Vertical stripes, horizontal stripes: What do they mean?

Vertical ridges  —running from the base of the nail to the tip—are the most common . The good news is that they’re often completely normal,  especially with age . Like wrinkles on the skin, they develop when cell turnover slows. So, it’s more a matter of maturity than pathology.

However, if these grooves become more pronounced, if the nails become brittle or change color, this could  indicate a mild deficiency  (in iron, zinc, or vitamin B) or  dehydration of the nail  . Nothing serious, but it deserves a  little nutritional boost .

Horizontal lines—so-called Beau’s lines—should be closely observed . They usually indicate a temporary slowdown in nail growth, often related to a significant event: a high fever, significant stress, or a recovery period. In short, they mark a  “standstill” experienced by the body .

Visible defects on the nails

Do you eat on the go and forget vegetables or iron-rich foods?  Your nails can suffer the consequences . A deficiency in nutrients such as iron, zinc, or biotin can weaken the nail matrix. The result: ridges, as well as brittle, soft, or uneven nails.

Consider incorporating foods like  lentils, eggs, nuts  , and  leafy greens  into your meals. It’s not a cure-all, but your nails (and hair!) will thank you.