Why You Might Have Vertical Ridges on Your Fingernails If you’ve noticed faint or deep vertical lines running from the base to the tip of your nails, you’re not alone. These are called vertical nail ridges, and they often become more visible with age—especially after 40. What Causes Them?

1. Aging: As we age, our nail growth slows and becomes uneven, leading to ridges—similar to how our skin wrinkles.
2. Dryness: Aging skin and nails lose moisture, making ridges more noticeable. Frequent handwashing and harsh soaps can worsen this.
3.