Why You Have Vertical Nail Ridges And How To Get Rid Of Them

[@DrDrayzday]

Kerasal nail repair amzlink.to/az0eDRxBI1O7j FTC: This video is not sponsored. Links are commissionable, meaning I may earn commission from purchases made through links.

[@heatherireland2810]

If you can’t find Kerasal, OPI also has a good nail repair.

[@rwizard]

@@heatherireland2810 "And in the distance someone heard the soft jingle of coin upon coin, and the muffled thud of an-other shoe dropping gently to the floor. But then, suddenly, as the lovely Heather innocently suggested an alternative, there was an anguished cry of vexation and disappointment from the same dark corner as the sound of coins and shoe. What a mystery, thought the stranger." From the pages of "Jack the Lad" A Coffeezillian Fairytale

[@9312rm4]

Speech not clear

[@taylorking5463]

I have hangnails that keep growing and splitting. They are ecruciating. I've had this for about 2 years. Would you please address this issue? Thank you. :)

[@rummykubby]

If you just want to hear how to get rid of the ridges, go to 5:21. Everything before that is why it can happen.

[@barbryan9643]

Thanks for the hint of where to start 😊

[@bettyblevins6161]

Thanks

[@ewaeriksson7148]

Thank you! I waited and waited...

[@betsywalsh2228]

Thank You!!!! She never came up for air LOL!

[@bbalance2086]

Appreciate it!

[@ddlewis9812]

I’ve had ridged nails for years , I am a guy with short nails . The Vaseline and gloves help a lot !! One thing I do different is use castor oil ( organic,cold pressed , hexane free ) apply a nice layer and gently massage the finger tips then apply Vaseline , pop on some gloves .. I think castor has excellent lipid levels and really helps my nails and skin .. hope this helps .FUSHI castor oil is a great choice ( I get it from Holland and Barrett) ❤

[@LMD2915]

I've been using castor oil on my face, and because it gets on my hand, it gets on my nails. I think I've seen an improvement.

[@MillieWales]

What sort of gloves would you suggest, and how long do you wear them for to see any sort of results?

[@Kelly-QuantumTemple]

Thank you, this is really helpful 😊

[@slc1161]

@@MillieWalesplain white cotton gloves. Get them a size larger than your hands. It makes it easier to get the gloves on and off.

[@bohotumbleweed8319]

CASTOR OIL,AND A BRUSH.

[@vickyrushton1783]

A manicurist saw my vertical ridges and suggested I see a dr. Months later I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. Well done that technician

[@georgia4407]

Oh wow. I have on one finger. I have Graves.

[@Goldgoodnesscan]

Yep. I have graves and I have this.

[@hazelboyce7230]

I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism years ago and I have some vertical ridges as well. I don’t hear many people talk about hyperthyroidism, I mostly hear about hypothyroidism.

[@ТаСу-ю3л]

Same here

[@woodstream6137]

Other symptoms?

[@cathietonkin5577]

I have ridges on every nail, which are very thin! I’m currently very I’ll with yet another autoimmune disorder plus anemia on top of it…. the last 2 year + years have been an extremely tough time! I’m struggling to keep going every day while take a ton of medication! But I’m going to keep going no matter what! Bless us one and all!

[@Bella-zh1me]

Watch dr berg and motivational doc. They are very helpful with info. Stay strong.

[@China-Clay]

Have you ever tried Opti-Nail? My nails were miserable and that really helped, it strengthened them up and after about a month, it was amazing! Nine months later, I’m using it only a few times a week, still trying to figure out the ridges, this video looks good! I’ve got some autoimmune diseases and I’m going after my nails for all the reasons you listed, so miserable. And no manicures, as well as gloves for wet times, dishes, cleaning, etc Best wishes! Found it at Walmart or Amazon fyi

[@brendas.3470]

Heredity is one overlooked cause in this video of vertical nail ridges. My maternal grandmother, my mother and I all have (had) vertical nail ridges and we are all perfectly healthy. My grandma passed on at 85 years old and was fine until then.

[@virginiagirl977]

Same here! I've had vertical nail ridges my entire healthy life and so have my relatives.

[@Robin-ci2kx]

Yes it runs in my family, too and also we have always been a very healthy family.

[@mlbrenzo2825]

Wow! I have asked my primary care and rheumatologist about my vertical nail ridges. PCP didn't know and rheumatologist told me it was from aging. I have alopecia and thyroid disease. Thanks for educating me

[@jilbertb]

Find another doctor... My best friend since 1968, even tho she bit her nails, the ends of her nails started puffing up. She asked her Dr. for probably 10 yrs why this was happening and he said bcuz you bite you nails. She finally mentioned it to her Gyn. She sent her to a specialist immediately. She had Stage 3D lung cancer. It had spread to her brain and she died w/in two years of diagnosis. She was told if the original complaint had been dealt with, it may have been curable.

[@elenalatici9568]

​@@jilbertb She'd been asking her doctor for 10 years? If she'd had lung cancer all that time she would have died before seeing her gynecologist.

[@grievousmink3889]

Because you didn't ask a dermatologist

[@cherylweber8406]

Retired nurse...when I was working the more than frequent hand washings caused chapped red hands, and during the winter it was so much worse! My remedy, at night would apply Vaseline and a clean pair of white cotton socks over my hands. In the morning my hands were healed and ready for the next shift of hospital work❤

[@annabelleh7793]

I have been putting Vaseline on mine lately, seems to be helping.

[@christine9604frisco]

But what about ridges?

[@lauraoneal5146]

@cherylweber8406 I’m also a retired nurse with 25 years of experience. I’m only 56 and had to go on disability due to all the wear and tear we do to ourselves caring and loving our patients. I saw a dermatologist while I was still working and she looked at me with my dry cracked bloody hands and said “OMG!!! You poor child, you have washer woman hands”. I tried all of the RX things she gave me and everything from the Vaseline/sock thing to bag balm to udder cream and everything in between plus lotions out my ears. I even tried some old time unconventional treatments. Nothing was helping. I grabbed a TUBE of my daughter’s Bath and Body Works BODY CREAM. CREAM not lotion. I used to strictly and it helped more than anything. I still have flare ups but not as bad. I do have the nail ridges but I I am anemic. Working on that now. I am also a chronic hand washer. I can’t stop. I touch anything and I feel I HAVE to wash my hands. I can also tell weather changes by how my hands are. If you need something on your hands during the day in the winter try the Bath and Body Works BODY CREAM. A $16 or less tube may surprise and help you. I try to get the Cookie or Christmas Cookie scent or Vanilla Bean Noelle. Lasts all year. I usually get a couple and have them strategically placed in the house and my purse. Good luck my sister nurse.♥️♥️

[@pamelaspooner7183]

Bag Balm is miraculous

[@Seva769]

Thank you for your caring service as a nurse! Nurses are the best

[@Love_sChild]

I had vertical nail ridges for the last 5 years since a hysterectomy. I have been taking vitamin D for the past 18months because of VERY low Vitamin D and have noticed SLOWLY my nails are becoming less ridged. Hopefully they'll improve as I keep going.❤

[@mprice333]

I’ve had ridges in my nails my whole life 🤷‍♀️ I’ve done all the things people should do for healthy nails, but they never go away.

[@ReadingRetail]

Same!

[@gos_ka]

Same here!

[@dianeditonno3569]

Are you hypothyroid? Maybe b12 deficient.

[@nicolettenargesian2098]

Same here!

[@JMB-sassysixty]

Same, which is why I wore acrylic nails for years. It was not a good decision as I’ve been working on rehabbing my natural nails since 2020! 🫤

[@Duchess-of-Camelot]

I developed ridges, peeling and brittle nails in perimenopause. It only got worse post menopause. I was put on hrt and I noticed one of the "side effects" was that my nails got healthy again.

[@amykolterman3744]

unfortunately, I'm not able to go on hrt therapy due to history family cancer risks.

[@gangoolie68]

I’m on HRT, didn’t change my nails. But I’m wondering about the plethora of other possibilities listed.

[@standdownrobots_ihaveoldglory]

Ohhhhh that explains things. All the major medical clinics in my town are conspiring to refuse rx’ing HRT. Apparently never sleeping more than 2 hours is fine. I’ve had it with the local ob gyn community, they only do risk management on their income.

[@samarittan9308]

​​@@standdownrobots_ihaveoldgloryMy doctor does not want to prescribe it because I have the pre-existing condition of having had a stroke. HRT can increase the chance of blood clots leading to stroke and it can increase the likelihood of cancer. So possibly that's why they don't want to prescribe it.

[@LP-it9jy]

@@standdownrobots_ihaveoldglory you can get HRT from the online telehealth clinics like Alloy

[@KCno4]

I have vertical nail ridges and brittle nails. I got all my levels checked. I had low vitamin D. Thyroid and iron levels were fine. Dermatologist told me about the b vitamins that may help me. I have also struggled with mood and sleep so I went to the OB. I was put on birth control and finally my nails are growing and not breaking. My hair was also breaking but just in the crown area. I’m hopeful the hair will stop breaking too. This was a 5 year journey for me to get healthy nails. I still have mild nail ridges.

[@funeats8201]

I’ve had these annoying ridges since childhood and I do also have a type of anemia called thalassemia. Did not realize that was the cause until now, thanks Dr Dre!

[@hithere8140]

Same here🫤

[@Claudialupper]

Two months ago I started taking collagen powder every morning. I am a middle aged woman past menopause. For me it made an intense difference. My nails are growing and not splitting anymore. My toenails are growing even faster than my fingernails. I had mild vertical ridges on my ring fingers, but those are not as pronounced now. For reference I went carnivore 14 months ago; of course the benefits from that have been astounding, yet my nails were still weak and dry until I started collagen. It may not work for everyone; many people argue that collagen is useless. In my case it helped my nails and hair, although I started it for my joints (which are less sore).

[@acanarynamedrobyn4543]

collagen caused me no end of digestive distress. for many days. and I took half the recommended dose!

[@luanneneill2877]

Same thing happened with me- same story exactly!! Yay carnivore!!

[@ElenaGilbert208]

What collagen do you take?

[@luanneneill2877]

@@ElenaGilbert208 I know you’re asking OP, but thought I’d answer, too. I use Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides. I buy it from Sam’s Club, as they have the best price and I have a membership. I stock up several times a year when they have them on sale, giving me further savings.

[@luckym5198]

Which Collagen brand are you taking

[@norniea]

Yes! Nurses, doctors, hairdressers always have their hands in water, often we dont wear gloves, so...lots of handwashing= vertical nail ridges.😊 (Im bad about picking at my cuticles!)

[@chicanica64]

After 30+ years as an RN my nails show it. O have vertical nail ridges. 😢

[@DeborahGrantham-xh6dn]

Yes, worked in surgery and scrubbed for surgery several times each day. Also many times as I just worked. Nails are a mess.

[@angelaofalltrades]

11 years doing hair, and it shows.

[@sharonmitchel1377]

Retired so spend lots of time in the garden thus lots of handwashing. 2 doctors have told me it is aging.

[@stillinhere]

After my hysterectomy, this started happening. I couldn’t seem to find any information about what specifically caused this. Thanks for this. It’s been 7 years, but I’m glad to know this now.

[@Goldgoodnesscan]

Maybe get your thyroid checked. I have graves and didn’t know until last year. I got these ridges after my last child. Good luck. W

[@shannalynnmeighan347]

Hello, Dr. Dray. I have Anemia and I also do aggressive manicures on myself all the time. Thank you for this informative video. The mystery of vertical nail ridges is now not so mysterious. I will order the Kerasal nail treatment ASAP on Amazon. Thanks again Dr. Dray, you are the best and I hope you are monetized and that You Tube is paying you well. You are so nice ! 💅💅

[@QuiltingMawmaw]

I was a hairdresser for 37 years and my hands were wet so much of the time, totally makes sense! Thanks I’m gonna try some of your remedies for improvement.

[@sandrakendrick176]

Castor Oil on my nails nightly has helped so much!!

[@stlounsbury]

I have done these recommendations from Dr. Dray and eliminated the horizontal ridges on my thumbs. The vertical ridges are better too but still there, they probably take longer to flush out. A low dose multivitamin with minerals immediately went to work on the horizontal ridges, like immediately, that week. I also wonder if, to increase blood flow (overall and to the nail beds) we should also increase foods that don’t block iron, and foods that increase nitrous oxide (cabbage, broccoli, kale, mustard greens, radishes, etc. & not cooked too long so that sulforaphanes don’t get destroyed). I’m trying this. Can’t hurt. Thanks Doctor 🙏

[@Bozzface]

Quarter teaspoon of cayenne pepper (not chilli pepper) in water before a meal helps blood circulation also. Niacin does too but it can cause flushing if you take too much.

[@scarlettg6136]

Thank you much for the valuable information . As a current and future lifelong chemotherapy patient, my nails have become a major problem and concern. Neuropathy and anemia are probably the culprits. But regardless of cause, your remedies seem doable. Your video on skin and nail care while on chemo is my next watch.❤❤❤

[@Christian-cp1ks]

Why on earth would you be on life long chemo???? Check out natural remedies for your problem. Drs don’t know anything natural!!!!! It’s what GOD gave us!!!

[@ny3683syr]

Excellent video. TY for getting directly to the point. I have forwarded the video to my adult son who recently noticed nail ridges on one hand only. He is a painting contractor.

[@Quitey73]

I'm really glad I watched this video. I was watching it for myself, but I do my autistic sons nail trimming and now I know I don't have to be concerned about his cuticles growing up around his nails. I aways thought that needed to be pushed back. I wasn't cutting them as that's where the hangnails come from. But just pushing them back isn't necessary either. So good to know.

[@annhester9055]

I suffer from weak nails and nail ridges surely due to bad manicure practices(cutting cuticles) and a profession which involves excessive had washing. I use the vaseline/glove therapy technique but there's one thing that works better. In the 80's Heloise had a hints column in newspapers and magazines. Her hint was to buff your nails with a chamois buffer (or just buff them on your jeans) several times a day. This speaks to your point about increasing circulation under the nail plate. I have found this to be the single most affective therapy for strengthening my nails. The problem is taking the time and being committed to doing it.

[@sheila7221]

Good ole Heloise! Thanks for reminding me of her. Somewhere I have a little "Hints from Heloise" paperback. And Erma Bombeck always had sage advice back in the days when things mattered.😉🤠

[@JeanieD]

I’ve been hypothyroid for about 3 decades now (on meds) , and now I’ve been diagnosed with very high blood pressure, very low B12, very low iron (anemia), and yes, I have vertical nail ridges.

[@gisselldow2102]

I have hypothyroid too for at least 10 years (was diagnosed 10 years ago but I might have had it longer) and I have vertical nail ridges too. I have it under control but the ridges don't go away. They've been vertical for decades.

[@glozano1967]

@@gisselldow2102same.

[@AugustLoves]

​@@gisselldow2102 Me too! I wonder why treatment doesn't seem to apply to nails. I have accepted them as a fact of life now.

[@mrsmom885]

So glad I found this video. I have been wondering why my nails have such deep ridges in them now. Have been taking thyroid medication for years and have never been told it can cause this to happen. You learn something new every day!

[@scoobydadog246]

@@mrsmom885 May not be related. I think everyone, , especially as we get older, have some degree of vertical ridging in the nails. People without thyroid issues too. Kind of like nail wrinkles, :) Some people have worse, and things like a lot of hand washing, etc. can exacerbate .

[@billgaston487]

Thank you Dr Dray. You're doing a wonderful community service. Your videos are very clear, factual, and helpful. No sign of the fluff and show business razzamataz seen in some "medical" offerings. What you say you're offering, you deliver. I'm impressed and have subscribed.

[@lynnpardo]

I am in the medical field and this was best overview . Maybe boring but was factual

[@fistikita]

Not boring at all. When you are looking for real information on the topic, everythig she says is interesting. This vid is not for entertainment but to get information from a medical professional like Dr. Dray.

[@ironicly__iconic]

​@@fistikita her delivery is robotic 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@bobkelley8291]

In my 70's with some blocked arties, so i see nail ridges is the least of my problems, but now I know so thank you.

[@law2859]

Best explanation of vertical ridge causes and how to fix them.... thanks so much.

[@leannet3854]

That might explain why my big toes used to be ridged… poor circulation and impacted when I used to wear court shoes, high heels for work. Those toenails are very healthy now as I havent worn closed toe heels for a long time now.

[@Samsara2408]

I used few drops of castor oil on the nail , worked very well

[@brigidlaffey7343]

Try adding a few drops of Clove Bud Essential Oil and/or Oregano

[@brokenbravo83]

Noticed large vertical ridges on my thumbs after I started having seizures in my late 30's. Three maybe four large ridges on right thumb and two on left thumb, actually had such a pronounced ridge that I smashed my thumb and cracked my nail vertically. Every time I used it, it would click together and was a sharp jolt of pain going up forearm. Long-term superglue and duct tape until it grew out but ridges are still there and very pronounced causing a weak point next to it

[@jilbertb]

Use a piece of coffee filter or tea bag on your nail with th he super glue. Try a few layers for extra strength. I was actually able to grow out the split.

[@brigidlaffey7343]

Superglue wont be good for your toxicity levels 😮

[@brokenbravo83]

Hopes and dreams wont hold it together so superglue it is... Your concern is a few drops of superglue on the exterior of a broken nail will raise toxicity levels? My list of medications is more a concern tbh

[@alexateresa7641]

Thank you for this video. All my nails toes included seemed to change over night and i was getting nervous about it, i mean i still kind of am 😅 but i do feel a lot better about them overall and really appreciate info like this provided easily because sometimes seeing a doctor isn’t possible and then your just left worrying for lord knows how long and now I’m able to worry less

[@jenv9782]

I got a fungal infection from a nail salon as did my dermatologist. Nails had lifted and I had to cut them back all the way. It's been a three year journey during which I had hand trauma bilaterally which hindered in clearing up the fungus, and then broke my wrist adding more insult to injury. I still have a little in L hand fingers, and the fungus keeps trying to grow back in my thumb nails which also have the vertical nail ridges. I have never gone back to a nail salon, as I never see them sanitizing their equipment and are evasive and don't answer questions about the cleaning process. I have seen them clip and clean toenails and then go to another person's fingernails. UGGHH.

[@KMx108]

I have an autoimmune condition and when i took prednisone, my nails were absolutely amazing. Prednisone is such a harsh drug, though.

[@brigidlaffey7343]

Yes, it’s dreadful! Not to mention highly addictive, and destructive to skin etc. Not worth the short-lived nail benefits. It’s a Steroid after all 😮

[@MYOB100]

Thanks for presenting a lot of information clearly ,without a bunch of unnecessary blather.

[@dmhq-administration]

Had ridges most of My life with no other health issues!

[@SereneWillow8]

This is the video that I’ve been waiting for! Thank you Dr Dray 😊

[@ejeanroh377]

This is good info! Thank you! I never knew that my hypothyroidism could be a cause plus I frequently push my cuticles back! I will stop that. Good video.

[@janeburkhart4051]

Watch The Salon Life for great nail care information. Ana explains what the proximal nail fold (incorrectly called the cuticle by many people) is and what the cuticle is.

[@littlebobas9656]

I have had very flat, incredibly thin and bendy, ridged AND pitted nails since birth. They can be painful if they peel too much and i am prone to the first fingernail lifting which can be sore. I saw a derm as a child and was given a cream to try that had a distinctive smell but it didn't do much of anything to help. I'm 44 now and just live with them. I will say though i have always been incredibly anaemic, b12 deficient along with vitamin d deficien too along with very dry skin and eczema. It sucks but it is what it is.

[@brigidlaffey7343]

Any dr that says your condition is “just old age is not worth their salt!

[@Meskarune]

I got ridges from severe anemia and getting iron infusions helped me.

[@margiestevens2384]

I had bad anxiety in childhood and chewed my nails. I now know that kept them wet and damaged the nail beds. Then I went into healthcare, specifically as a surgical technician. This meant over three decades of having my hands scrubbed multiple times daily and in harsh chemicals. From there to being a pharmacist. More chemicals and hand scrubbing. Now I’m retired and hoping your suggestions will help me get decent nails.😂

[@verily360]

Ridges since early 30s. Hairdresser. Rheumatoid Arthritis plus osteoporosis now in 60s

[@brigidlaffey7343]

Interestingly - those toxic chemical hair dyes are known - research statistics - probably well superseded in percentages by now - to be responsible for a 60% greater chance of R.A. And that’s for those who dye their hair. You worked with them, immersed in them, and in my observations - the vast majority of hairdressers dye their hair also.

[@martar8088]

I feel pushing back gently the cuticles to unstick them from the nail plate works for me, otherwise the nail grows with the cuticle stuck to it and it breaks causing nailtags. Is this theory wrong? Why is it bad to do it? Would be good to understand 😊

[@supkirsten]

Thank you for this video. Patience and Vaseline it is 💙💙💙

[@meggieprice]

Nails are so key to indicating our health! 💜💜💜

[@DrDrayzday]

exactly!

[@GeogriaPeach]

My nails changed when I was around 5-7 years old. During teen years my nails lifted off the bed. Also they also were pitted. Over the years my nails calmed down. I'm 72 now, had ridges all of my life.

[@lullabylin]

I have psoriatic arthritis and my nails have been messed up for years. My PCP diagnosed me when I showed him my nails. Went to rheumatologist and had all kinds of labs and imaging studies. They also diagnosed the same thing. Toenails are also a mess and I have “tailor’s nails” there where they grow more narrow at the top half, looking like a pyramid shape or triangle. Have had them cut out twice and they keep growing back. Also sometimes get alopecia and have to get injections in the big bald spots. I was on mild chemo for a while and it helped somewhat. Then was on Otezla for a couple years until Medicare wanted me to pay $2K per month as my share! Haha. Living on Social Security with a sick hubby who I’m the caregiver for and no $$ for expensive meds. Oh, I also have had hypothyroidism for almost 50 years. It’s treated but it goes up and down over the years. You seem like an excellent physician with common sense info and very helpful info … thank you!

[@welcome2thedawn953]

Me too. My Otezla cost was $5000 per month. It stopped working. I'm currently trying Cosentyx. They have a prescription co-pay support plan.

[@mariavotto6069]

Thx, Dr. Dray. My ridges started one finger at a time right around perimenopause and now all fingers and thumbs have them - the middle fingers are bad enough that the nail splits right down the middle. I've had all the tests and levels taken and all is fine...just "age", I'm told. I'm fine keeping them short for guitar playing but would just love to have the pre-ridge nails back. Will try your suggestions! xo

[@ileanagarcia-soto5449]

The same is happening to me. It started in my pinky fingers.

[@Mb2IseeU]

Mine started with my thumbs at about 35 yo

[@Apfelkaninchen]

I don't know. It started early with me and I am nowhere near to being middle aged. Age is usually what they say when they don't know anything else. Don't give up hope to find the true cause.

[@shaunagingrich8740]

Mine started the same way but I just found out I have anemia.

[@mariavotto6069]

@@shaunagingrich8740I tested for that too - but did not have. I’m sorry to hear you do and hope any treatments you are prescribed helps❤

[@stevefiorito5379]

When your nails are thin and brittle ... and have vertical ridges, it is very difficult to grow them out ... I haven't been able to do that for most of my life. Also, when the nail gets long enough, the slightest snag on a thread or such on your clothing can cause a split. I've gone to a dermatologist for this without any effective treatment. I haven't tried the Kerasal yet, so I can give that a shot, but won't that interfere with the application of the petroleum jelly?

[@monicacollins8289]

I've found that if I use a clear base coat, then nail polish (let set overnight), then a second app of polish, then clear top coat...my nails don't split vertically, don't snag, and they grow out nicely. They are stronger too. No pricey salons, simply done at home. Double Duty Base and Top Coat by Sally Hansen works well. Good luck.

[@TheEagleslover]

Happy Thursday everyone!

[@annploetz8916]

Thank you. I don't have bad ridges but I hope you've helped. I have several of the different reasons I may have them.

[@tonyj4271]

Have a great Thursday everyone!

[@DrDrayzday]

Happy Thursday!

[@luci_lene]

My nails changed a lot since I moved from a tropical climate to live in cold Canada. They break so easily and these lines show up during the winter months.

[@marlenecheladyn6450]

Depends on where in Canada you are. Humid climates affect your nails in a good way. The dry prairies can be brutal. Make sure you take a large dose of vit D especially in the winter. And wear gloves in the winter.

[@luci_lene]

@marlenecheladyn6450 living in the Prairies 💀

[@davemilster]

I am a mid 60 yr old male. About 15 years ago I developed a single ridge on one fingernail. I’m healthy overall so the other causes are not an issue. This ridge runs deep enough that the nail will split at the ridge longitudinally up to an 1/8 inch(4mm) from the end. Then this will snag on clothing or certain surfaces splitting it even further. I do not mess with cuticles ever. When a split occurs I have to cut the nail as short as possible. I then apply a layer of Nu Skin over the top of the split and the edge of the nail. This holds it together until the nail grows out enough the split gets trimmed off. Multiple drs have told me that damage to the area which grows the nail is likely the cause and there is no treatment to “fix” the ridge & splitting. I was hopeful your video would have a good solution. I will try the Vaseline & glove tip. But I’m unclear exactly where on the nail or cuticle to apply it. On the cuticle? On the main nail? Thanks in advance.

[@davidcelliott]

I had a cyst near the cuticle that caused a deep ridge for a few years. I don't remember what my doctor gave me to treat it, but once it went away, the ridge stopped growing.

[@VeronicaMiller-r8s]

I have been asking my GP for years what is causing the vertical nail ridges. He has no idea and said not to worry about it. I have hypothyroidism and have been taking meds for it for years. I'm also loosing my hair.

[@jackietrice895]

I started taking thyroid medicine and my hair had to be cut to the new growth due to severe breaking and shedding. For two years everything went well and my hair grow back.Soon after my insurance company started sending my thyroid medicine from another company. My hair started falling out and breaking.The doctors won't listen to you because they say thyroid medicine won't take your hair out but make it grow.I am living proof that is not true.😢There are so many stories on the internet about women losing their hair with thyroid medicine.I also have ridges on my nails.

[@josiel152]

thanks for this info Dr. very helpful as all my fingernails were ridged and big problem with the ends splitting. This will help

[@jenny-ub9tc]

How about ridges in a finger nail that had a crush injury to the finger tip? the finger has fully recovered, has full feeling but the nail has deep ridges. Is there anything that can to done in this case?

[@Blahkishma]

What is your explanation for nail ridges only in the toenails that have been around since about puberty?

[@terriharvey1053]

CASTOR OIL is greatly improving the condition of my nails and cuticles

[@heatherlentz5872]

I’ve been taking oral liquid silica for a while now and my nails have been really healthy ever since.

[@NatalieG427]

I also have nails that curl under at the tips as my nails are flat as opposed to rounded out. Nurses haven’t been able to tell hat the dal is. Sometimes though they will straighten back out & I have no Idea what I did right for that to happen.

[@pjmiller8632]

Causes: - wet work, hand exposure to detergent, wear gloves - micronutrient deficiency, watch her other video as there may be several - use Vaseline on your nails, wear gloves after applying as long as possible, or sleep with them on- - use a product to retain water in nail plate, such as Kerasal nail repair - keep nails trimmed short for improvement - don’t cut your cuticles, allows bacteria to infect your nails - be patient, it takes 6 months for nails to grow out after applying suggestions - watch her nail supplement video next - don’t forget to subscribe! 🎉

[@melodieneil712]

I’ve had vertical ridges for 55 years. I suspect it’s b/c I have to push my cuticles back. If I don’t, they grow up my nail beds and look awful and I get hang nails, which hurt and bleed when they catch on things 😢 Vaseline helps w dryness and I’m a very healthy eater. Anyone, any ideas? I’m all ears

[@davidshabas3839]

Happy Thursday Dr Dray so excited to be here i live for this ❤️

[@DrDrayzday]

Morning!

[@reneebarger5194]

My nails have gone brittle & ridged from chemotherapy. One nurse told me to apply 2-3 coats of clear polish to help & prevent nail loss.

[@Wanderlust.428]

Thanks for posting Dr Dray!💛🌻. Now I understand why my manicure never looks smooth and my nail polish has all the streaks and ridges.

[@DrDrayzday]

Thanks for watching!

[@natnat_o3]

Use a buffer

[@Katepwe]

@@natnat_o3buffers are damaging to the nail plate, as per The Salon Life (videos on KZbin)

[@laurenl9762]

Try a Ridge Filling Basecoat! They are thicker and give you a smooth surface to paint on. Unless you are using nail enhancements, filing/buffing nails is subtracting material from the natural nail and makes your nails thinner and weaker. That could lead to damage that is more complicated to address than the original ridges.

[@Junmaisi]

That's true I have anemia and low iron

[@Jinglesong]

Thank you, once again for a well-delivered and informative video. Your chemo tips were extremely helpful to me so I know this will be too.

[@HerculeseBaby]

Started to have the nail ridges around 39-40 yrs old. Now 10 years later I’m just used to it and use a nail filler when I polish them at home. Also when I get gel nails at the salon it’s not noticeable afterwards - but probably not as healthy 😝 ugh

[@guylainedesmarais3248]

Thank you! You always give such good information!

[@shopgirlonthehill6714]

just saw a video on estrogen cream for facial wrinkles. Haven't watched it yet. Do you have any info on this? 🙂

[@dorisbetts3012]

I have had this for decades. I am 61. I also have hypermobility. Which is a hereditary connective tissue disorder. I am wondering if the two are connected.

[@susiemitchell1198]

Wearing fake nails for 20 years straight caused my vertical nail ridges. 6 years after I stopped, it's still there.

[@CAEO416]

Warm nail soaks with Jojoba oil once a week and Kerasal cream at night has saved my nails. The salon Life KZbin channel goes into depth on nail care.

[@camellia8625]

Very helpful info thanks

[@vidz953]

Love The Salon Life! She's lovely.

[@dianneporter542]

I'm a huge fan of The Salon Life

[@kathyverrelli5170]

I had great hair, skin and nails when I was juicing. I even had compliments from healthcare professionals. That was years ago. I guess I need to find my juicer in storage and start up again.

[@kellymcdonell9687]

What kinds of things did you juice?

[@kathyverrelli5170]

@@kellymcdonell9687 I tried a variety of fruits and vegetables with an emphasis on greens that increased iron to build up the blood and vitamin C, all good for skin, hair and nails, like green apples, celery, carrots, beets, lemons, oranges, grapefruit , ginger, spinach, kale, cucumber, to name a few. My juicer came with a book of recipes. I purchased another one, as well. The best part is using your own creativity to come up with your own special drinks.

[@clarehagley2165]

I got these after taking Ozempic. It was one of the first side effects I got. I also went down 3-4 ring sizes.

[@desireelevesque634]

I, my mom and all 3 of my siblings have had vertical nail ridges throughout our entire lives. I'm guessing that if it's a known feature, it's not necessarily an anomaly or a marker of a tragic underlying health concern. I was told I was anemic when I was in basic training for the Navy at 21, but there were a lot of factors that likely went into that and I haven't had a problem in the 23 years since.

[@Beapoem0802]

Great SEO, Dr. Dray! 😂 I think I will never hear the term “vertical nail ridges” the same.

[@Brassy49er]

Poor blood flow! I’ve recently been diagnosed with artery disease; so apparently it started about 6 yrs ago when my nail ridges started showing up and are now full on every nail. Wish I had known at that time I could’ve paid more attention to my health.

[@akhrie3069]

O god, I really needed this. Thankyou

[@PurpleNurse]

EXCELLENT info, Dr. Dray! Much appreciated! :)

[@Mjtntr466]

What about genetics? My grandmother, mother, and I all have ridges, especially on our thumbs.

[@AnastaciaBurns]

My Nana and my mom both had nail ridges. Their thumb shapes were the same too!

[@Mcgturtle3]

Same

[@valeriepowell6891]

My mom and I have had ridged thumbnails our whole lives. Our other nails always smooth and strong. I’m sure it’s just genetic for us.

[@kathhollandful]

I thought I inherited mine from my grandmother.

[@dmhq-administration]

SAME!

[@same5952]

Good to know why. Thank you.

[@cathyellington7599]

Dr Dray, my nail ridges are really bad. My nails also split and peel. I have osteoarthritis in my hands and the nodules are very large on my fingers and hands. My nails started to change shape and became very distorted from the normal shape. I did read where the pressure from the nodules could interfere with the nerve and blood supply to my nails. Can I still get some improvement by doing the things you recommended even though I have these issues?

[@hannahmore9118]

I found out, painfully, that nail polish or laquer causes my nails to separate from the nail bed. I assumed it was the formaldehyde in a lot of nail polish products, but found that "natural" nail products did the same. So no polish, no fake nails of any type. I foubd this post very helpful. I started taking gelatin every day and that solved a lot of the splitting and breakage. But that causes the cuticle right at the edges to harden cause ingrown edges. So I backed off. I have just been polishing the nail ridges down with buffing but there are a few nails that split on a ridge more easily with the thinned buffed nail. The vaseline trick was new to me. I added castor oil to my shampoo and seemingly overnight my hair texture changed to thicker and wavy. I will try castor oil on my hands with gloves tonight to see if that works. Don't like using petrolium products on my body.

[@jaycreswell7008]

Formaldehyde is natural...

[@debbiekotch6006]

I've got em. They come and go. Whatcha got for me Dr. Dray? Thanks

[@benniececiliamattox7426]

Good video! Most skin experts ignore nails and how to treat them. Are you suggesting rubber gloves or cotton?

[@susangrande8142]

Probably rubber gloves for doing household chores where you’re using liquids.

[@auberjean6873]

Cotton overnight w cream or petroleum jelly.

[@sandrak.robbins6305]

Thank you. I have boise lines, and have not gotten any information what has caused them that make any sense. Is it from stress?

[@marylawman8603]

Thanks, Dr Dray! I've had these since I was a young teen. However, my nails aren't brittle. They're super strong! I don't get manicures, keep my nails super short and was diagnosed with hoshimoto's thyroiditis in my 30's. I'm also Vit D and B6 deficient. The fact that I first noticed them in my teens makes me wonder if they could possibly be genetic since my mom had them too? Either way, thanks for the information. Happy Thursday, Dr Dray! I hope you have a nice evening. ❤

[@tomlinson1107]

Same! My nails have been ridged and super strong my whole life. Dad had them, maternal grandmother had them. My mom never had them until she was older, and her nails have always been weak and tear like paper. Sometimes these oddities are just part of who you are. 🤷‍♀️😊

[@marylawman8603]

Yep, I agree. They don’t bother me a bit. They’re just another part of me. ☺️

[@catmomjewett]

If I don’t push my cuticles, the skin at the sides tears and can get inflamed. I will try some of this advice & see if that changes. My hands are in dishwater most of the day. I had started manicuring when I found this video. So, three of my fingers are still safe! 😅

[@claudiasmith9117]

Good morning Dr Dray ❤

[@DrDrayzday]

Morning!

[@queenofstitcheswarrior2668]

I had anemia several times due to low iron in Crohns . Do they normally heal when the issue like anemia/ low iron is solved? Cause they only gotten worse, some really thick ridges that chip my nail on the free edge. My nails are strong and healthy now since all vitamins/minerals are balanced but the lines stay, chipping is less as long as I keep them short. I use hand moisturizer (Cerave) after every wash and at night I use Laroche Posay Urea cream and lanoline nipple cream on top, it works really well to keep them strong

[@elenbrandt290]

As always.... there when I need you... Thanks!

[@cdg8148]

Regarding thyroid disease; Once the thyroid level is normalized with levothyroxine will the ridges resolve?

[@lullyoliva8602]

I don’t think so. My mom has been taking that for years and her nails have lots of ridges.

[@WolfRoss]

Mine started after having a bleeding ulcer where my hemoglobin went from 15 to 5. They are very slowly getting better. Is there something I should be taking to get more blold flow to my nails?

[@jq5594]

Can you cover the other reasons for fingernail fungus? For the last 2 years, my dermatologist has been treating it. I’ve been put on several heavy duty meds including Lamasil, but still no improvement. The only conclusion is that it must be a drug resistant fingernail fungus. No other mention of other reasons have been alluded. And yes, I’ve recently developed longitudinal nail ridges on my thumb nails that split. Derm says it’s just old age.

[@ncreader]

It was suggested that the ridges on my nails was caused by having acrylic nails for over 20 years. Is there any data that points to acrylic nails causing ridges?