Fingernail Ridges: What Causes Them?

Causes of horizontal ridges on nails (Beau’s lines)

Grooves or indentations running across your nail are called Beau’s lines. You may have a single groove on a single nail or one or more grooves on all your nails.

Horizontal nail ridges usually develop when nail growth is disrupted by something. Nail trauma is one possible culprit—maybe you closed a door on your finger or dropped something heavy on your toe. Using artificial nails or getting gel manicures for long periods can also harm the nails and lead to horizontal ridges.

How to get rid of ridges on nails

Make an appointment with your dermatologist if you’ve developed fingernail ridges or any other nail changes. Chances are they’re nothing to worry about, but it’s important to determine if there’s a medical cause that requires treatment, especially if you have horizontal nail ridges.

Treating or managing the underlying medical condition or nutrient deficiency usually allows smoother, healthier nails to grow in. It may take several months to see a difference, since fingernails grow only a few millimeters per month and toenails grow even slower. If you have horizontal ridges caused by an illness or other short-term issue, the ridges should grow out with the nail plate over time.

Unfortunately, it’s not possible to get rid of age-related nail ridges. Using a nail buffer can smooth them a bit, but if you buff too often—say, more than once a month—you can weaken the nails. Still, there are several things you can do to avoid dry, brittle nails, which make ridges look more pronounced.

Apply a heavy moisturizing cream to your nails and cuticles during the day and before going to bed (cover your hands and feet with thin cotton gloves and socks to protect your sheets).

Don’t bite or pick at your nails or cuticles.

Don’t cut your cuticles or push them back.

Wear gloves when you’re working with harsh products such as household cleaners.

Take breaks from gel manicures and artificial nails, which can dry out and weaken nails.

When you cut your nails, stick to traditional shapes: Fingernails should be trimmed in a curved shape and toenails should be cut straight across.