Which treatment will minimize ridges on the toenail?

• A. Polish
• B. Nail file
• C. Buffing
• D. Soaking

Answer: (C)

Ridges on the nail create an uneven surface, so the goal is to smooth that surface rather than just add something on top. Buffing uses a mild abrasive to wear down the high spots and even out the irregularities, giving the nail a more uniform look without adding material. Do light passes with a proper buffer and avoid overdoing it, since excessive buffing can thin the nail. After buffing, a clear or sheer base coat can help maintain the smooth finish. Polishing sits on top and can sometimes make ridges look more noticeable in the grooves; soaking softens the nail and doesn’t address the surface texture; filing can change shape and thin the nail, which isn’t ideal for ridges. Buffing is the best option to minimize ridges cosmetically.