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I have always been curious about why my fingernails have these ridges. I’ve seen so many people with them and it’s always made me wonder what causes them to grow that way.

So, I did some research on the internet to find out more information!

In this article, I have listed some main reasons why fingernails have ridges.

Why do my fingernails have ridges?

#1: The natural way!

It all comes down to genetics! Many people are born with layers of material that cause their fingernails to grow in a certain shape or way. It’s nothing to be ashamed about – everyone’s nails are different and just because you have ridges doesn’t mean that you are flawed!

#2: Your skin layer is growing too quickly.

If your fingernails grow too fast then the skin underneath will not be able to keep up, causing it to stretch out and create different layers along your nails.

#3: Dry skin.

When your hands are too dry, they will begin to flake and the ridges on your nails may be a sign that your fingernails are actually really dry. Try moisturizing your hands a little more often to help improve their condition.

#4: Damage!

If you have been pushing down hard onto something or if you have been hanging onto something with a bit too much pressure, then your nails may have been put under a lot of stress and damage which can lead to the ridges.

#5: Age.

As you age, your skin will begin to thin out so if you are noticing this happening to your nails, then the ridges could be a sign of aging!

#6: Too much polish.

If you are constantly repainting your nails or if you have been able to chip away at the paint after only 1 day of it being on, then this could be another cause to the ridges! Try applying nail polish more sparingly and try opting for a matte coat instead – it’s just as pretty but lasts much longer!

#7: Hard water.

Hard water is where the minerals are highly concentrated, making it harder for your skin to absorb them. This means that you will have drier hands and nails which can cause the ridges – try getting a shower filter or install one into your sink if you notice this happening a lot.

#8: Dehydration.

This can be caused by a number of things, such as not drinking enough water, having very hot drinks, or chewing gum all the time which reduces saliva production and therefore dries out your mouth. When you are dehydrated, your nails will begin to grow more slowly and this could lead towards the ridges appearing.

#9: Some medications.

If you are on certain types of medication then it could cause your nails to grow in an unusual way.

This is because most medicines interfere with the nail growth process, causing them to become brittle and thinner than they usually would be – putting them at risk of breaking or splitting easily!

It’s nothing to worry about though – it’s a side-effect of the medication and your nails will return back to normal in a few months’ time when you have stopped taking them.

#10: Finally, psoriasis.

If you have been diagnosed with psoriasis then your nail ridges could be caused by this. It can be pretty distressing, but if you are coping with it then don’t worry too much about the ridges – they are harmless.

How to fix ridges!

As you can see, not all ridges of nails are harmful – sometimes they are just a sign that you have been putting your hands through a lot recently and therefore had to put them under a lot more stress.

In this case, try to take better care of your hands by moisturizing them regularly and giving them the TLC that they deserve!

If your ridges are due to aging then there is nothing you can do about it – so enjoy life and appreciate the time that you have right now.

However, if your ridges are due to psoriasis or some other health condition then there are a few things you can do –

Check out our tips below!

  • Moisturize your nails and hands as much as possible.
  • Wear gloves when doing housework and make sure to wash your hands after you’ve finished doing it. This will protect them from any dirt or bacteria that could come into contact with them and cause more damage – helping the ridges to fade away faster.
  • Make sure to wear protective gloves when doing anything that could risk damaging your nails, such as using chemicals or painting them.
  • When washing up, make sure you use a nail brush too – this will help get rid of any dirt that has worked its way under the ridges and causing more damage!
  • Make sure to only paint your nails when they are completely dry and make sure to avoid touching them after you’ve painted them.
  • Apply a lotion (or even Vaseline!) onto your cuticles every night before bed. This will help lock in any moisture that has been locked out during the day and it will help strengthen the nail itself!
  • Take biotin supplements. This is a type of vitamin that is usually found in the hair, skin, and nails, but doesn’t always reach them due to things like a bad diet or not enough water intake throughout the day – so it’s basically something your body needs!

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  • Get yourself some nail varnish removers that contain hyaluronic acid. This will help prevent dehydration and will strengthen the nails as well as help them to grow – double win!
  • Avoid using your nails as tools, such as opening cans or picking up small objects. If you do need to use them then make sure they are completely dry first to avoid damaging them and causing more ridges.
  • Drink plenty of water throughout the day – this will help to hydrate your whole body, including your nails. If you don’t drink enough then they may become damaged and more likely to have ridges on them!
  • Finally, apply cuticle oil daily onto each nail. This will penetrate into the nail – helping it to grow stronger and healthier. The only thing you need to make sure of is that you don’t get any oil on your cuticles or under your nails. This can loosen them and cause more damage!

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