It’s easy to overlook your nails — until you notice something unusual.

Like vertical ridges running from the cuticle to the tip.

If you’ve started seeing lines on your fingernails, you’re not alone.

According to Dr. Ross Perry, a dermatologist and skin health expert at Cosmedics, nail changes are common — and in most cases, not a cause for concern.

But sometimes, ridges can offer subtle clues about your overall health — from nutrition to hydration and beyond.

Let’s break down what causes nail ridges, when to pay attention, and when to simply accept them as part of aging — so you can feel informed, not anxious.