A cancer diagnosis mentally can be a hard pill for anyone to swallow. Many women wonder how treatment will affect their looks. While many people might think it is shallow to focus on appearance when thinking about the changes that cancer can make to a person’s life, it is so important to focus on external beauty for a woman to simply maintain a sense of normality when everything else in life is so out of the ordinary. One beauty procedure that is usually safe for all cancer patients is the manicure.
For women, even those that normally eschew make-up, the very process of getting her nails done is therapeutic. The atmosphere of the typical nail salon is one of camaraderie and relaxation; out from under the gaze of men, many women feel more confident talking about more sensitive subjects there. For the newly diagnosed cancer patients, an afternoon at the nail salon is the place to talk about her feelings and fears with friends. Even the manicurist, used to hearing the confessions and complaints of clients, can offer a sympathetic ear. Talking is important to help heal the emotional fall out that usually accompanies cancer and treatment. A conversation about mesothelioma cancer might not be welcome at the dinner table, but in a nail salon, where the subject of childbirth and other female health issues are frequent topics, a cancer patient might feel more comfortable discussing her diagnosis.
The power of touch is also healing. Some women, especially if her cancer required surgery as treatment, might feel uncomfortable with procedures like massage, but the gentle touch and hand massage of a manicure might be more welcoming. Getting her nails done is much less risky than procedures like facials and hair treatments for cancer patients undergoing radiation or chemotherapy that can make the skin and hair more fragile.
Powerful cancer drugs can drastically affect the looks of some patients and even discolor nails. Adding a coat of one’s favorite shade of nail polish can hide any lines or discoloration as well as strengthen nails made brittle by chemotherapy. Seeing a vibrant color on her nails such as hot pink or neon orange, can also encourage and brighter the day of a patient in treatment. Feeling beautiful can help a woman feel empowered; and being confident is vital to a woman fighting cancer.
When a woman is facing a diagnosis that changes her entire life, she will hang on to any piece of her former life that she can. Being able to go to the nail salon, enjoy the company and conversation of her friends, and walk out with a fun and fabulous color on her nails is enough to make her day seem more hopeful and a little brighter. Treat yourself to a relaxing manicure or socialize for a bit with friends and do each other’s to get your mind off of life’s mundane adversities and to start feeling more like a woman!
Manicures for Beauty and Healing
By: Jackie Clark
