Like many women, I enjoy having pretty fingers and toes, especially when traveling or on special occasions. So, for about a year, I made an effort to get my nails “done” at a salon.
And yep, there’s that stigma, rearing its ugly head again. Look at her French manicure and cotton candy pink pedi – she must be high maintenance.
Not, gonna lie. In my younger days, I was one of those judgy bitches.
Who had time to spend two hours in a nail salon, anyway? I spent my days at work, in hockey rinks, at the grocery store, and trying to figure out how to live with a significant amount of chronic pain.
Right…
Jealous much?
Anyhoo…beyond the time commitment, the truth is, I couldn’t afford to go to a nail salon with any regularity until I was older and had the extra cash to spend on what I considered a “luxury.” Note the use of the word regularity. Yeah, here’s the thing about getting a mani/pedi, like hair highlights and color, nail polish needs to be maintained, or it looks like shit.
Given my terrible “maintenance” record, I always opted for the longest-lasting manicures. While shellac and powder dipped nails are more durable than regular polish, they do damage your nails over time. Especially, if you’re a maintenance procrastinator and compulsive picker like I am.
Now, on to the high maintenance nitty-gritty, bull-shitty. Beyond vanity, there are specific reasons to pay attention to your nails.
For instance, did you know nail health is closely associated with your body’s overall health?
Yep, anemia, congestive heart failure, liver disease, malnutrition, diabetes, autoimmune diseases such as arthritis, fungal infections, thyroid disease, psoriasis, emphysema, lupus, melanoma (cancer), vitamin or mineral deficiencies, etc., can cause changes to the condition of your nails.
Warning signs to watch for include:
- Cracked nails
- Discolored nails (red, yellow, brown, white, blue)
- Clubbing nails
- Ridged nails
- Pitted nails
- Curling nails
- Detaching nails
- Bleeding nails
All of the above can be indicators of an undiagnosed medical problem, and changes to your nail health should be flagged to your doctor as soon as possible. Trust me on this one! In doing my research for this blog, I came across any number of photographic examples of nails impacted by a variety of diseases, all of them extremely painful looking.
If you have nail health concerns, I found the following links to be informative, if not somewhat disturbing.
In my case, my autoimmune diseases make my fingernails soft and weak. They bend and break easily, plus, the ongoing use of shellac, powder dip, acetone, etc., didn’t help the situation. So once again, I found myself in a bit of a quagmire, damaged nails due to disease and abuse, but wanting to have pretty fingers and toes. Vanity? Yes, maybe a little. Concerned about nail health? Yes, a little bit of that, too.
So? What’s an immuno-compromised girl to do?
Well, for starters, I stopped going to the salon. I also started taking biotin for hair and nail health, and I’m pleased to report my nails are slowly recovering.
But seriously though, plain old nails are, well, plain. Besides, who doesn’t need a little color and sparkle in their life?
Not only does a pretty mani/pedi make your hands and feet look cleaner, younger, and healthier, it can be an instant mood lift.
It’s why I’m super happy I discovered the Kiss brand of Impress Nails. Love these press-on beauties! They’re an instant manicure/pedicure, at a great price, with zero nail damage. Not to mention these “fake” nails look amazing, and if carefully applied, last for a week or more, making me happy, happy, happy.
(No, this blog is NOT sponsored by Impress Nails. I just love them. Sold at Walmart in Canada in case you’re curious.)
And listen, I’m not shooting down the traditional mani/pedi. I think there’s a real need for professional assistance when it comes to maintaining the health of your hands and feet, especially if you’ve been diagnosed with a chronic disease such as diabetes. But where you get your service done and what type of manicure/pedicure you opt for matters!
Salon Lover?
The two most important things to look for when choosing a salon or service provider:
Cleanliness – may be a no-brainer, but how often do you ask about how tools are sterilized (should be autoclaved), chairs wiped down, and basins disinfected? Unless you bring your own, tool packages should be opened in front of you, and service providers should wear fresh gloves or sanitize their hands before beginning.
If you feel icky about the sanitary conditions of a salon, do yourself a favor, WALK AWAY. Seriously, nail infections are no joke and can lead to major health problems.
Qualified technicians or service providers – Not all technicians are created equal. The best thing you can do for yourself is to communicate your expectations and concerns. DON’T BE ME. I ended up with a broken big toe because I didn’t speak up during a too aggressive foot massage at a sketchy nail salon that came highly recommended.
Instead, find someone you’re comfortable working with. A good technician will be concerned about the overall health or condition of your nails. Toenails discolored from polish? Your service provider should recommend you give your nails a break and offer tips for improving nail condition. If they’re not, it may be time to find a new salon.
Bottom Line:
Maintaining healthy nails is important. They are, after all, a functioning part of your body. How else are you going to open a can of beer one-handed?
Think about it. Your hands and feet are hard working. They deserve pampering. So go ahead, spend a bit of coin for a salon service, or invest in some products and tools to use at home.
No matter your preference, having pretty nails does not make you high maintenance, and to those who think otherwise…a manicured one finger salute will do.
How about you? Any experience with being called out as a high maintenance kinda girl? Would love to hear your thoughts on the matter.
Until the next blog – peace out pain sufferers.
Current pain level 6/10.