(However, horizontal ridging may require some vigilance.
Be aware if you experience a sudden onset of ridges or observe discoloration that’s not related to bruising.
Your first potential line of defense: hydration.
@overglowedit/ Design by Camden Dechert
Yourcuticles may benefit,too; the moisture might help prevent hangnails,cracks, and other discomforts.
When it comes to moisturizing, you’re able to’t really overdo it.
Plus, these measures might help prevent future ridges from forming.
Emily Roberts / Byrdie
Change Your Diet
A diet low in nutrients can lead to brittle nails.
Aim todrinkbetween 2.5 to 3.5 liters of water a day to reap all of the benefits.
So schedule someexerciseto keep your circulatory system, and your nail beds, healthy.
Be careful, though, because buffers are highly variable when it comes to their level of abrasiveness.
Use Ridge-Filling Polish
Many nail-care companies make special polishes specifically for hiding ridges.
These “ridge fillers” look like regular polishes and functionmuch like base coats.
Shainhouse notes that using ridge fillers followed by nail polish can help smooth out the look of the nail.
However, the effectiveness of these ridge fillers depends on the product and its ingredients.
Many contain formaldehyde or formalin, says Stern.
“These ingredients are very damaging to the nail,” she adds.
Some salons include them as a matter of course.
Our best advice for preventing ridges after copious amounts of cleaning?
“Water absorption can weaken the bonds between nail cells, causing peeling, ridging, and breakage.”
Lay Off the Gel/Dip Polish
Be judicious withgeland powder dip nail trends.
Use an Intensive Product to Overhaul Your Nail Health
Look for products likeDr.
Some people may notice them in their 30s, while others don’t see them until their 50s.
Nail ridges that are horizontal instead of vertical could potentially be Beau’s Lines.
Cleveland Clinic.6 things your nails say about your health.
Updated February 19, 2019.
Singal A, Arora R.Nail as a window of systemic diseases.Indian Dermatol Online J.
2015;6(2):67-74.
2017;92(3):421-422. doi:10.1590/abd1806-4841.20175889
