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Are you looking for a nail ridge filler on Amazon to smooth out your nails? Then, here is a breakdown of the top 3 ridge fillers.
What are Nail Ridges?
Ever seen lines go up and down or across your nails? Well, those are called nail ridges. Nail ridges are lines that go vertically up and down your nails and everyone has vertical nail ridges. But why do some nail ridges become more visible? Well, this is a result of two main factors: aging and vitamin deficiencies.
Aging– As you get older, your body does not produce as many natural oils and your collagen production slows down(collagen plays an important role in the structure of your nails). This can cause dry nails which leads to ridges on your natural nails over time.
Vitamin Deficiencies– Deficiencies in vitamins like iron can cause nail ridges to become more visible on your nails. If you think you are struggling with iron deficiencies, talk to your doctor to get supplement/treatment recommendations today.
Note: Horizontal ridges are a sign of damage to the nails or more serious underlying health conditions like thyroid disease. If you want to know more about how the thyroid can affect your nails, read more about it here.
What is a Nail Ridge Filler?
A nail ridge filler is a special type of basecoat you put on your nails that fills in any uneven areas of your nails. When you apply the ridge filler base coat, it will fill in your ridges. This will smooth out your nail bed so that nail polish applies evenly to your nails and you get a more seamless look.
How do You Apply a Nail Ridge Filler?
1 . You prep your nails by removing your cuticles and filing your nails. This just helps any nail enhancement stick better to your nails.
2. You then apply 1-2 coats of ridge filler on your nails as a basecoat and let it dry.
3. You then apply two coats of nail polish and a top coat.
The ridge filler gives nail polish a smooth base to apply so you have an even manicure.
What Ridge Fillers Do You Recommend?
Below are my favorite ridge fillers from Amazon followed by a list of pros and cons to help you decide which is best for your nail needs.
1. Londontown Kur Fortifying Ridge Filler
The Londontown ridge filler applies clear and dries with a matte finish. You can get it from Amazon and is perfect if you want a ridge filler that is barely noticeable. Londontown is also a vegan and cruelty-free brand.
$20
Pros
Dries Fast- This is a fast-drying formula so you are not sitting all day for your nails to dry.
Dries Clear- This gives a natural look. Your ridge filler will go unnoticed.
Good for Deep Ridges- This fills deep ridges well.
Cons
Does Not Conceal Yellow Nails- If you want to wear this alone, it won’t cover any yellowness in your nails.
Key Ingredients: Ethyl Acetate, Butyl Acetate, Isopropyl Alcohol, Acetylated Hydrogenated Castor Glyceride, Adipic Acid/Neopentyl Glycol/Trimellitic Anhydride Copolymer, Nitrocellulose, Cellulose, Talc, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Hydrated Silica, Trimethyl Pentanyl Diisobutyrate, Allium Sativum (Garlic) Bulb Extract, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Flower Extract,
2.OPI Ridge Filler
The OPI ridge filler is a classic and is best if you are looking for a quick filler to use as a base to smooth out your nail polish application.
Pros
Dries Fast- You won’t have to sit all day to wait for your ridge filler to dry.
The White Base for Nail Polish- This will help the nail polish that you apply on top pop.
Cons
The White Base for No Nail Polish- This is not something I would recommend that you wear alone because it leaves a white base. This is great as a base and to apply nail polish on top.
$21
Key Ingredients: Ethyl Acetate, Butyl Acetate, Isopropyl Alcohol, Adipic Acid/Neopentyl Glycol/Trimellitic Anhydride Copolymer, Nitrocellulose, Triphenyl Phosphate, Trimethyl Pentanyl Diisobutyrate, Talc, Hydrated Silica,
3. Dermelect Ridge Filler
The Dermelect ridge filler fills smaller ridges while giving your nails a natural and sheer look.
Pros
Nice pink undertone- This gives a nice natural and sheer look. This can be worn alone and does look like a sheer nail polish.
Can Mask Nail Yellowing- This ridge filler has a pink tint which can help mask yellowing in the nail.
Cons
Works for small ridges- This ridge filler is best for smaller ridges. If your ridges are deeper this product is not best for you.
$18
Key Ingredients: Butyl Acetate, Ethyl Acetate, Nitrocellulose, Adipic Acid/Neopentyl Glycol/Trimellitic Anhydride Copolymer, Acetyl Tributyl Citrate, Isopropyl Alcohol, Stearalkonium Bentonite, Acrylates Copolymer, CI 77891, Mica, Benzophenone-1, Silica, Hexanal, Alcohol Denat., Trimethylpentanediyl Dibenzoate
Based on your needs, pick the best nail ridge filler for you.
FAQs
Does a ridge filler get rid of your nail ridges?
A ridge filler does not remove ridges from your nail plate. What it does is that it gives your nails a smooth surface right before you apply nail polish. It masks any nail imperfections by filling in your ridges.
How do you Reduce Nail Ridges?
The best way to reduce nail ridges is to moisturize your nails daily. Ridges are usually a result of dryness. The best oil to use to reduce nail ridges is vitamin E oil or coconut oil. Using this at least once a day will reduce ridges and give you healthy nails. Check out vitamin E cuticle oil or coconut oil on Amazon.
Can you buff your ridges?
I would not recommend buffing your ridges. If you buff your ridges, these two things can happen. Number 1, this is going to thin out your nail surface which will lead to nail damage over time. Number 2, this will flatten out your nails. When you flatten out your nails, polish can easily spill into your cuticles and make a mess. The best way to treat ridges is to either mask them with a ridge filler or to reduce them with cuticle oils.
Does a ridge filler help strengthen brittle nails?
Although some ridge fillers claim to help make brittle and weak nails stronger, your best bet to getting stronger nails is either with cuticle oil or special gels like rubber/builder base gel.
Can you apply ridge filler before a gel polish application?
Generally, I would recommend sticking to a gel base with any gel application. Applying ridge filler before you apply gel, will affect your gel application. If you are interested in gel products that can help smooth out unevenness in your nails, check out all things rubber base gel here.
