Should I get my nails done during the COVID-19 outbreak?
Please follow government guidelines and social distance as much as possible.
To nail or not to nail, that is the question. It’s March 2020, and NYC is practically shut down. Citizens are attempting to social-distance, or minimize contact with others. This can be very detrimental for small businesses that rely on in-person services, much like our beloved nail salons. So should you go to nail salons during the outbreak in support of your favorite studio? Or should you try to curb the disease and stay at home?
First thing’s first — if you are sick at all in any way, do NOT go to your nail appointment. Our doctor has advised that anyone with cold/flu-like symptoms should treat it like it’s COVID-19, until testing becomes widely available. Try to self quarantine as best as you can, and when testing is available, get tested. Skip your nail appointment for the safety of other customers and your tech, who is at even higher risk of contracting the virus from having personal contact with multiple people each day. And don’t stress about the cancellation fee — many salons have enacted more lenient cancellation policies in light of the virus to help protect their staff and clientele. Remembers, health comes first!
29.8k Likes, 896 Comments - Vivian Xue Rahey (@vivxue) on Instagram: "[SWIPE] @lysol_us the ONLY coronavirus readiness nails 🚰🦠🩺 Lysol kills 99.9% of viruses and..."
If you’re looking to do your part for social distancing:
It’s completely understandable to want to hunker down at home and wait out coronavirus storm. Working from home and stocking up on groceries (and toilet paper) once a week is becoming the new normal. But if you’re like us, going a few weeks without nail art is near impossible. If you want to ride out quarantine while still rocking a fierce mani, here are some at-home alternatives you can use to get your nail fix during this trying time:
Buy a cool set off of Etsy! Did you know that some of your favorite nail artists, or soon-to-be favorites, also sell custom press-on nail sets on Etsy? These can be easily applied with nail glue or adhesive strips, and bonus: you don’t have to sit still in a chair for five hours to get amazing and intricate nail designs!
DIY. If you’ve ever wanted to try your hand at nail art, now is the perfect time. Take that $60-100 that you usually spend on your appointment and buy a beginner kit like this one. Who knows? You may be nail art’s next best thing!
Try out drugstore press-on nails. Surprise! Your favorite nail gals have been dabbling in the press-on nail game. We received a couple of samples of KISS Im-press nails and gave them a go! Though they don’t stay on nearly as long as we’d hoped (expect only 2-4 days when using the adhesive tabs), they’re a lot of fun if you want to switch your nail look often.
1,670 Likes, 8 Comments - Luxury Press On Nails (@nailedbycristy) on Instagram: ""Bad Girl" One set available. Ready To ship. Size: Large Shape: Long Stiletto Little devils..."
If you’re looking to support your favorite salon/nail tech:
Since we are NOT doctors, we don’t have the answer to whether or not you should continue to visit nail salons while COVID-19 is a concern. That said, should you decide to go and support a local business, here are a few precautionary measures you can take to ensure the health and safety of yourself and your nail tech:
Make sure you’re feeling well! If/when the drive-through COVID-19 testing centers open up across the nation, you should probably try to go to the salon after you’ve been cleared of the virus.
Avoid using public transportation to get to your appointment if possible.
Wash and dry your hands thoroughly with soap and water right when you get to the salon.
See if the salon is taking extra precautions to keep their space clean during this time. One of our favorites, AKIKO Nails, recently made this post about the initiatives they are taking to keep their clients safe.
Consider going to a self-employed nail tech that only sees one person at a time. The CDC is currently recommending that people gather in groups no larger than five, so having a one-on-one session could be wise. Of course, also make sure that the artist is keeping their space sanitized and leaving time in between clients to wash their hands and clean the space.
And remember, these are just our recommendations. Please consult your doctor and government websites for the official and most up-to-date advice on what to do during the COVID-19 outbreak. Stay safe NCs! ❤️
