Have you noticed that as you age, thin, vertical lines appear at the base of your nails, from the root to the tip? If so, you’re not alone. Many people become aware of these changes after the age of 40, and while they’re usually harmless, they can sometimes be a sign of underlying health issues. So what causes these vertical lines, and when should you avoid them?
Understanding Vertical Nail Ridges
Vertical nail ridges—also called longitudinal ridges—are raised lines that run from the cuticle to the tip of the nail. The depth and number of these ridges can vary, and they become more noticeable with age.
For most people, these lines are a normal sign of aging. Just as skin loses elasticity and hair turns gray, nails also undergo structural changes over time. The production of keratin—the protein that makes up nails—may slow down or become uneven, leading to changes in their structure.
