There’s nothing quite like the first impression you make with a handshake.
It is a known story – whether you are on a job interview, or are meeting a client, or even on a date, that handshake tells a lot about you.
Well, come on, admit it, in today’s life where every tiny detail matters, a strong and professional grip in the hand shake can be extremely helpful.
But let me tell you, the shake is not only about how tight or weak you are, it is also about how your hands look and feel.
I’ve picked up a few pointers as to how I can maintain the health of my hands and nails for when it’s time for a professional shake.
Now, let’s look at the things you need to do, to improve not just the outward appearance of your handshake, but the hands and nails that go with it.
Why Hands Matter in First Impressions
I can’t count how many times I’ve met someone, shook their hand, and immediately formed an opinion.
Was it too weak?
Too firm?
And yes, did their hands look well-groomed and soft or the thought crossed my mind whether they have ever used any moisturizer?
They express themselves even if the rest of your body fails to, or even if you are silent and without any words to say.
It’s funny, but individuals don’t remember what you said, but rather how they felt when you were telling them this or that.
Some of them are maintaining a proper hand grip with clean and soft hands and neat nails which clearly depict that they are hygienic.
And in the professional world nothing can be hidden and all the details count.
Your handshake speaks to people about your confidence, your reliability and about you being well groomed.
In fact, it’s like having the right size of clothes, having perfected your hair, or even having an attractive and beautiful complexion.
Now, let’s turn to how you can ensure your hands are always in a state whereby you can give a proper handshake whenever you want to.
Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize!
If you take away just one thing from this article, let it be this: moisturized hands are non-negotiable.
Dry, cracked hands are never a good look, and worse, they can feel uncomfortable to the person you’re shaking hands with.
I’ve had those “Oh no” moments where I’ve reached out for a handshake only to realize my hands were as dry as a desert.
Don’t make that mistake!
Invest in a good hand cream and apply it regularly.
The best time is right after you wash your hands, but make it a habit to reapply throughout the day, especially if you’re in a dry or cold climate.
Look for creams that contain hydrating ingredients like glycerin, shea butter, or coconut oil. The goal is to keep your skin soft, but not greasy.
And don’t forget about your cuticles!
Some of us pay no attention to them and neglect dry cuticles which make hands look unpolished.
To keep those cuticles soft and moisturized you should apply a cuticle oil or balm on them daily.
I mean it, this little step goes a long way in as far as the appearance of your hands is concerned.
DIY Tip: Try an Overnight Hand Treatment
You know how no matter how much you apply the cream seeing how your hands become smoother during the day, you can end up having rough hands in the end.
If that’s so, attempt an overnight mask.
Take a hand cream and apply it on your hands and then put on cotton gloves before you go to bed.
It might be a little strange at first, but when you wake up and look at your hands, they’ll be soft, smooth and prepared for the day.
Nail Care Is Key
A good handshake does not mean that you should have soft hands but equally important is that you also have well groomed nails.
As much as some people may like long nails while others like short ones or even those which are half-way between, there is one thing that is common – and that is that they should appear clean.
Now that we have seen some of the most important tips that would be useful in keeping our fingertips stunning, let us look at some of the recommendations on how to care for our nails.
Keep Them Clean
Well this goes without saying but nails should be clean.
I assume this is a no-brainer.
These parts of your body, especially your fingernails should not have dirt or grime on them in any professional ambiance.
You should consider it routine to use a soft brush to brush under your nails whenever you are washing your hands.
It is not time consuming but makes such a great impact when it comes to making your nails look new.
Shape Matters
Now, let’s discuss a little bit about the nail shape.
People have their favorite shape: it can be square, oval or almond.
Still, it is critical to file and shape the nails.
It is recommended that you spend fifteen to twenty minutes each week filing your nails into the preferred shape.
Well groomed nails can always be polished by a good file and if you make it a routine to shape your nails, they will always look professional.
If you’re a person with weak nails, then it would be wise to opt for a nail strengthener so as to maintain a good and healthy condition of your nails.
Hydrate Your Nails
You also need to hydrate your nails just like you do your hands, sometimes even more often.
Coating them with cuticle oil (and here I go again!) also benefits your nails and aids in avoiding their brittleness.
They are also likely to split or peel which is not a good feeling especially when you have spent a lot of time shaping and painting them.
Buff It Out
If this is not your cup of tea that’s fine, if you ‘re not into nail polish then that’s okay too.
You can still have gorgeous nails using a nail buffer.
Buffing makes your nails shine and eradicate all the lines of ridges without adding color to your nails, and this will make your nails look healthy.
It is quite an effective and not very strenuous method of how you can enhance your nails and make them look as professional as possible
The Manicure Debate: To Polish or Not to Polish?
So, we are ready to discuss polish.
The term ‘polish’ is almost synonymous with the term ‘shine’.
If you would like to have beautiful nails, whether that is with color or without, it is totally up to you.
People tend to feel more comfortable with polished nails but few like the touch of polish on their nails and others do not.
Both are okay for business meetings if your nails are groomed properly.
If you do choose to wear polish make sure it is not chipped!
Nobody wants to attend an important meeting with her nails painted only half way.
If you have a chance to see any area where your polish has chipped then apply a new layer or completely remove it.
Neutral Tones for a Professional Look
However, if you are in a dilemma as to which color you should choose, it is advisable that you use neutral ones.
Some will opt to have a simple natural color such as light pinks, beiges or even soft grays which will give the nails a classy look that is not loud.
Besides, they do not have chips and flaws which makes them ideal for people who do not have time to repaint their nails every few days.
Regular Maintenance Is Everything
The single most important thing you need to know on how to always be handshake-ready is to practice.
It doesn’t not take very much time, but it has to be done regularly and at a steady pace.
Make it a habit to dedicate some time in a week for pampering your hands and nails.
Regardless of whether you are applying lotion to the cuticles, filing your nails or painting them, those small activities will help maintain your hands in a good condition.
If your nails remain dry and brittle, without any significant improvement, it may be useful to reconsider some of your habits.
Are you drinking enough water?
Are you protecting your nails from harsh chemicals and the weather?
Some minor changes that you can incorporate in your daily life will go a long way in making your hands and nails healthier.
A Little Self-Care Goes a Long Way
It is necessary to emphasize that hand and nail care is one way of taking care of ourselves.
People ignore the importance of hands which is quite surprising as these extremities actually work very hard for us every day.
Painting our nails with a new polish, applying lotion to our hands, or massaging them can also be another form of pampering.
Final Thoughts
A handshake may only last a few seconds, but it leaves a lasting impression.
With these tips, you are guaranteed soft and healthy looking hands with perfectly groomed nails for any professional meeting.
Well next time you step forward to stretch your hand for a handshake, you can do it with confidence.
A great handshake starts with self-care, and now, you’ve got all the tools you need to make sure you’re always handshake-ready!
