Let's Celebrate Painted Nails and Haircuts

In May of 2011, an EF5 tornado tore through Joplin, Missouri. People found themselves displaced, and 158 people died. At the time, a small task force local to the St Louis area hours away was meeting each month to discuss initiatives related to health care. None of us were doctors, and I doubted myself to have much to truly offer, yet I attended the volunteer gathering wherein we discussed what assistance we could give. I was surprised by the multitude of hygiene supplies on the table; shampoo, conditioner, soap. As if reading my mind, I remember another volunteer looking at me and sharing that it might not look like much and wasn't, yet being able to take a shower is pretty important to health.

That stuck with me. As a clinician who also has lived experience with mental health challenges, I can relate. During my lowest points, depression tangled my hair. I looked in the mirror to see a person who had not prioritized herself. An hour of taking care of myself was surprisingly healing both in signaling an action on a value that I matter and in feeling so much better. Working with clients going through a variety of significant life and mental health concerns, I have seen this pattern replay repeatedly.

Research shows that hygiene often deteriorates in times of poor mental health. During times of depression, finding the energy to take care of one's personal care needs can feel meaningless and difficult. Some research supports an intervention of focusing first on just dietary and hygiene behaviors for individuals living with depression (Olivan-Blázquez et al., 2018). Serious mental health conditions such as schizophrenia are also often associated with a decline in hygiene behaviors (Nawaz and Jahangir, 2017).

There are several ways that taking time for our physical appearance can assist with mental health. First, it is an action of self-compassion. Depression thrives on guilt and low self-worth. When done with intention, attempts to beautify ourselves could propel a sense that we matter.

So, I believe in painted nails as a mental health wellness tool.

I'm not going to bill insurance for it, or provide it in my office (I'm not too talented in it, anyway). But I can say for myself the satisfying feeling of looking down at 10 fingernails all the same color and knowing that I've taken the time to be kind to myself.

Our appearance can guide how we feel. When we look unwell, we often feel unwell. While freshening things up a bit might not be enough to end a mental health condition, it might make a small change.

So, here I'm going to say it. Self-care is much more than haircuts and nail salons. Yet, for some, both can play a role.

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