GROWING UP in a Filipino household, we saw our mom, aunt, or neighbors getting their nails done inside or in front of the house. And we knew that at that moment, a hot tea, a.k.a the latest gossip in the neighborhood, was also being served.
Kidding aside, having a mani-pedi has allowed our elders to pamper themselves. In fact, the Philippines recently set the world record for the most pedicures given in eight hours, thanks to the 1,223 individuals from Tampakan, South Cotabato who had their nails done by 160 pedicurists in the town.
Likewise, many Gen Zs include this cosmetic beauty procedure in their self-care routines. The classic mani-pedi has evolved through the years with the prominence of carefully curated nail art, attracting more youngsters to get professional nail care.
One of them is Angelique Kara Sorbito, a 21-year-old communication student from Silliman University, who started getting a nail fix last year.
“I’ve always wanted to get my nails done because I feel like it’s part of making myself feel and look better,” she told republicasia. “I got my nails done because I liked its look and I feel like it elevated mine.”
This process, however, did not only offer glam to Sorbito but also benefited her well-being.
Health benefits
Sorbito shared that she used to bite her nails whenever she got nervous or anxious. The only thing that prevented her from doing so was to undergo a nail session.
“It plays a significant role in my self-care because having my nails done redirects my nervousness to preparing myself for whatever’s to come!” the college student said.
“It eases my mind that it physically prevents me from harming or damaging my nails, and it stays nice to look at,” she added.
Elina Jung—a 24-year-old nail artist behind ELINAILS who did the nails of some of the well-known personalities like Nadine Lustre, P-pop group BINI, BJ Pascual, Andrea Brillantes, Maki, and Mark Tuan of K-pop boy group GOT7—told republicasia the various health benefits of manicures and pedicures beyond the aesthetic and cosmetic reasons:
- Enhanced hygiene. Having clean nails and properly removed cuticles can help one maintain clean and healthy nails, reducing risks of getting nail diseases and infections, said Jung. This is why it is also important to choose the right salon and right nail technician, she added.
“I’ve seen some people get nail infections and nail diseases because they don’t properly sterilize and clean their tools,” she narrated.
- Moisturized skin. While getting a mani-pedi, one may also avail of other treatments offered in the nail salon such as foot massage for improved blood circulation and exfoliation to remove dead skin cells and enhance the appearance of their hands and feet.
“While you’re getting [your nails] cleaned [by] having mani and pedi, you can do a great job in moisturizing and taking care of your skin,” the nail artist said.
- Improved mental health. Mani-pedis are also good for mental health as they help one to relax and reduce stress.
“It’s also to destress and relax when you get pampered. The massages and pampering you get while getting the nails [done] are helpful [to] your mental health,” Jung explained.
For Jung, nail care is as important as other self-care practices as it not only improves one’s physical appearance but also other health aspects.
“Whenever I get my nails done, I would always just look at my nails and feel good about it. It can benefit your overall mental health a lot,” she said.
Dos and Don’ts
For beginners, Jung shared several important reminders they have to consider first before getting a nail fix.
Number one is to choose a reputable nail salon or a good nail technician. The nail artist recommended going to a salon with good sanitation and practices, as well as trained nail technicians to ensure they would receive better nail care services.
Clients should inspect the cleanliness of the salon and the tools they use before starting the nail session, said Jung.
It is also important for clients to inform their nail technicians of their nail preferences such as the design, length, and shape that they want for their nails. As a nail technician, Jung needs to know about her client’s profession to identify whether the design her client prefers would suit them.
“This happens a lot with me also when people first get their nails done. When they’re not familiar with the procedure, they don’t know if it’s too long for them or too short. Or if the designs suit their skin tone,” she shared.
“So, for me, before going to a nail appointment, before starting a nail appointment, we have a nail consultation [about] what type of nude will suit their skin, what type of length, what do you do, what’s your job. If your job involves a lot of your hands, it would better be short nails and no 3Ds,” she continued.
Beginners should understand the process of getting their nails done because appointments could take up to hours, depending on the intricacy of the nail art.
“You should ask what steps [are] involved in [a] manicure or getting a pedicure so you’d know what to expect, and also how [you would] take care of your nails after the nail appointment,” Jung advised.
Additionally, she recommended moisturizing by using cuticle oil or hand cream to reduce dry skin and maintain healthy nails and hands.
Meanwhile, Jung strongly advised against trimming nails round and doing gel nails at home without knowing the proper procedure. This is to avoid having ingrown nails and getting gel allergies.
“You should not cut your cuticle on your own if you’re not really [adept] in cutting because this can lead to [the] biggest infection and you might have to remove the whole nail,” she warned.
The nail artist also suggested individuals have their own nail care tools because sharing them with other people may spread infection.
It is okay if they file their nails at home but Jung reminded them to not overdo it because it may weaken the nails and cause pain.
“By following the dos and don’ts, I think the beginners will have a safer and more enjoyable experience when getting nails done,” she said.
Set a nail appointment!
Nails may seem like a small and insignificant part of our body but they play a huge role in protecting our fingers and toes.
Jung stressed that it is also essential to prioritize our nail health and hygiene to avoid complications and have better-looking nails. It is best to book a nail appointment every month or a month and a half, she said.
“If you can’t afford to go to nail salons, if you don’t have time, at least cut your nails and file [them] because having long nails can be dangerous also because it can rip your nails into half if there’s no protection layer like gel,” she advised.
Lastly, she reminded everyone to avoid biting their nails because it does not only damage their nails but may also cause dental problems.
Sorbito recommended undergoing nail sessions, especially for nail biters to prevent them from harming their own nails.
“The process of getting your nails done is also therapeutic to me, from choosing what designs and to seeing it manifest in real life,” the communications student said.
Keep in mind that this self-care practice is not exclusive to girls. Anyone, regardless of their gender, may book a nail session with their preferred nail technician. After all, getting your nails done is not just about promoting self-care but self-expression as well.
