HAIR + SKIN + NAIL MAINTENANCE TIPS
we want you to look + feel your BEST
for hand models, having healthy and clean skin + nails is the name of the game.
and for full body models, hair, skin, and nail appearance plays a huge role in client satisfaction. especially for beauty and fashion shoots.
in this article, we'll explore some general maintenance tips to help you keep your hair, skin, and nails in top condition.
hair, skin, and nails come in all different shapes, styles, textures, and challenges. just like each of us. ❤️ remember, self care is an ongoing process and consistency is key to long-term health and beauty.
this is not professional medical advice - please consult licensed professionals for official and personalized care plans.
NAIL MAINTENANCE
BASIC MAINTENANCE DOs + DON'Ts
DO
✅ trim and file nails regularly
keep your nails at a manageable length by trimming them regularly with nail clippers. the longer the nail is, the more likely breakage is.
file your nails to shape and smooth the edges with a fine-grit nail file to prevent splitting and peeling.
✅ scrub your nails + cuticles
use a soft nail brush or a nail cleaner to gently scrub under your nails and the surrounding cuticles to prevent the buildup of dirt and bacteria.
✅ moisturize frequently
apply a moisturizing hand and nail cream or cuticle oil to keep your nails and cuticles hydrated.
dry nails are more prone to breakage and splitting.
✅ wear gloves
especially when doing household chores or tasks that involve exposure to harsh chemicals or water, wear protective gloves to prevent damage to your skin or nails.
hot tip: the night before your shoot, try moisturizing and sleeping with gloves on for ultimate softness!
DON'T
❌ cut your cuticles
it's best to avoid cutting your cuticles, as this can lead to infection and damage.
instead, gently push back the cuticles after a shower or bath when they're soft.
or there are affordable products that help safely dissolve dried or dead cuticle tissue - like this one!
❌ use your nails as a tool
handle your nails and cuticles with care and avoid using them as tools for tasks like opening cans, scratching, or prying. these can cause breakage or more serious trauma to the nail.
❌ bite or pick at your nails
biting and picking at nails causes visual imperfections that are often less than adequate for a photo or video shoot.
always reach for nail care tools (like files or nail clippers) and exfoliators instead.
if this happens mindlessly, there are products and methods to help break this habit.
HOT TIP!
soona provides some basic nail care items in studio in case nail issues or troubleshooting needs to occur during a shoot.
below are some items that you can ask the crew for in a pinch.
nail files
clippers
lotion
cuticle oil
clear nail polish
nail polish remover
EXAMPLES
well maintained nails
GETTING A PERSONAL MANICURE?
don't forget to turn your services off while you have a personal manicure on.
click here to open the drop down + read more tips to make sure your nails are ready for shoots ASAP after your manicure is off!
choose quality nail products
invest in good-quality nail polish, nail hardeners, and other nail products. higher-quality products tend to be gentler on your nails.
use a base coat
when applying nail polish for personal affairs, start with a base coat. it not only provides a smooth surface for polish but also helps prevent staining and yellowing of the nails.
limit acetone use:
acetone-based nail polish removers can be harsh on your nails and cuticles. opt for acetone-free alternatives when removing nail polish.
give nails a break:
avoid constantly wearing nail polish, gel, dip, or acrylic nails, as overuse can weaken and damage your natural nails.
give your natural nails time to breathe and recover between manicures and make sure to follow proper aftercare instructions.
HAIR MAINTENANCE
TOP 3 TIPS FOR HEALTHY HAIR
hair care comes in a variety of forms with a plethora of strategies to keep in top shape. use the below information as a starting point to research what may work best with your hair type.
TIP #1: NUTRITION 🥗
your hair's health begins with what you put into your body.
while there's no single magical food or mineral that can guarantee perfect hair, a balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and proteins can be a significant contributor.
open the drop down for a chart of nutrients that are known to help hair health.
TIP #2: HEAT STYLING ♨️
excessive heat styling can damage your hair. try to limit the use of hot tools by letting your hair dry naturally or using heatless styling methods (such as braiding, twisting, or foam rollers).
if heat must be used to style, try the strategies in the dropdown to minimize damage.
use heat only on dry hair. using tools on damp or wet hair can cause significant damage.
use heat protectant sprays or products before applying heat to minimize damage + risk.
adjust heat settings to the lowest effective temperature. start with lower heat and gradually increase it only if necessary. high temperatures risk more damage.
use diffusers when blow drying (particularly for wavy/curly hair). a diffuser attachment will disperse airflow and reduce direct heat exposure
when possible, use high quality styling tools. high-quality heat styling tools with advanced temperature control features can distribute heat more evenly and reduce risk of overheating hair.
section your hair. dividing your hair into sections when styling allows you to style smaller portions at a time, reducing the time and heat exposure for each section.
curl or straighten quickly. when using curling irons or straighteners, move the tool swiftly through your hair. Holding it on one section for too long can cause excessive heat damage.
after styling with heat, let your hair cool down before touching or brushing. this helps set the style and prevents damage from excessive manipulation.
TIP #3: CREATE A HAIR ROUTINE 🛁
create a consistent routine to care for your hair on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis.
this will not only help the consistency of your hair's appearance, but can also help you understand your hair's natural reactions to different season, weather, etc.
choose hair products that suit your hair type and needs. you may need to experiment with different shampoos, conditioners, and treatments to find what works best for your hair type.
open the drop down for tips + suggestions to incorporate in your hair routine.
protect your hair at night. use a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce friction and protect your hair while you sleep. you can also tie your hair in a loose, low bun or braid to prevent tangling and friction.
experiment with hair washing frequency. the frequency of hair washing depends on several factors, including hair type, lifestyle, and personal preferences. there is no one-size-fits-all answer, although here are some guidelines.
oily hair: if you have naturally oily hair, you may need to wash it more frequently, perhaps every 1-2 days, to remove excess sebum and maintain a fresh appearance.
average hair: people with average hair can typically go 2-4 days between washes, depending on personal preferences and lifestyle.
dry or curly hair: dry or curly hair tends to be more fragile and can be washed less frequently, around 1-2 times a week, to retain natural oils and moisture.
condition and moisturize. use deep conditioning treatments and moisturizing hair products regularly to keep your hair hydrated and resilient. well-moisturized hair is also less prone to heat damage.
trim your hair frequently. regular haircuts or trims can remove split ends and keep your hair looking healthier. trimming every 6-8 weeks is a good guideline to follow.
EXAMPLES
textured hair
straight hair
men's hair styles
short hair styles
SKIN MAINTENANCE
SIMPLE STEPS TO BETTER SKIN
there is so much one can do to help their skin outside of the traditional skin care routine. below are some other every day things that can help you take care of your skin.
💧 STEP 1: hydration
proper hydration helps maintain skin elasticity and often helps with breakouts, so make sure to drink plenty of water every day.
😴 STEP 2: sleep
sleep is crucial for skin repair and rejuvenation. the general recommendation is to aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night.
🙇♀️ STEP 3: stress management
chronic stress can negatively affect your skin. practice stress-reduction techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga to maintain a calm mind and therefore healthier skin.
🏋️♂️ STEP 4: exercise
regular physical activity improves blood circulation, which is essential for healthy skin. it also helps reduce stress and supports overall well-being.
SKIN CARE ROUTINE TIPS
cleanse. exfoliate. moisturize. protect. repeat.
open the drop down to read tips for each step.
cleanse.
it is generally recommended to cleanse your face twice a day (morning and night) to remove dirt, makeup, and impurities. Use a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser that suits your skin type.
always remove makeup before going to bed to prevent clogged pores and breakouts.exfoliate.
exfoliate your skin 1-2 times a week to remove dead skin cells and promote cell turnover.
this can be done with physical scrubs or chemical exfoliants like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs). if using chemical exfoliants, sunscreen is extremely important to use on a daily basis.moisturize.
find a moisturizer that properly balances your skin type throughout the day. drier skin will require more moisture.
oily skin types should still moisturize but should likely aim for a lightweight option that works to seal in moisture.protect.
avoid overuse of hot water on the skin. excessive hot water can strip your skin of its natural oils. instead, use lukewarm water for cleansing and bathing to avoid excessive dryness.
wear sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily, even on cloudy days, to protect your skin from UV damage and premature aging.
in extreme weather conditions, protect your skin with appropriate clothing and moisturizers to prevent damage from cold, wind, and excessive heat.
looking for more personalized tips? have personal needs or goals?
consider talking to a medical professional such as a dermatologist for recommendations.
THAT'S ALL FOR NOW!
we hope these tips and tricks help you kick start or enhance your self-care routines! click here to read more about soona model appearance standards.