At the beginning of the year, I resolved to visit my nail tech twice in a month to amp up my beauty routine. I promised myself that no amount of tiredness would stall my aim of looking (in the words of Missy Elliot) Supa-Dupa-Fly
I was able to stick to my promise only twice before the President announced the partial lockdown.
With the lockdown, it’s no secret that the beauty industry is taking a huge hit. Hair salons are closed, eyelash techs are no longer accepting bookings and my nail tech is enjoying her much needed holiday.
Your at-home grooming session will be enough to get you by until social distancing and shutdowns end.
Continue reading to find out how you and I can stay glammed up for the lockdown.
HAIR
This lockdown period is definitely the time to focus on you as you give yourself some much need grooming. To take care of your hair, you really don’t need to be a pro. What you do need is patience especially if you usually have a professional digging deep into your tresses. If you have your hair in braids like I do, it is a pretty good idea to wash your scalp and hair. Washing your hair not only takes off the buildup of styling gels and edge creams but also allows your scalp to breathe.
To achieve this, wet your roots/new growth and apply the shampoo to your scalp. Lather and wash hair using the tips of your fingers and never your fingernails. Next, apply conditioner.
There’s one thing you should not do during this period and that is making the decision to cut your hair by yourself. Unless there’s a haircare professional at home with you, save the haircut for later.
Putting your hair up into a bun is certainly the perfect look for when you have to have a video conference meeting online. Style it up by wearing an appropriate headband.
NAILS
My nail tech may not be an essential worker but I am suddenly extra grateful for her.
To recreate a nail salon experience in the comfort of your home, you will only need a few basic items.
At-home manicures can also be a fun activity for the household. Again, there’s no need to stress about achieving a very fancy set. Simply follow these basic steps and come out with some pretty nice nails.
Dizropt steps for an at-home manicure:
1. Remove old polish with a nail polish remover, do not scrape of with a blade.
2. Trim and file your nails. You can go further to buff your nails if you have the necessary tools.
3. Always apply a base coat of polish.
4. Only apply the top coat once the base coat is sufficiently dry.
5. After nails are dry, apply a moisturizing lotion to your hands or feet.
WAXING
If you are one of the brave women who get their lady parts and body waxed on a regular, this lockdown may come as a relief. Those who are not brave enough to try at home options can stick to trimming or shaving.
SKINCARE ROUTINE
One upside to working from home or simply being at home is that your skin can finally breathe as you free it from all the makeup. Also, this is a great time to develop a basic but effective skin care routine.
For healthy skin, follow these steps
AM ROUTINE
1. Cleanse
2. Tone
3. Moisturize
4. Sunscreen
PM ROUTINE
1. Double cleanse (simply cleanse your face twice )
2. Tone
3. Wash- off Mask (clay, aloe vera or honey )
4. Moisturize
So, remember to eat healthy, drink lots of water and follow these tips for an after lockdown glow!