You glance down at your hands.
Maybe while applying lotion, painting your nails, or simply folding them in thought.
And you notice it:
Thin, raised lines running from the base to the tip of your nails.
They weren’t there before—or were they?
Don’t panic.
Vertical lines on the nails—also called longitudinal ridges—are incredibly common.
And for most people, they’re a normal part of aging, not a sign of serious illness.
But here’s the truth:
While usually harmless, sometimes these lines can be an early whisper from your body—hinting at nutritional gaps, underlying conditions, or lifestyle factors worth paying attention to.
Let’s break down what causes nail ridges, when to see a doctor, and how to support healthy nails from the inside out.
🔍 What Are Vertical Nail Lines?
Vertical lines are raised or grooved ridges that run up and down the nail plate—from cuticle to tip.
They may affect one nail or all ten
Can be faint or deeply grooved
Often more noticeable with age
May appear on fingernails, toenails, or both
👉 Unlike horizontal lines (Beau’s lines), which can signal past illness or trauma, vertical ridges usually develop slowly over time.
✅ Most Common Cause: Aging (Totally Normal!)
As we age, our nails—like our skin—lose moisture and elasticity.
