Wavy nails are a problem that many people face. They can be a sign of health issues, but often result from improper nail care. Learn about the causes of wavy nails, how to treat this condition, and how to properly apply UV nail polish.

Longitudinal and Transverse Ridges on Nails – What Causes Wavy Nail Plates?

Some ridges are completely natural and merely a cosmetic defect. In such cases, you can mask the changes on your nails with skillful application of UV nail polish. However, sometimes wavy nails indicate health issues (such as nutritional deficiencies, diabetes, lichen planus) or improper care leading to damage to the nail matrix. If you notice ridges on your nails, it’s crucial to determine their cause.

Wavy Nails – Longitudinal Ridges

As mentioned, there are various reasons for wavy nails. First, identify what type of ridges are present on your nails. Causes of longitudinal ridges on nails include:

• Natural Aging: Longitudinal ridges can occur in older people, which is a normal process.
• Hormonal Imbalances: Hormones significantly affect nail health; high thyroid hormone levels can cause longitudinal ridges.
• Nutritional Deficiencies: Lack of essential nutrients in the diet can lead to nail problems, including waviness. Magnesium, zinc, and calcium are particularly important.
• Dehydration: Wavy nails can be a sign of dehydration. Water is essential for overall health, including strong and healthy nails.
• Stress and Illness: Wavy nails can also be a symptom of illnesses such as anemia, cardiovascular diseases, digestive disorders, skin diseases, or rheumatoid arthritis.

If you have longitudinal ridges on your nails, examine your health, lifestyle, and daily habits, as these changes may indicate adverse factors. Consider visiting your GP for basic tests to confirm or rule out any conditions.

Wavy Nails – Transverse Ridges

Horizontal ridges, known as Beau's lines, can also form on the nails. These ridges never occur naturally. Possible causes include:

• Severe Mechanical Injury: Ridges can appear due to damage to the matrix or nail bed. Without treatment, they may recur.
• Habitual Picking and Pulling of Cuticles: This can lead to ridges, nail deterioration, and inflammation if the skin is broken.
• Improper Nail Care: Including incorrect filing or using cuticle pushers.
• Frequent Contact with Strong Detergents.
• Fungal Nail Infections: These affect the nail shape and may cause such ridges.

Fortunately, in these cases, there is a good chance to restore the nails' appearance and health after eliminating the cause.

How to Treat Transverse and Longitudinal Ridges on Nails?

As already mentioned, treatment depends on the cause of the ridges. Therefore, identifying the cause is crucial.

• Nutritional Deficiencies: If ridges result from deficiencies, appropriate supplementation is necessary. The body will need time to recover, but the ridges will move up with the natural nail growth process.
• Nail Matrix Damage: If the matrix is damaged, ridges will appear regularly, and the nail may grow deformed or stop growing altogether. Visiting a doctor for appropriate treatment is necessary.
• Aging and Chronic Diseases: Longitudinal ridges due to age or chronic diseases won’t disappear. The only option is masking them by smoothing the nail plate and applying a suitable base.
• Fungal Infections: For fungal infections causing transverse ridges, avoid using base coats or UV nail polish. Visit a dermatologist for treatment. Once treated, the problem should resolve.

How to Perform a Manicure on Wavy Nails?

Applying UV polish to wavy nails can be more challenging than usual. However, you can smooth the nail plate and reduce the visibility of ridges with the following steps:

1. Prepare Cuticles and Nail Plate: Clean and dry the nails. Gently push back the cuticles and trim if necessary. Shape and file the nails. Buff the nail surface with a fine buffer to reduce ridge visibility. Cleanse with a cleaner.
2. Apply Base Coat: The base is crucial. It protects the nails from staining and enhances the durability of the manicure. It also helps fill in the ridges. Apply a thin layer across the nail and add more product to the ridges if necessary. Cure under a lamp.
3. Choose the Right Base: Use a medium-thick base like Semilac Smoother Base for thin, uneven nails. Rubber bases like BB Base Nude and BB Base Rose or other bases like Fiber Base, Dream Long Base, Mineral Strong Base, Extend Base, Protect & Care Base, or Extend Care 5w1 can also be effective.
4. Apply Top Coat: The top coat adds shine, enhances colour, and prolongs manicure durability by protecting against scratches and chips.

Preventing Longitudinal and Transverse Ridges on Nails

Healthy, strong, and beautiful nails are achievable. Use the above tips and maintain good nail care practices. Avoid past mistakes, maintain a balanced diet, perform regular health checks, and treat any chronic conditions. Be careful during manicures to avoid nail damage.

Conslusion

Wavy nails are a serious issue, often indicating health problems. Knowing the possible causes of ridges on fingernails and how to deal with them is crucial. If the condition persists despite proper care, consult your GP and follow their advice.