I feel almost ‘normal’ again! I’ve had my nails done!
I’ve had acrylic nails for twenty years. Just before lockdown I decided to change to gel. It would be easier to maintain, less harmful and cheaper! Being a lady of leisure, but still having to do housework and gardening, I needed more than just nail varnish. My nails had become so thin and quite painful. What we women don’t go through in the name of vanity!
So, with some trepidation as beauty salons had only just opened, I went to my appointment. The young lady, who has been my mani and pedicurist for many years, had moved during lockdown to a converted garage at her home. Rent was exorbitant at her previous salon and the landlord had not helped during the crisis.
My material mask was really uncomfortable. It was too big. I had adjusted the elastic ear straps which only made matters worse! It changed the shape of my ears and was impossible to wear my hearing aid! My glasses fogged up and, having ‘verifocals’ meant that I had to wear them correctly or life became a hazy blur. Not ideal when shopping! And I couldn’t breathe!
So I bought a box of fifty paper masks and left some in a plastic bag with hand sanitiser in the car. I was prepared. I set the sat nav and left home in time to accommodate any potential delays caused by the lack of a ‘direction’ gene. There was no waiting room if I arrived early so ideally would get to my destination on time!
The house was easy to find so pulled up outside with a few minutes to spare. Time to adjust the mask and ensure nose and mouth prioperly covered. It fitted significantly better than the material one and I could breathe! A nice bonus. New nail growth had replaced the soft acrylic side effects so ready just to gel and paint. I had also booked a pedicure so would be able to start wearing open sandals again!
I walked into the new salon and was immediately struck by the clean, light and relaxing ambiance. My apprehension slipped away and was replaced by a feeling of peace and calm. The room had been tastefully decorated with Covid security firmly in place. I felt safe in the knowledge that the risk was minimal and I could spend the next couple of hours just enjoying the experience.
I have become very fond of the young clinician and always admired her work ethic and professionalism. If anyone deserved to do well she did! There were times when she had worked seven day weeks to cover expenses. Her parents have been very supportive but have instilled in her the need to make the business a success by hard work, strict discipline and a determination to succeed. They must be very proud of her!
It was good to catch up on news and I always chuckle when I have my pedicure. The young lady has some knowledge of reflexology and I wait for her to advise which part of my body is either under or not performing! I often joke that I feel well when I arrive but who knows what fatal illness I have when I leave!
I walked out of the salon feeling as if I’d had a good holiday! Relaxed and very happy with my bright psychedelic orange nails, I threw the mask in the bin and headed back home. An afternoon well spent! Self indulgence but, hey, I’m worth it! 👠
Jenny Burrell 