Bring Your Salon Favorites Home

If you missed your last nail or hair appointment you’re probably kicking yourself right about now. You may have nowhere to go and no one to see but there’s some truth to the saying, “When you look good, you feel good.”

Social distancing may have you stuck inside, but it’s still possible to maintain your appearance by getting your favorite salon-grade products delivered to your door and tackling treatments on your own. You’ll soon find that “hair, skin, and nails” vitamins have nothing on you!

Don’t be afraid to let your hair down

Who knew you’d actually miss sitting in a salon chair for hours while your favorite stylist tames your mane? Well, here you are. Your next hair treatment may be weeks away, but that doesn’t mean you’re helpless. Now’s the time to find your independence and get to know your tresses all over again.

The first thing you can do is contact your hairstylist and find out what products he or she uses on your hair. At the bare minimum, you can make sure you’re not starving your hair of the products and nutrients it’s used to.

You may not be able to achieve the signature look you’re used to on your own, but don’t be scared to try something new. Buy a diffuser off Amazon, snag the flat iron you’ve always wanted, or find out what the natural hair care movement is all about. Your hairdresser may not be excited about the fact that you skip an appointment or two once things get back to normal, but your pockets will thank you.

Shed your makeup and focus on your skin

When you’re trying to balance a busy work/life schedule, it’s easy to let your skincare routine fall by the wayside. Now you’ve got no excuse. Carve out some time in your day to give your skin the TLC it deserves.

First things first, take off your makeup and give your skin a much-needed breather. Then (re)establish your skincare regimen. A complete skincare routine should feature, at a minimum a:

1. Skincare cleanser for your unique skin type. If you have oily skin, find a cleanser that works to remove excess oil from your skin. If you have dry skin, you need a gentle exfoliator that will hydrate your skin at the same time.
2. Corrective product. Struggle with stubborn dark marks? Are fine lines and wrinkles the bane of your existence? Find the right serum that zeroes in on your specific skin challenge.
3. Moisturizer. Don’t let your skin fool you. EVERY skin type needs a moisturizer, even oily skin. That’s right. The key is to understand what type of skin you have and find a moisturizer that will help you balance or smooth in response.
4. SPF-containing product. Whether you’re inside or outside, of a lighter or darker complexion, EVERYONE needs sunscreen to shield their skin from the harmful rays of the sun.

If you really want to pamper your skin, consider adding a mask to your regular routine or a dermapeel treatment to your weekly routine. Before you know it, you’ll feel like you’re getting an at-home spa experience in no time.

Treat yourself to a mani/pedi

Are your gel nails on their last leg? Are you embarrassed to throw on sandals as you head out for a grocery store run? Focus your restless attention on your hands and feet. While you should always take special care when you’re giving yourself a professional treatment, you’d be surprised how easy it is to maintain your manicure and pedicure from the comfort of your home.

A quick browse on “quarantine self-care tips” will lead you to some of the best deals on your favorite nail salon products. If you’re adventurous, you could attempt to “DIY your gel” by purchasing your own UV LED lamp and gel polish kit.

If you’d rather play it safe or let your nails breathe, invest in a solid set of tools to keep your cuticles intact, your nails trimmed, and your soles exfoliated. Top your manicured nails and toes with a long-lasting polish that doesn’t require a UV lamp. Or take a trip down memory lane and purchase a set of press-on nails, they’re making a comeback!

Shed unwanted body hair

If you’re the type to have a standing wax appointment, your “wax lady” is probably your best friend (or closer than your best friend). That means that your body hair is probably longer than you want it to be. Fortunately, at-home wax strips aren’t hard to come by. Take a deep breath, follow the directions on the package and give it a try.

Scared to tackle a wax on your own? Have a roommate? Maybe now’s the time to get extra close and ask for some help? *shrugs*

Uninterested in replacing your wax lady? That’s okay, there are plenty of alternatives to waxing, for your face and your body. Browse around to find products that you’re most comfortable trying on your own at home while you wait patiently for your next appointment.

Ready, set, make an appointment with yourself

Being confined to your home, by choice or otherwise, gives you an opportunity to focus on yourself. If you’re creative and open to the experience, you may even pick up a new skill that will bring And the best part is, you don’t have to reach deep into your pockets to pay expensive salon prices.

Want more self-care tips? Be sure to check out Urban Skin Rx’s Glow-Up Guide! We’ll keep you up-to-date on the latest skincare essentials, tips, and ideas on how to make “you” time a priority.