5 Hand Stretches for Nail Pros
Let’s be real—spending hours sculpting perfect acrylics and painting intricate nail art is no joke on your hands and wrists. Whether you’re gripping your e-file or holding your client’s hand just right for that flawless French tip, your muscles are doing the most. And while we take such great care of our clients’ hands, we often forget to show the same love to our own. That’s why we put together these super simple (and seriously effective) hand stretches to help keep your hands happy, strong, and ready for whatever your next set throws at you!
The Hand Flex
Flexing your fingers and thumbs can help to loosen up the ligaments in your hands. First, make a fist with both hands. Hold for 10 seconds, and then open them outwards. Repeat this 15 times and remember to breathe deeply throughout. This stretch will lengthen the ligaments in your fingers which can be helpful if you have arthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome.
Thumb Circles
- Make a fist with your thumb up.
- Move your thumb in a circle clockwise.
- Repeat 5-10 times.
- Switch the direction to counterclockwise circles.
- Repeat an additional 10-15 times to loosen the tendons to keep thumbs flexible.
Finger Taps
This simple stretch is a great way to start your routine, especially if you’re new to hand stretches.
Holding your hands upright with fingers spread comfortably apart, touch your thumbs to your pinky fingers, move on to the ring finger, and repeat until you’ve touched all four fingers. Repeat 10-15x each day for best results. This simple but effective stretch can help keep tendons supple and reduce pain in hands by releasing tension in the muscles and joints around them.
Wrist Flexes
- Sit in a chair with arms and rest your forearms and wrists on the arms of the chair.
- Allow your hands (palms down) to hang over the edge.
- Flex your wrists back toward you; then, relax to a neutral, hanging position.
- Lower your hands back down. Repeat 10 to 15 times.
Wrist Rotation
Wrist rotation is a great way to stretch your wrists.
Your hands are your money-makers, magic-makers, and mini-masterpieces-in-the-making creators—so don’t let soreness or stiffness slow you down. Just a few minutes a day with these stretches can make a big difference in how you feel after a long shift behind the table. Go ahead, treat your hands to some TLC—you’ve earned it
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