Have you noticed faint or deep vertical lines running from the base to the tip of your fingernails? If so, you’re not alone—and you’re certainly not imagining them. These lines, which often become more visible with age, are often  called vertical nail ridges  . For many people over 40, they seem to appear out of nowhere, raising questions about what’s going on beneath the surface.

The good news? In most cases, they’re harmless. But sometimes these changes in your nails can be signs of deeper problems. Let’s explore why they occur, what they might mean, and how you can care for aging nails to keep them strong and healthy.

What are vertical nail ridges?

Vertical ridges, also  called longitudinal stripes, are raised lines that run from the  cuticle  (the base of the nail) to the  tip  . Some ridges are barely visible, while others are clearly palpable when you run your finger over the nail.

It’s a natural part of the body’s aging process. Just as skin begins to wrinkle and hair turns gray, the texture and structure of our nails also begin to change. Over time, the cells that make up your nails—called  keratin-producing cells  —can grow more slowly or irregularly. This changes how smooth your nails look and feel.

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