Ridges and White Spots on Nails: What They Mean and When You Can Still Get a Manicure
Common causes of ridges, white spots and dents, which are harmless, which need a doctor, and when gel is fine.
Ảnh: Bru-nO / Pixabay
Ridges, white spots or horizontal dents are common. Most are harmless, but a few deserve a doctor’s look. How to tell them apart and when a manicure is still fine. For general information only, not a diagnosis.
Vertical ridges
Fine ridges from base to tip are very common and increase with age and dryness. See a doctor if only one nail has a thick ridge, a brown or black line, or splits along it. Gel is fine on ordinary ridges; base coat fills them — no heavy filing.
White spots
Small scattered spots usually come from minor knocks to the nail base weeks earlier and grow out. A fully chalky, thick, crumbly or smelly nail may be fungal — see a doctor. Patchy whiteness right after gel removal is dehydration and fades in days.
Horizontal dents
A line across the nail shows growth paused briefly, often after fever, stress or injury. If it appears on many nails without a clear reason, get checked.
Quick guide
| Sign | Manicure? |
|---|---|
| Fine even ridges | Yes |
| Small white spots | Yes |
| Whiteness after removal | Yes, after a few days of moisture |
| Brown or black streak | See a doctor first |
| Thick, yellow, crumbly, smelly | See a doctor, no polish |
| Nail lifting from the bed | See a doctor first |
VESSCA technicians check nails first. They do not diagnose, but will not cover a nail showing signs of infection.
VESSCA is at 251/30 Le Quang Dinh, Gia Dinh ward (Binh Thanh), Ho Chi Minh City, open 9:00–20:30 daily.
Frequently asked questions
What causes vertical ridges?
Usually age and dryness; harmless when fine and even.
Are white spots a problem?
Small scattered spots usually come from minor knocks and grow out.
When should I skip a manicure?
When nails are thick, yellow, crumbly, smelly or lifting — see a doctor.
Related reading
Gel Polish Allergy: Signs, Causes and What to Do
Itching, redness or peeling around the nails after gel may be an allergy. Signs, common causes, next steps and how to lower the…
Nail Biter? You Can Still Get a Manicure — Here Is How
Bitten nails can be done if the skin has no wounds. Three options, the best shapes and colours, and how a manicure can help you…
After a Manicure: When Can You Wash Your Hands, Shower or Swim?
Washing hands right after gel, when to shower, bathe or swim, and habits that keep gel looking good for 2–3 weeks.