Getting a manicure is one of the few activities that make us feel like the “queen of the world.” But, once ridges have taken up residence on your nails, how can you get rid of them and resume your regular polishing routine?
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First, a refresher on the definition of fingernail ridges: Vertical nail ridges (lines that go from the cuticle to the tip of your fingernail) are extremely prevalent and are a natural part of the ageing process. Like other areas of ageing skin, the skin behind the nail plate loses some structural integrity and wrinkles.
Certain physical pressures, such as a high fever or an infection, might cause the nails to cease growing for a brief period of time. Following an illness, this brief pause in production might result in a horizontal ridge in the growing nail plate, which appears on most or all nails.
How To Get Rid of Ridges In Fingernails
Regularly moisturize your nails
Using a hand lotion or oil to keep your nails hydrated will help to reduce the look of ridging and protect the keratin in your nails. Use a moisturizer with ceramides or alpha hydroxy acids, which help your nails retain moisture and nurture them.
If your nails are also brittle, moisturize your skin and nails carefully before going to bed, and wear light cotton gloves to let the moisturizer seep into your nails.
Keep your nails in good shape
Keeping your nails short can assist reduce stress on the nail throughout your daily routine, but be careful not to overdo it: “Continual trimming or cutting your nails might lead them to develop ridges.” Trimming your nails less frequently minimizes the risk of injury to your nail. Only use a regular nail clipper when there is visible white on your nails, and don’t clip so low that no white remains.
This gives the nail time to grow and mend in between cuts. Trim your nails straight across, then use a very tiny nail file to gently curl the tips. Filing snags or irregularities as soon as possible also aids in the prevention of future trauma.
Picking or biting your nails is not a good idea
The skin, including the nails, thickens in response to external stimuli. “If you don’t pick at your nails or the skin around them, you’re less likely to cause nail abnormalities.” Identifying the triggers that drive you to pick or bite your nails and learning how to deal with them will help you avoid further nail damage.
Gently buff them
While gently buffing your nails won’t solve the underlying problem that’s producing your fingernail ridges, it can help disguise them in a pinch. “Be very selective with the use of nail buffers, since these thin the nail plate out, making them softer, overly flexible, and prone to trauma and breaking. A moderate buff once a month should be your maximum.
Use a four-way nail buffer to gently sand, smooth, polish, and file your nails in each of the four steps. Buff in the same direction as the nail grows, rather than back and forth, to avoid nail splitting.
Don’t annoy your cuticle
By not picking or forcing your cuticle back, you can avoid traumatic ridges.
The cuticle is the only barrier that prevents dirt and pathogens from entering the tissues of the fingers. Not only may an infection damage your nail matrix and possibly deform it, but pushing back the cuticle can also bang it up, leaving a permanent ridge pattern for all future nail growth.
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