As a naturally occurring protein, collagen is essential in the fight against aging. For most people, that usually means fine lines on the forehead or around the eyes and mouth. But what about your hands? A new trend, the collagen manicure, is prioritizing nail health over fancy designs by bringing a skin-care approach to salons. The rise of healthy fingernails has been brewing for some time. In the later parts of 2024, clean and bare looks like wellness and soap manicures became the go-to aesthetic, and hyper-realistic looks rose in popularity. However, the collagen manicure isn’t just about mimicking a healthy look with nail polish. The collagen manicure is meant to be enriching like the best serums and face masks, it aims to improve the quality of your skin. Whether you’re adding the service to your monthly manicure or are splurging before an event, knowing the basics behind this trend will be helpful. Ahead, two experts share their thoughts on the buzzy manicure trend, including its benefits and whether the results are worth the effort.
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What is a collagen manicure?
While some manicure trends focus on designs or techniques to create a lasting look, the collagen manicure prioritizes the health and longevity of your nails using collagen-infused products. Mazz Hanna, CEO of Nailing Hollywood, explains that these often come in the form of gloves, masks or lotions and are used to hydrate and soften the hands. The rest of the manicure includes the usual steps, like nail shaping and cuticle care but has the added boost of nourishing ingredients. “Think of treating your hands and nails to a dedicated routine just as you do with skin care. The right products allow nutrients to penetrate the nail bed while a layer of lotion locks oil within the barrier,” explains celebrity nail stylist Elle Gerstein.
The benefits of a collagen manicure
You probably know all about the benefits of collagen for your skin. Between serums, creams and treatments, there’s a never-ending effort to stimulate its production for a more youthful appearance. The same goes for a collagen manicure, which mainly benefits the skin on your hands to hydrate and enhance radiance. The pros explain that while collagen-infused treatments can improve the appearance of your skin, they’re not designed to make your nails grow. “Your nail bed is fed through nutrients, not topical products,” says Gerstein. Hanna adds that while a collagen manicure can give you a youthful glow, it can’t rebuild collagen deep beneath the surface.
So why are these manicures suddenly trendy? The signification of routines could be the answer. Adding collagen treatments to your manicure boosts hydration and locks in moisture. Like your favorite collagen sheet masks and face washes, collagen-infused gloves wrap your skin in nourishing ingredients. In that vein, they’re great for softening rough areas and soothing dryness for a supple feel.
How does a collagen manicure work?
At its core, a collagen manicure is all about skin prep using dedicated products to promote hydration. “Begin by scrubbing your nails with an antibacterial soap, then use isopropyl alcohol to cleanse the nail. This will act like an astringent and bring your nail to the proper pH level while eliminating any dust and debris from the area,” says Gerstein. Contrary to what you may think, she notes that acetone only removes polish and does not prepare the nails for a smooth application. After grooming the cuticles and nail beds, your technician may incorporate a collagen hand mask to boost hydration levels and leave your hands looking freshly pampered. “The hydrating effects from a salon manicure are more short-term, so it’s best to keep to a moisturizing routine at home,” says Hanna
