Have you ever looked closely at your fingernails and noticed vertical ridges running from the cuticle to the tip ? If so, you’re not alone — and you might be wondering: what do these ridges mean?
While it can be alarming to notice changes in your nails, the good news is that vertical ridges (also known as onychorrhysis ) are often completely normal — especially as we age.
However, in some cases, they can also signal nutritional deficiencies, medical conditions, or other underlying issues .
Let’s explore what nail ridges really mean, when you should be concerned, and what you can do about them.
What Are Vertical Nail Ridges?
Vertical nail ridges are thin, raised lines that run from the base of the nail to the tip . They’re extremely common and tend to become more noticeable with age.
Think of them like wrinkles — but on your nails .
As we get older, our nails grow more slowly, and the cells that make up the nail plate don’t line up as smoothly. This can lead to the development of these harmless ridges .
Common Causes of Nail Ridges
1. Aging (Most Common)
