My sister-in-law called me the other day. Her voice was verging on panic. We use the same hairstylist, so she asked me if our stylist was still working. When I told her I didn’t think salons were on the “essential” list, she said, “Yes, they are!” It’s kind of hard to disagree, right? Especially given the truth as stated in the cartoon above. I had to laugh and posted this on my AquamarinaStyle Facebook page. It’s just so true, isn’t it? But it doesn’t have to be that way. I have a couple grooming tips for hair and nails at home as we ride out the COVID-19 crisis.
Tips for Hair and Nails at Home
Root Cover Up
While I have been a blonde all my life–light hair, eyebrows, and eyelashes–I do have grey in uneven patches on my head. Of course, my part seems to have the most!! I’m sure most of you have tried root-cover up. My stylist shared a great product with me. As a relative newcomer to this cool stuff, I have to say it does a very nice job. It comes with a brush attached, so all you have to do is dot your hair with it. You can even use it around your face by feathering along the hairline. This would be a great strategy when you wear your hair up and want a cleaner line around your face. Here is the product and links to the various colors:
When it hits five weeks without a root touch-up, I’ll be hitting this bottle. And if the “stay-at-home” order goes further than that, I’ll be hitting the bottle hard, baby. Haha! It’s a bit pricey, but it will definitely do the job. It lasts a long time, too.
Women’s Shaving Products
While I don’t have a lot of hair on my legs–again, the blonde thing–I do use the occasional razor. Especially when it’s sunny and those blonde suckers REALLY stand out! For years, I’ve either borrowed my husband’s razor (NOT his favorite thing!) and then finally confiscated his for my exclusive use. I recently found a very nice razor, made for women, that is gentler on the contours of the leg and underarm. It comes in pretty girly colors. I also like the foaming shave gel as it is unscented. I find too many scents all over the body compete with each other and become overpowering. And they make me sneeze. So I try to use mostly unscented things and choose a shampoo with a nice scent.
Nail Care
Do you have gel nails or acrylics? Now seems like a good time to let them grow out and let your nails breathe. I’ve been thinking about doing this for the last few months after wearing gel nails for a couple of years. I keep my nails short and liked the gel polish that lasted three weeks and gave my nails a clean, even look. But I’m now finding out how much it has damaged my nails underneath.
At week three of stay-at-home confinement here in California–the ends were chipping causing my nail tips to dry out and start breaking. So, I peeled a couple of my nails–big mistake–and am letting the gel grow out on its own on the others. Either way, my nails are dry and brittle and very weak. A very yucky feeling. Those of you who have ever taken your polish off know what I mean!
I came across a great post from a blogger that I follow. Cathy at My Side of 50 did a nice job sharing her “grow-out process” so I linked it for you here to check out. She recommended this protein nail formula that I hope to receive any time now.
I used a Nailtique product many years ago when I tried acrylic nails. After a short time, I didn’t like them and had to go through this grtowing-out process then. I remember going on a job interview when my nails looked horrible and I had to remind myself to keep my hands hidden under the table!! Ugh. Anyway, the formula I used then really helped to strengthen the nails while they grew out, so I’m expecting this treatment version to do the same.
What is your greatest beauty challenge right now? It seems like we have even more time on our hands without our nail/hair/eyebrow/eyelash appointments, doesn’t it? While we may be stuck at home, that doesn’t mean we have to succumb to hairy legs, peeling nails, and and gray roots! Give these grooming tips for hair and nails at home and let me know what you think.
Be sure to join me and all the fashionable ladies on my AquamarinaStyle Facebook Page. Share a photo or a fun saying that all the ladies can enjoy. I share fashion, travel, and just plain fun things that relate to women.
I never had a need to try this tip, but I once read that soaking your hands in warm corn oil for 15-20 minutes is supposed to do wonders for damaged nails and skin. Might be worth a try.
I have very soft nails, so the farthest I’ve gone with gel polish was being tempted by it… A blessing in disguise during this particular time, turns out. Through boy was it tempting!!!
What a great tip! I haven’t heard of this one. Unfortunately, I picked mine off so my nails are still a bit of a mess. But the nail protein is helping, so I will continue with my natural nails and use it from now on. Like you, my nails are soft, too. Thanks for the info, Allie! Much appreciated!
xx Darlene
That meme is hilarious! I usually color my own hair and do my own nails anyway, so I guess I am one of the few women not panicky about the salons being closed! I only visit my stylist about once or twice year anyway! But these tips are all wonderful for those who may not be accustomed to doing things at home. Thanks for sharing and linking up, my friend.
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
Oh, lucky you, Shelbee!! You will find, my friend, as you get more seasoned (older), that more visits to the hairstylist are required! Haha! Or not. Stay safe, my friend!
xx Darlene
Oh tell me about it! I needed a root touch-up 4 weeks ago! And my nails look hidious! I don’t us e a product for the roots. I just give my hair a bit of peace!
Yes, it’s a good time to let everything just relax, isn’t it? I think we are all at the 4-week mark, Nancy! Lol!
xx Darlene
We are all learning so many new skills and doing without recently! I just got my highlights redone before this started so I am hoping I can wait it out for a few more weeks. These are great tips though!
That is so true! I think we are all re-evaluating our priorities and figuring out ways to do things more simply. You probably don’t have as much grey as I do, Laura!! Lol! Take care and be safe.
xx Darlene
I just got a hair kit off of ESalon, which I found on a Google search. They have a professional stylist look at a photo of you and your comments and there is also some questions they ask you about your hair color, current treatment, etc. I got a kit for my roots and then another bottle for my ends. It turned out great!! But, man I can’t wait till my hair stylist is open again. I need to check out those root touchups! My part is my worst, too.
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
Haha! Of course! It couldn’t just show underneath in the back now, could it!!? I’ll take a look at that. I checked it out one time but thought it was all-over color and I just have my roots done. Thanks for the tip, Carrie!
xx Darlene