Beyond Hand Cream: Hand Model Ellen Sirot’s Secrets to Beautiful Hands

Nude nails are in for spring, yet rarely do we actually consider letting our nails go naked. Not because we’re against the idea – in fact, the low-maintenance look would actually be ideal for those of us who pound away on our keyboards all day, making perfectly polished pinkies merely a day-long affair before a chip crashes the party and a ragged hang-nail ruins the look. Rather, we seldom contemplate letting our fingers go unpolished because, well, our nails don’t come close to looking like those of the hand models we see in magazines. You know: perfectly shaped nails all of the same length, naturally bright-white tips and seemingly nonexistent cuticles. World famous hand model and the founder of Hand Perfection, Ellen Sirot, however, is hoping to let us in on her hand-perfecting secrets so that you can finally bear all. (Well, not “all,” but your nails anyway.)

Learn how to give yourself a salon-style manicure, at home!

Although regular hand washing is key (especially during cold and flu season), conventional soaps often deplete our hands of much-needed moisture. Ellen’s solution: switch to a hydrating wash, like her Moisturizing Cleanser ($30), which simultaneously hydrates hands with natural oils. Also essential: copious amounts of lotions and creams throughout the day, especially after washing. Her pick: Hand Perfection Complete Day Cream ($30), but any quality cream will do.

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Repairing ragged hands, however, is often more difficult than preventing further dehydration. Ellen suggests that we start by treating our deprived digits with Hand Perfection’s Nail & Cuticle Treatment ($22), a pen-like tool that dispenses a water-free hydrating oil enriched with omega-3 fats, evening primrose, hemp seed oils and botanicals. Applied regularly, this fast-absorbing treatment works to repair dry cuticles, strengthen nails and keep fingers looking their best.

Also essential for your hand-care: a restorative nighttime regimen. Studies show that the majority of women (56%) think that their hands are aging more quickly than the rest of their bodies (including their faces!) and they want to do something about it. So, just as you apply your luxurious lotions to your face at night, Ellen suggests we treat our hands with the same care by applying Hand Perfection’s Night Solution ($75) before bed. With moisturizing sea algae extract, barrier-boosting humectants, nourishing omega-3 fatty acids and soothing licorice root extract, this potent serum promotes the skin’s renewal process overnight while also working to firm, tone and brighten the skin. (Although a dab of your favorite facial cream will likely do the trick just as well.)

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Ellen predicts springtime will usher in a trend towards nail nudity. While we agree that nude-polish will be in this spring, we’re not so sure about bare-naked nails (or, more accurately, if we’ll ever really be able to part with our polish). Although it would be nice to know we could go nude if we wanted – and Ellen at least puts that option back on the table.