Understanding Vertical Nail Ridges
Vertical ridges, also called longitudinal striations, are raised lines that extend from the cuticle to the nail tip. They can vary in depth and number and often become more noticeable with age.
Just like skin loses elasticity and hair turns gray, nails undergo structural changes over time. The production of keratin—the protein that forms nails—may slow down or become uneven, creating ridges.
