What are Beau's lines?

Beau's lines are characterized by visible depressions that traverse across the width of the nail. These lines can appear when there is an interruption in nail growth, often due to illness, trauma, or systemic conditions that affect the body's ability to produce new nail cells. The presence of Beau's lines is a significant indicator to nail technicians and health professionals that there may have been a disruption in the individual's health or stress at the time when the nail was growing.

Understanding the nature of these lines can help in assessing the overall health of a client and their nail growth patterns. Unlike visible ridges, dark spots, or fungal infections, which reflect different types of nail conditions or issues, Beau's lines are specific to this type of growth interruption. Recognizing these lines can lead to important discussions with clients about their health history and any underlying issues that might require further attention.