Lots of things can result in bumpy and ridged nails, like manicure technique (for example, using nail drills), vitamin deficiencies (like protein, vitamin A, zinc and calcium), hormonal changes and potentially even picking your cuticles. If ridges are bothering you, you might consider investing in a ridge-filling base coat to create a smoother surface for nail polish, but nail artist and content creator Sadie Jordan thinks that their effectiveness depends on how severe the ridges are. “If you have shallow or very minimal ridges, these base coats can easily fill them in and provide you with a smooth, even base before you apply colour,” says Jordan, but if your ridges are a bit deeper, a base coat like this might not cut it. Instead, Jordan suggests opting for a higher viscosity product such as builder gel (BIAB) to resurface the nail plate and enhance your natural nails.
