Ridges in the Nails: Recognising Causes and Reacting Correctly

Almost everyone notices ridges in their nails at some point in life. In the vast majority of cases, ridges running lengthwise are completely harmless and are part of normal ageing. Ridges running crosswise, on the other hand, can indicate a past event such as an illness or injury. In this guide we explain the difference between lengthwise and crosswise ridges, which causes are typical, when a medical look makes sense and how you can support your nails in everyday life.

Lengthwise and crosswise ridges: the important difference

First it is worth taking a close look at the direction of the ridges. Lengthwise ridges run from the lunula to the fingertip. They are very common, increase with age and are considered harmless – similar to wrinkles in the skin. Crosswise ridges, also called Beau's lines, run crosswise across the nail. They arise when nail growth at the nail root is temporarily disrupted, for example by fever, an infection, severe stress, an injury to the nail or certain medications. Because the nail grows slowly, such a furrow migrates towards the fingertip over months and eventually grows out.

What is behind ridges in the nail?

Lengthwise ridges arise because the nail plate loses moisture and elasticity over the years and the cells at the nail root regenerate somewhat more irregularly. Dryness from frequent hand washing, cleaning agents or heated indoor air intensifies the effect. Crosswise ridges, on the other hand, are a kind of growth mark: they show that the nail was briefly slowed down in its formation at a certain point in time. A single crosswise ridge after a flu-like infection is usually harmless. If crosswise ridges appear on several nails at the same time, a more general cause may be behind it.

In addition to lengthwise and crosswise ridges, there are also small dents or pinpoint depressions, the so-called pitted nails. They are sometimes associated with skin conditions such as psoriasis and are to be distinguished from the harmless lengthwise ridges. A local injury to the nail root – for example from a blow or an overly aggressive manicure – can also leave a single ridge that always recurs in the same place. Careful observation of whether ridges run lengthwise, crosswise or in a pinpoint pattern and whether one or more nails are affected thus already provides valuable clues to the cause.

When you should seek medical advice

Harmless lengthwise ridges usually do not need any treatment. An appointment at a general or dermatology practice is advisable, however, if deep crosswise ridges appear on several nails, if nails become severely discoloured, thickened or deformed, if they detach from the nail bed or if there are additionally complaints such as tiredness, hair loss or skin changes. You should also have it medically clarified in the case of pain, signs of inflammation or if a single lengthwise ridge becomes darkly discoloured and wider. This guide does not replace a medical diagnosis – with conspicuous or persistent changes, please seek medical advice.

What you can do in everyday life

Against harmless lengthwise ridges, consistent care helps above all. Keep nails and cuticles supple by regularly massaging them with nail oil or a moisturising cream. Wear gloves during wet work and when handling cleaning agents, because moisture and chemicals dry out the nail.

File your nails gently in one direction and refrain from rough buffing, which further thins the nail plate. Anyone who wants to visually reduce ridges can use a smoothing base coat – this is purely cosmetic and does not change the cause. Avoid plucking or cutting the cuticles, because injuries to the nail root can trigger new irregularities.

A common mistake is the attempt to grind away deep ridges with a coarse buffing block. This further weakens the already thinning nail plate, and the nail then breaks more easily. A gentle buffing step with a fine grit, at most occasionally, is better. Constantly wearing gel or artificial nails can also thin the natural nail plate over time and emphasise unevenness once it is exposed again. So treat your nails to polish-free phases again and again.

Diet as a basis for healthy nail growth

Nails consist of the protein keratin and grow slowly. A balanced, protein-rich diet provides the building blocks for this. Good sources are eggs, fish, pulses, dairy products, nuts and lean meat. Supplement this with plenty of vegetables, fruit and wholegrain products, which contribute vitamins and trace elements.

Anyone who eats a very one-sided diet, follows a strict diet or leaves out entire food groups has a higher risk of shortfalls. An adequate drinking amount additionally supports the moisture balance in the tissue. Important to know: diet cannot retroactively smooth existing ridges, but it creates good conditions for the nail growing back.

Because the nail largely consists of the protein keratin, an adequate protein intake is the basis. With a very one-sided or strongly calorie-reduced diet, the body may use scarce nutrients first for vital tasks, so that shortfalls show up in the skin, hair and nails. A pronounced iron deficiency can make the nails softer and thinner. However, such connections cannot be read off from the nail alone, but only clarified through a medical examination. So do not use supplements on suspicion, but clarify a possible deficiency in a targeted way.

Nutrients and plants related to the nails

According to the claims authorised by the EU, zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal nails, and selenium contributes to the maintenance of normal nails. Zinc is found above all in pulses, seeds, oat flakes and cheese, selenium in Brazil nuts, fish and eggs. For the skin around the nail, the following also applies: zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal skin and biotin contributes to the maintenance of normal skin. And vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of skin.

These statements describe the general role of the nutrients in the body and are not a promise that ridges will disappear as a result. Plant ingredients such as horsetail are traditionally used, without any health-related benefit being allowed to be derived from this.

Honestly assessed: what really helps?

Against age-related lengthwise ridges there is no method that makes them disappear permanently – they are part of natural ageing. Care and a smoothing base coat can conceal them, but no more. Food supplements are no substitute for a balanced diet; an additional benefit for the nails is conceivable above all when a deficiency actually exists. In well-supplied people it is not proven. Instead of dosing high on suspicion, it makes more sense to improve external care and to seek medical advice in the case of abnormalities. Crosswise ridges, in turn, need no special treatment of the nail, but grow out by themselves as soon as the triggering cause is over.

Patience while it grows out

A fingernail grows about half a millimetre per week and takes around half a year to grow back completely; toenails take even longer. A crosswise ridge accordingly migrates forwards slowly. Observe your nails calmly and document changes with photos if needed. If new deep crosswise ridges are added or the colour changes, a visit to the practice is the right step. For most people, however, the reassuring message applies: ridges in the nails are an everyday, predominantly harmless phenomenon that reveals more about the age of the skin than about a disease.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Are lengthwise ridges in the nails dangerous?

As a rule, no. Lengthwise ridges that run from the lunula to the fingertip are very common, increase with age and are considered harmless. They resemble skin wrinkles and need no treatment, but can be visually reduced with care.

What do crosswise ridges in the nail mean?

Crosswise ridges arise from a temporary disruption of nail growth at the root, for example after fever, an infection, severe stress or an injury. A single furrow is usually harmless; several deep crosswise ridges on different nails should be medically clarified.

Can I get rid of nail ridges?

Age-related lengthwise ridges cannot be removed permanently, only visually concealed with care and a smoothing base coat. Crosswise ridges grow out by themselves as soon as the triggering cause is over. You should avoid rough buffing of the nail.

Do ridges indicate a vitamin deficiency?

Usually not. Lengthwise ridges are predominantly age-related. A nutrient deficiency can influence nail quality, but is rarely the cause and should be medically clarified if suspected, instead of taking supplements on suspicion.

How can I support my nail growth?

With a balanced, protein-rich diet, regular oiling of the nail and cuticles and gloves during wet work. Nutrients such as zinc and selenium contribute, according to the EU, to the maintenance of normal nails. Results only show after months because of the slow growth.