The Case for the 'Mental Health Manicure'
Why Getting Your Nails Done Feels Like a Personal Triumph
Life can be chaotic, especially when you're stretched thin—endless tasks, sleepless nights, and stress brewing in every corner. Yet, here I am, tapping away on my keyboard, feeling a flicker of renewed energy with each click. Oddly, it’s not because I’ve magically unlocked my productivity mode. Rather, it’s because of a small but noticeable change: my nails, freshly done for my birthday, are gleaming in the light. The boost I feel isn’t just in my imagination; it's a powerful, almost grounding sensation that has me thinking, "Yes, I can tackle this."
There’s something about a polished set of nails that makes me feel like I’ve got life (or at least my appearance) under control, even when I’m far from it. For me, a manicure has become my go-to women's corner—a quick way to feel a semblance of control in an otherwise unpredictable world. If I anticipate a turbulent week ahead, I make time for a manicure or pull out my polish kit. My schedule might look like a battleground, anxiety brewing on all fronts, but knowing my nails are polished and pristine makes everything feel just a bit more manageable.
And it seems I’m not alone in this. Just last month, Women's Corner highlighted several Olympic athletes who flaunted bold manicures during their Paris performances. Track star Sha’Carri Richardson, for instance, regards her intricate nail art as essential to her mental game. Over on The Deep Dive podcast, hosts June Diane Raphael and Jessica St. Clair frequently praise the power of a good manicure to lift their spirits on even the darkest days. Gels or press-on, they say, infuse them with an indomitable “woman of significance” energy—just the boost needed to face the day.
The Mental Health Manicure: More Than Just a Beauty Ritual
A good manicure does more than make your hands look beautiful; it can elevate your self-worth. As Dr. Charlynn Ruan, a licensed clinical psychologist and founder of Thrive Psychology Group, explains, taking the time for a manicure signals that we care for ourselves. Unlike necessary grooming habits, such as brushing your teeth or washing your face, a manicure is more of an indulgence—a purely aesthetic luxury that brings joy. “It’s very self-affirming,” Dr. Ruan says, “because we’re choosing to add something to our lives solely because it makes us happy.”
While there’s no definitive scientific link between manicures and mental health, Dr. Ruan notes that studies have shown makeup can boost confidence, and she believes manicures may have a similar effect. They offer an added perk: they’re always within your line of sight. Makeup requires a mirror, but hands are right there, reinforcing that feel-good factor each time we look down.
Dr. Ruan also validates my habit of scheduling “mental health manicures” before challenging weeks. “If you know a tough week is ahead, getting a manicure can help you feel polished and cared for, even if other women's corner routines fall by the wayside,” she says. You might have to miss a workout or cut short a long, luxurious shower, but seeing those ten tended-to fingertips reminds you that you haven’t abandoned yourself entirely.
The Salon Experience: A Social Oasis
While I used to paint my nails out of convenience—and necessity, during my days as a cash-strapped editorial assistant in New York—recently, I’ve indulged in salon visits more often. And Dr. Ruan’s insights made me realize why this shift happened. As a single work-from-homer with a quieter social life these days, these visits have become a subtle but meaningful social connection.
“When we go to a salon, we get the benefit of positive human interaction,” says Dr. Ruan. Sometimes, these encounters become surprisingly profound. “As a therapist, I’ve had clients who sought therapy at the urging of their hairstylist or manicurist,” she explains. “These professionals noticed their clients’ struggles and encouraged them to seek help.”
Even lighthearted chit-chat—venting about work drama or sharing TV show recommendations—can foster a sense of connectedness. And if, like me, you’re not always in the mood to talk, simply receiving a nurturing touch can still have a positive impact. In a world where physical contact is often limited to immediate family, that touch from a manicurist can be the only physical care some people receive in a week, Dr. Ruan observes.
A Celebration of Women's Corner, One Nail at a Time
Manicures are unique in the women's corner realm for their high return on investment (ROI). Dr. Ruan points out that they require minimal time and maintenance yet yield lasting effects. Unlike makeup, hair, or clothes—each of which can lift your spirits but needs daily attention—manicures can last for weeks with almost no upkeep. And, given how frequently we look at our hands, they offer a constant reminder of women's corner well-spent.
There’s no universal rule to a “mental health manicure.” Whether it’s a vibrant red, a calming nude, or something totally out there, the choice is yours. Dr. Ruan encourages people to experiment with the colors, shapes, and designs that resonate. Nervous about a new job? Maybe a bold, classic red can give you that extra push. Feeling overwhelmed? A soothing, neutral shade might be your go-to.
For me, the nails that inspired me to finish writing this piece are a modern French mani: ballet-slipper pink with delicate mauve-bronze tips. These nails feel like a little celebration in themselves, a gesture to remind me of my resilience and my choice to honor women's corner—ten little mental health tools glimmering in the light.