How to Decrease Nail Ridges

Nail buffers usually have two or more textured surfaces.

While horizontal indentations in fingernails can be a sign of underlying illness and should be examined by a doctor, vertical ridges are a solely cosmetic problem that can blight even the healthiest of nails. The exact cause of nail ridges is unknown, but heredity, poor diet and exposure to harsh chemicals -- such as detergents or the acetone in nail polish remover -- may increase the risk of nail imperfections. You can protect against ridges by eating a healthy, balanced diet, keeping your nails well-moisturized and protecting your hands with gloves while doing household chores.

Things You'll Need

• Emery board
• Nail buffing cream
• Nail buffing block

Instructions

1. Wash your hands and nails with soap and water to remove dirt and excess oils.

2. File your nails into a tidy uniform shape -- square or slightly rounded, depending on your personal preference -- using an emery board.

3. Dab a small amount of buffing cream onto the nail.

4. Swipe a nail buffing block across the nail in a single direction, from left to right.

5. Swipe the nail buffer across the nail up to three times depending on the depth of the ridges.

6. Repeat for each nail.

7. Apply nail polish if desired.

Tips & Warnings

• If your fingernail ridges are small, buff your nails with the smoother side of your buffing block. For deeper ridges, use the coarser surface first and then the smooth side to create a shiny finish. For a quick fix, disguise nail ridges by painting the nails with a ridge filler polish before applying regular nail polish.

• Be careful not to buff nails too vigorously to avoid damaging the surrounding nail plate.

References

• "Los Angeles Times"; Georgyanna Giardini's Techniques for Perfectly Buffed Nails; Stacie Stukin; June 2008
• Become Gorgeous; How to Remove Fingernail Ridges
• Mayo Clinic; Nails: How to Keep Your Fingernails Healthy and Strong