If your nails seem to split more, grow more slowly or have picked up fine lines, you are not imagining it. Nails age too, and most of the changes are normal. A few are worth a closer look.
Written by Vita Globe Editorial Team | Reviewed against American Academy of Dermatology guidance, family medicine reviews and peer-reviewed research
Why do nails change as you get older?
Nail growth slows by roughly 0.5% a year from about age 25, and nails often become more brittle, with splitting and lengthwise ridges; brittle nails affect about one in five older adults[1]. Vertical ridges are a normal part of aging[2]. Fungal infections also become more common with age[1].
Caveat: Not every change is age. Deep horizontal grooves, dark streaks, lifting or thickening can have other causes and are worth showing a clinician[3].
Sources: Abdullah & Abbas 2011 · AAFP (Fawcett 2004) · Verified 2026-09-28
In this article
Which nail changes are a normal part of aging?
A review for family doctors describes the most common age-related changes[1]:
- Slower growth. Nail growth drops by about 0.5% a year starting around age 25. On average, fingernails grow about 3mm a month and toenails about 1mm a month.
- Brittleness. Nails become more fragile with age, with splitting, fissuring and lengthwise ridges. Brittle nails affect about one in five older adults.
- Color. Nails can look duller, paler or slightly yellow-gray.
- Thickness. Some nails thicken and some thin; it varies a lot between people.
Vertical ridges (lines running from the cuticle to the tip) are the change people ask about most. They are considered a normal age-related finding[2].
When are nail ridges not just aging?
The direction matters.
| Ridge type | Usually means | Worth checking if |
|---|---|---|
| Vertical (base to tip) | Normal aging[2] | Nails also become rough, thin and dull all over, which can go with skin or hair conditions[2] |
| Horizontal (Beau's lines) | Nail growth was interrupted[3] | You cannot link them to a recent illness, fever or injury |
| Ripples down the thumb | Cuticle picking habit[3] | It does not improve once you stop picking |
For a wider guide, see What Your Nails Can Tell You About Your Health.
Are thick, yellow toenails just age?
Sometimes, but often it is a fungal infection. Nail fungus affects roughly 10% to 20% of adults, is especially common in older people, and accounts for about half of all nail disease in this age group[1]. Thick, yellow nails can also be linked to psoriasis, poor circulation or, rarely, other conditions[3]. A clinician can test a nail clipping before you spend months on the wrong treatment.
How can you protect aging nails?
Because older nails are more fragile, protection matters more than products:
- Wear gloves for dishes, cleaning and gardening; repeated wetting and drying makes nails split.
- Keep nails shorter and file in one direction.
- Moisturize nails and cuticles when you moisturize your hands.
- Do not cut or push back cuticles aggressively; pushing back cuticles can cause a washboard pattern, and damage around the nail can let infections in[3].
- Limit harsh removers and back-to-back gel manicures.
The beauty team's daily habits for stronger nails post goes deeper on daily habits.
Does biotin help brittle nails as you age?
Biotin is the supplement most associated with nails, so here is the honest version (our full write-up is biotin for brittle nails). A dermatology review of the evidence found only a small number of small studies, mostly in people with brittle nails, and concluded that better-quality trials are still needed[4]. The NIH describes the evidence as preliminary: three small studies without placebo groups, with inconsistent results. It also notes that true biotin deficiency, which can cause brittle nails, is rare[5].
Other nutrient gaps, like low iron or protein, can also affect nails, so a varied diet matters more than any one supplement[6]. And if you take high-dose biotin, tell your doctor before blood tests, because it can distort some results[5].
The honest summary
- Slower growth, brittleness and vertical ridges are normal with age[1][2].
- Horizontal grooves, dark streaks and thick yellow nails deserve a look[3].
- Gloves, shorter nails and moisturizer help fragile nails.
- Biotin evidence for nails is limited and mostly relevant if you are deficient[4][5].
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Frequently asked questions
Why are my nails getting ridges as I get older?
Vertical ridges are a normal age-related change as the nail surface becomes less smooth[2][1].
Why do my nails split so easily now?
Nails become more fragile with age, and brittle nails affect about one in five older adults[1]. Frequent wetting and drying makes it worse.
Do nails grow slower as you age?
Yes, by about 0.5% a year from around age 25[1].
Can you get rid of nail ridges?
Vertical ridges from aging do not usually go away, but gentle buffing and moisturizing can make them less noticeable. Do not over-buff, which thins the nail.
How much biotin should I take for nails?
There is no proven dose for nails, and the evidence is limited[4]. See whether 5,000mcg of biotin is safe before choosing a high-dose product.
Sources
- Abdullah L, Abbas O. Common nail changes and disorders in older people: diagnosis and management. Can Fam Physician. 2011;57(2):173-181. www.cfp.ca/content/57/2/173
- Fawcett RS, Linford S, Stulberg DL. Nail abnormalities: clues to systemic disease. Am Fam Physician. 2004;69(6):1417-1424. www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2004/0315/p1417.html
- American Academy of Dermatology Association. 12 nail changes a dermatologist should examine. www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/nail-care-secrets/basics/nail-changes-dermatologist-should-examine
- Lipner SR, Scher RK. Biotin for the treatment of nail disease: what is the evidence? J Dermatolog Treat. 2018;29(4):411-414. doi:10.1080/09546634.2017.1395799
- Office of Dietary Supplements, National Institutes of Health. Biotin: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. Updated January 10, 2022. ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Biotin-HealthProfessional
- Cashman MW, Sloan SB. Nutrition and nail disease. Clin Dermatol. 2010;28(4):420-425. doi:10.1016/j.clindermatol.2010.03.037
About the Vita Globe Editorial Team
The Vita Globe Editorial Team researches and writes our wellness content, working from peer-reviewed research, systematic reviews and guidance from bodies such as the NIH and the FDA. We cite our sources inline and update articles when the evidence changes.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Talk to your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or caring for a child.
