Ever glanced down at your nails and noticed faint vertical lines running from the cuticle to the tip? You’re not alone—and if you’re over 40, those little ridges might be showing up more than they used to.
The good news? In most cases, they’re completely harmless. These vertical ridges, also called longitudinal striations, are usually just a sign that your body is changing with age. Still, they can sometimes offer helpful clues about what’s going on beneath the surface—especially when it comes to your health, hydration, and nutrition.
So, What Causes Them?
The most common reason? Your body is simply producing less keratin than it used to. Keratin is the protein that gives your nails strength and structure, and like many things, it tends to slow down with age. The result: a less smooth surface and a more ridged texture.
Dryness can also make these ridges more noticeable. As we age, our skin and nails naturally lose moisture, and frequent handwashing or exposure to harsh cleaning products can make things worse. Dry nails are more brittle, and that brittleness can show up as lines and ridges.
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