Research shows white lines on your fingernails or spooning often tie to anemia or nutritional shortfalls. The daily frustration of lines on your fingernails altering nail shape can affect how you feel about your hands in meetings or social settings.
Brittle nails with lines on your fingernails come next.
7.
Brittle nails with tearing lines on the nails
A fitness instructor named Emily felt her nails tear slightly every time she exercised. Brittle texture and lines on her nails usually indicate dehydration,
Constant breakage and lines on your nails can make you avoid showing your hands, adding emotional stress to the physical discomfort.
| Types of lines on nails | Possible cause | Key tip |
|---|---|---|
| Vertical ridges | Aging or dehydration | Fine lines from root to tip |
| Horizontal (Beau’s) | Illness or stress | Deep grooves on the nails |
| Deep grooves/multiple | Protein deficiency | Cracks on several nails |
| With color changes | Infection or anemia | Brown, yellow or white marks |
| Spoon-shaped/White | Iron deficiency | Curved or faint lines |
| Brittle with cleavage | Vitamin or thyroid problems | Breaking along the line |
| Normal smooth lines | Natural aging | Light back pain, no pain |
Simple tips to strengthen your nails and reduce nail wrinkles
You’re probably wondering if there’s anything you can do about those lines on your nails right now. Small daily habits can improve the strength of your nails and make the lines less noticeable over time.