Get rid of ridges in fingernails and unwanted fingernail problems in 10 easy steps.

1. 10 Best Ways to Eliminate
Ridges in Fingernails

2. Are Fingernail Ridges Driving
You Crazy?
If you're reading this, you're probably
dealing with unsightly fingernail ridges
and lines.
Here's the good news...Most ridges are
harmless, normal variations on nails. Now,
the bad news...Some nail ridging may be a
sign of more serious underlying medical
problems.

3. So, What Are Fingernail Ridges?
Fingernail ridges also known as “reedy nails” are
raised lines on the nail surface also called the nail
plate. These lines can run horizontally or vertically
across the nail plate.
Most vertical ridges are commonplace and quite
normal. Horizontal ridges and depressions on the
nail plate can be associated with major medical
problems.

4. Banish Your Ridges in
10 Easy Steps
Drink More Water...
I know...it's boring advice.
Yet, increasing your fluid
intake with preferable water
can just about cure your nail
ridging concerns. After all,
the body is made up of at least 60% water. Water is
crucial for many metabolic processes in the body. Do your
nails a favor and drink up!

5. Take Your Vitamins...
Not getting enough micro and
macronutrients can destroy
your nails. For example, zinc
and iron deficiencies can cause
not only ridges in fingernails,
but concave spooning of the
nail plate.
Let's face it. Most of us do not get sufficient amounts of
nutrients in our diets. Adding nutritional supplements
helps to fill in the gaps in an otherwise lackluster diet.

6. Avoid Nail Injuries...
It's pretty obvious that any serious injury
to the nail plate or surrounding tissues
will have a major impact on nail health.
That's why it is important to protect the nail from
injury. Wear gloves when appropriate. Never ignore
any signs or symptoms of nail infections, such as
drainage, redness, or swelling. If you want to solve
fingernail ridging, you must take care of your nails.

7. Stay Healthy...
A healthy lifestyle is your best
defense against fingernail ridges.
Exercise increases the amount
of blood circulation to the nails.
A diet rich in vitamins, minerals,
and protein provides necessary
ingredients for stunning nails. Relatively low stress
living also enhances nail appearance. So, stay calm
and eat well!

8. Banish Nail Biting
As a nurse, one my biggest
pet peeves is nail biting.
Not only is it a great way
to get sick. It's also an
excellent way to get fungal
infections. Fungal infections
can lead to nails that are brittle, cracked, and full of
ridges. Stop the biting habit.

9. Buff Your Nails...
Nail buffing is one the most
effective ways to remove
superficial ridges on the
surface of the nail. Buffing is
the process of using a slightly
abrasive tool to even out the
nail plate. Used occasionally,
buffing gives the appearance of
smooth, glossy nails.

10. Axe Artificial Nails...
Hey, artificial nails are great to look at! But, they
can also wreck havoc on your natural nails and
create ridges in the nail plate. The same goes for
aggressive nail treatments, acetone based polish
removers, and keeping nail polish on way too long. If
you can, forgo fake fingernails and sport your own
nails proudly. Remove nail polish after a week or
two of use. Use non-acetone based products on your
nails.

11. Monitor Your Medications...
Taking any new medications lately
and noticing new ridges on your
nails? If you're taking prescription
medicines, you should be aware that
some medications can cause ridges.
Certain medicines create disruptions
in the growth of the nail from the
nail bed. Antibiotics and oral
contraceptives are two common
classes of medications that may
bring about nail ridging.

12. Use Sun Protectant...
Did you know that too much sun exposure can ruin
your nails? Yes, some sunlight is great and enables
the body to make Vitamin D. However, ultraviolet
(UV) light breakdowns down protein bonds in the
nails which may lead to ridges in fingernails. It's wise
to use a nail top coat with UV protection or a topical
sunscreen or block to deflect harmful UV light.

13. Don't Age...
Just kidding! Okay. I
know there's not much
you can do about getting
older. But, the aging
process affects just about
every part of the body,
including the nails.
Aging causes a decrease in circulation to the nail. This creates
slower growth of the nail plate which leads to ridges. In
general, the elderly also tend to have more medical problems
that could cause nail ridging. Even though there is little you can
do to stop aging, you can grow old gracefully.

14. Want to Know Even More Amazing
Facts about Nail Health?
Check out the links below
The Ringworm Spot
Fingernail Ridges Demystified
Cover image credit-Jessie Heaven Lotz