Why Do Fingernails Bend?
Fingernails bend easily if they are weakened by environmental damage, poor nutrition or illnesses. Healthy fingernails are supposed to be strong and firm and should not bend or break easily. A person with weak fingernails has a number of factors to consider in order to determine the exact cause.
Fingernails are made of keratin. Keratin is a protein, and each nail is comprised of layers of this protein. Environmental factors such as frequent use of drying soaps and harsh chemicals damage can weaken nails over time. Wearing gloves when working with household and industrial soaps and chemicals is recommended for this reason. Iron and other nutritional deficiencies are another cause of weak nails that bend easily. This can be treated by seeing a doctor and taking daily vitamins. Using a nail-hardening polish is an immediate solution to prevent bending and breakage, and a polish that contains protein can also help strengthen nails. Nail-hardening polish also helps protect nails from environmental damage. Keeping nails moisturized prevents them from becoming brittle, which is another common cause of nail breakage. Another option for treating nails that bend is speaking with a doctor about taking biotin supplements, which help strengthen soft or brittle weak nails.
