How to Cure Ridges in Fingernails

Not only are nails a beauty statement--especially for women--but they also tell a lot about a person's overall health. If your nails are covered in unsightly, unhealthy ridges, you can take measures to heal your fingernails for better appearance and improved health.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Wear gloves to protect your fingernails when you work with dangerous chemicals or on rigorous manual projects--like construction or gardening. Protecting your nails prevents further damage from occurring.

2. Wait for your nails to grow out. Sometimes the only cure is time. In the meantime, coat your nails with a clear, protective polish to strengthen them while you wait for the ridges to disappear.

3. Buff your nails with an emery board. Use a fine board and treat your nails gently, working in only one direction (not back and forth) along the ridge itself. Just be careful not to press too hard on your nail, or you can cause further damage.

4. Apply a hydrating lotion several times a day to moisturize and strengthen your nails. Before bedtime, coat your nails with the lotion and put on a pair of cotton gloves to give your nails an intensive dose of moisture while you sleep.

5. Take a vitamin supplement that contains iron, zinc and B-12. Issues with fingernails are often related to nutritional deficiencies, so increasing your intake of key nutrients can help cure the ridges.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't pick at your fingernails or use your fingernails to pick at other things. Treat your nails with care to avoid causing further damage.
• Don't spend too much time at the nail salon. While many products and treatments can strengthen your nails, some options (like acrylic nails) can weaken and damage fingernails.

[wilsie11]

on 7/29/2009 good article and well written. great tips also

[bheartedd]

on 7/19/2009 maybe an age thing? I didn't really have ridges until my mid-forties (i'm 48 now). or perhaps it's because I don't use my rubber gloves as often as I should while I'm washing the dishes or gardening. I also used to have acrylic nails in the past.

[rrtraining8]

on 6/14/2009 it could be hereditary, my super healthy grandmother always had ridges on her nails and lived to be 92 without ever needing to visit a doctor. =) I am very healthy as well but am noticing slight ridges.

[Texas485Jeanie]

on 11/13/2008 Sometimes, ridges in nails are a sign of an internal health issue.