetone and electric files! Opt for gentle acetone-free removers like Green Flash™ gentle remover. Finally, alternate semi-permanent polish applications with treatment courses or an Active™ care polish application to restore strength and radiance to your nails.
Frequently asked questions
What causes 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 ageing, a nutritional deficiency or significant stress. They can also be caused by overexposure to water or chemicals from household chores. These lines can also appear with overly frequent semi-permanent polish applications and/or the use of products and practices that are harsh on the nail matrix (filing, acetone, etc.). Good to know: ridged nails are not a medical condition, but if they are accompanied by pain, significant nail plate deformities or yellowing of the nail, it is recommended to consult a doctor or dermatologist.
What treatment should you use to smooth ridged nails?
To smooth ridged nails, opt for Active™ Smooth, a CC Polish-effect treatment polish. Enriched with castor fibres, AHAs and vitamin E, it instantly blurs imperfections while strengthening the nail structure. In one stroke, the surface is evened out, the ridged appearance is visibly reduced and the nail regains a clean, naturally luminous finish. Use it as a smoothing base or on its own for an impeccable “clean nail” effect.
Is buffing ridged nails a good idea?
Buffing ridged nails may seem tempting, but it is a step to carry out with caution. If done too often, it weakens the nail plate by thinning it and can make ridges more pronounced. To smooth your ridges, use a prep file with a very fine grit (280). Buff the nail surface very lightly, always in the direction of growth, without going back and forth. You can then apply a treatment base coat or a smoothing base coat. Your nail surface is clean and even, free from imperfections and ready for a new manicure.
What deficiency causes ridged nails?
Certain nutritional deficiencies can contribute to the appearance of ridged nails or accentuate existing ridges. The most common involve iron, zinc, biotin (vitamin B8) and certain proteins essential for keratin production. A varied, balanced diet remains essential for strong, even nails. A course of biotin-rich dietary supplements 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, certain changes should prompt you to seek advice: the sudden appearance of very pronounced ridges, a change in colour, pain, significant deformation or involvement of a single nail. These situations may require medical advice to identify a possible underlying cause.
Why do I have vertical ridges on my nails?
Longitudinal ridges are generally linked to the natural ageing of the nail. Over time, keratin production becomes less regular 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 rarer than vertical ridges and deserve more attention. They can appear after a blow to the nail, a period of significant fatigue or an illness. When these marks run clearly and deeply across the nail, they indicate a temporary disruption in keratin production. If several ridges appear suddenly or become very pronounced, it is best to seek advice from a healthcare professional.
