Have you noticed faint or deep vertical lines running from the base to the tip of your fingernails? If so, you’re not alone — and you’re certainly not imagining it. These lines, often more noticeable with age, are commonly referred to as
The good news? In most cases, they’re harmless. But sometimes, these changes in your nails can be signs of deeper issues. Let’s take a closer look at why they happen, what they could mean, and how to care for aging nails to keep them strong and healthy.
Vertical ridges, also known as longitudinal striations, are raised lines that run from the cuticle (the base of the nail) to the tip. Some ridges are barely noticeable, while others can be felt clearly when you run your finger across the nail.
It’s a natural part of the body’s aging process. Just as skin starts to show wrinkles and hair begins to gray, the texture and structure of our nails also begin to change. Over time, the cells that form your nails — known as
As we grow older, our body’s ability to regenerate cells slows down. This includes the cells in the nail matrix, which is the base area of your fingernail where growth begins.
When nail cells don’t form as evenly or quickly as they once did, the surface of the nail can become less smooth, causing those visible ridges. For most people, this is
One of the less obvious effects of aging is a loss of
Frequent handwashing, exposure to soap, or working with cleaning products without gloves can make this dryness worse over time.
Another common factor is lack of essential vitamins and minerals
, especially:
As we age, our bodies don’t absorb nutrients as efficiently. That means even if you’re eating well, you might still fall short in certain areas — and your nails could be one of the first places to show it.
If you’ve also been experiencing fatigue, thinning hair, or slow healing, it might be worth speaking to your doctor about possible deficiencies.
In rarer cases, pronounced vertical ridges could be a
If nail ridges are accompanied by other unusual symptoms — such as joint pain, changes in skin texture, or unexplained fatigue — it’s best to have it checked by a healthcare professional.
Although vertical ridges are typically harmless, there are times when they could signal something more serious. You should seek medical attention if your nail ridges are accompanied by:
These may point to a
Early detection matters, so never ignore a sudden or dramatic change in your nail’s appearance.
Even though ridges may be part of aging, there are several ways to care for your nails to minimize their appearance and improve their overall strength:
In one of the most mesmerizing moments ever caught on camera, 29-year-old Japanese flutist Yukie Ota was performing Pierre Sancan’s “Sonatine” during the 2015 Carl Nielsen International Flute Competition in Denmark when a stunning peacock butterfly suddenly landed right on her face — and stayed there for more than a minute.
Most musicians might have flinched or faltered. Yukie didn’t move an inch.
With incredible grace and composure, she continued her flawless performance, every note as pure as if nothing had happened.
The audience was in awe, and the judges could hardly believe what they were witnessing — a masterclass not just in musical skill, but in total professionalism.
The surreal moment, captured on video, quickly went viral online, gaining over 3 million views across multiple platforms.
Viewers from around the world praised her calm demeanor and focus, calling it “the most beautiful duet between a human and nature.”
Today, Yukie Ota’s performance remains one of the most memorable moments in classical competition history – a perfect reminder that sometimes, the most magical performances are the ones you never plan.