As the pandemic continues, it’s becoming clear that things may not be back to normal for a while. Many are using this newfound time at home as an opportunity to go au-naturel, trading their usual glam routines for sweatpants, visible roots and unpolished nails.
While the comfy look may suit those who don’t work in front of the camera, models don’t have the same luxury. After all, when your business includes looking good for your adoring fans, you have to keep up with your beauty routine no matter what is going on in the world outside.
Your cam glam routine has probably gotten a lot more complicated over the last few months because many personal care businesses are still closed, and you may not feel comfortable visiting the ones that have already re-opened. So, what do you do when you no longer have access to beauty services like nail and hair salons? Here are some DIY beauty hacks to keep you looking and feeling your best until things get back to normal.
Nail It
The last four months have probably been quite an adjustment for those who are used to getting their nails done every two weeks. If you’re still waiting to get back into the nail shop for a fresh set, here are a few things you can do to keep your hands looking lovely.
DIY acrylic nails: There are many options on the market for DIY acrylic nails, but the most effective and inexpensive is the Kiss Salon Dip Professional Dipping System. You can buy this at most drugstores for under $15, and you get two full sets out of one package. The best part is you don’t need special tools like the ones at the nail salon, and once you get the hang of it, you can do your nails from start to finish in less than an hour.
Press-on nails: These are probably the easiest way to keep your nails looking chic as you’re typing away to your fans, but be sure you take the time to apply them properly. The last thing you want is for one of your nails to pop off during a hot private show. Start by pushing your cuticles back and make sure you dehydrate your natural nails with alcohol or acetone, so the adhesive sticks. It also helps to apply your press-on nails right before bed, so they have time to set while you’re sleeping. That way, you won’t have to worry about them lifting because water got under them while you were doing dishes or washing your hands.
Treating unhealthy nails: Many acrylic and gel wearers faced thin, painful natural nails when their last set came off. If this is an issue for you, try a topical nail treatment like CND RescueRXx Keratin Nail Treatment. This product is available at Ulta and most drugstores for under $20 and will make your nail beds healthier and less painful within just a few days. If you don’t have access to this product, there is a DIY recipe you can try with things you probably already have at home. Just take a clove of finely chopped garlic and mix it into any clear basecoat polish you have lying around. Let it sit for two or three days so the garlic can infuse into the basecoat, then brush it onto your nails every few days. Within a week, your nails will be stronger and healthier. And don’t worry about your hands smelling like garlic, as the smell of the basecoat is usually strong enough to cover it up.
Quarantine Hair, Do Care
The haircut and color you got before the lockdown started has most likely grown out by now, which may leave you searching YouTube and TikTok for a few DIY haircut and dyeing tips. But before you do anything drastic, let’s take a look at some safe ways to keep your hair looking fly.
Hair color: Most stylists will tell you to skip the box dye altogether, but given the current state of the world, it may be time to amend that rule. If you need to alter the color of your hair, stick to subtle changes like root touch-ups and covering up your grays. If you are not a hairstylist (or aren’t lucky enough to have one living in your house), stay away from drastic hair processes like bleaching and highlights, because if you make a mistake, you can’t go running to a salon to get it fixed.
Extensions: If hair extensions are a part of your regular beauty routine and you are unable to visit the salon, some quality clip-ins can make all the difference. Extensions are not something you want to skimp out on, as cheap extensions do not blend well and will look obvious on camera. Try a brand like Bellami or Zala, as they offer a high-quality extensions, and the color matching is pretty spot-on. If you need tips on how to install your clip-ins, YouTube is your best friend! There are tons of how-to videos you can check out to make the process a lot easier. Nicole Guerriero, Saaammage and Luxy Hair are a few great channels you can visit for guidance on how to install extensions.
Treat Your Hair
Try some at-home treatments to avoid breakage and keep your locks healthy until you can get back into your stylist’s chair. Use a nourishing shampoo and conditioner like L’Oreal Elvive Dream Lengths or OGX Anti-Breakage + Keratin Oil (both are available at drugstores for under $10 each) to keep your hair moisturized. To get your hair (and nails) in tip-top shape, you can also try mixing collagen powder (NEOCELL Super Collagen is a great one) into your water or smoothies to make your locks long and lustrous. If you can’t find these products where you live, make a simple hair mask out of avocado and olive oil, coconut oil or even apple cider vinegar if you have fine hair.
Don't Forget About skin Care
Try not to slack on your skincare routine, even on days you’re not camming. It’s easy to get lazy when you know you don’t have to leave the house, but a day off here and there can add up over time. Instead, take advantage of these lazy days to do a sheet mask, or a DIY face mask using things you already have. Honey and yogurt are an excellent mixture for clear skin, while banana and coconut oil work wonders for hydration, and an oatmeal and honey mask will exfoliate your skin and leave it feeling silky smooth. And you’ve probably heard this a million times, but be sure to wash your face before bed. Studies have shown that sleeping in makeup can age your skin at a substantially faster rate, so it’s worth it to make a little time every night for cleansing even when you are utterly exhausted after a long cam session.
Self-Care is Key
Don’t forget to take care of your mental and emotional well-being during these uncertain times. One of the best things you can do for yourself is to step away from social media every now and then and block out all the negative energy on your timeline. Use that time to meditate, get some fresh air, read or do something that puts your soul at ease, and helps you stay centered. Feeling at peace with yourself will show on your face and make you look even better.
Until next time, be good to yourself. You deserve it!
Jackie Backman is the Content Manager for Cams.com. She has been working in the industry for over 12 years and specializes in copywriting, beauty and social media management. Follow Jackie on Instagram at @beautychaoticofficial.
