By Ellie – Daisy Moo
Mooeys Horsham
If you’ve ever had nails that feel more bendy than strong, you’re not alone. Whether it’s down to your natural nail type, lifestyle, or a bit of overexposure to water and products, flexible nails can be a little trickier to manage, especially when it comes to keeping gel treatments looking flawless. But don’t worry! We’ve got the lowdown on what causes bendy nails to misbehave and how you can still have stunning, long-lasting manis without the stress.
So, what’s the deal with bendy nails?
Bendy or flexible nails are softer than average, and they tend to lose their structure when exposed to water. You might notice your nails feel fine when dry, but after a bath, shower, or a swim, they suddenly feel weak, flimsy, or even too flexible.
This softness isn’t just annoying, it can also cause problems when it comes to gel polish. You see, gel products are designed to sit on a stable surface. When your nail bends and flexes (especially after water exposure), it can cause the product to lift from the nail plate and that’s when the trouble starts.
Watch out for lifting – and the dreaded greenies!
When gel begins to lift on flexible nails, it creates tiny pockets where water can sneak underneath. This trapped moisture becomes the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive and that’s when you risk getting what we lovingly don’t want to see: greenies (aka bacterial nail infections). They’re not dangerous, but they’re definitely unsightly and a sign that your nail needs a break and some TLC.
What we recommend: BIAB Overlays
At Mooeys, we love a good overlay and for our bendy-nailed babes, they’re an absolute game-changer. Overlays are designed to add strength and structure to your natural nails, helping to prevent that excessive flexing and reducing the risk of lifting. They still look natural, feel lightweight, and can be worn under your favourite gel colours – win-win!
Top tips for managing bendy nails:
- Go for overlays – especially if you love your gels but struggle with chipping or lifting.
- Avoid prolonged water exposure and wear protection – wear gloves when doing the dishes or tending to the garden and try to limit soaking your hands.
- Moisturise regularly – keeping your nails and cuticles hydrated helps maintain their health and flexibility in a good way.
Give your nails a break when needed – we’ll always be honest with you if your nails need a rest and recovery plan.
We hope this helps and look forward to seeing you soon
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