Senior Session Nail Care Guide

Let’s talk about your nails for your senior session . . . I oftentimes will pose your hands near your face. And while your hands shouldn’t really ever be the focus of the picture, they WILL show. So if your hands are all dry and your nails are raggedy, it will absolutely detract from your polished image. Details do matter (I say this a LOT)!

I LOVE a good, indulgent mani/pedi from time to time and try to schedule them in advance anytime I know I’m going to be photographed. It’s a lovely splurge, but certainly not necessary for your senior session. Simply follow this nail care guide in the days leading up to your session to ensure that your hands look as beautiful as the rest of you:

1. MOISTURIZE! Hydration is the foundation of beautiful-looking hands. Use a cuticle oil on your cuticles and a thick hand cream before your go to bed (this is especially important in dry, cold weather). Keeping your hands moisturized is the key step in preventing loads of issues, such as peeling nails and rough cuticles.
2. Be gentle with your cuticles! They are there to protect your nail bed, and cutting them or pushing back aggressively can cause damage. If you keep them moisturized regularly, then you typically don’t have to do much to your cuticles.  If you find that you need to push them back, do it gently with a towel or washcloth after showering when they are soft.
3. Use nail clippers to trim and shape your nails, then smooth the rough edges with a crystal file. Traditional emery boards can be damaging and cause your nails to split or peel.
4. Don’t use your nails as tools. OR put your hands in your mouth! 
5. Don’t overprocess your nails.  Like your hair, nails are susceptible to damage from harsh chemicals, so go easy on the nail polish remover (use non-acetone removers), gels polish and acrylics. Also, give your nails a chance to “breathe” for a few days in between polishes. They will appreciate a break!
6. Try to avoid soaking your hands in water. Obviously you’ll need to bathe, but try to wear gloves when doing dishes (the hot water and oil-stripping dishwasher detergents are super-harsh on hands).
7. If you do opt for polish, beware of trendy colors or nail art that will date your portraits. Neon colors might be cool now, but how will that look in 25 years? Nude polish or natural nails are always timeless choices.

Keeping your nails in shape is a worthwhile investment, whether you take the time for self-care or indulge in a professional. I hope that you have found this nail care guide to be a helpful step in planning the perfect, polished senior session!

Need to book YOUR Charleston-area senior session? Click here to contact me today!