CBD Manicures: A Beginner’s Guide

The manicure has become something of a symbol of self care over the years and something that countless women across America love to indulge in and treat themselves to. If you’re one of them, you might be interested to know that CBD manicures are now a thing, and we have everything you need to know about them right here.

What Does a CBD Manicure Involve and Where Can You Get One?

The actual process of getting a CBD manicure isn’t as revolutionary as you might think. They simply involve the use of CBD-infused skin care products during your treatment. There is a really wide range of these products available now, from hydrating hand lotions to silky cuticle oils. In a CBD manicure, your beautician will simply swap some of the more traditional products you’re used to with newer, CBD-infused products.

After the legalization of cannabis in California, CBD manicures started popping up in Los Angeles and other big cities. Since then, they’ve spread across the country, and CBD manicures (and other beauty treatments) are now offered at spas and nail salons from coast to coast. A quick internet search will be sure to turn up a spot or two near you —  as long as you’re not living in one of the few states where CBD is still prohibited.

Why Choose A CBD Manicure?

Perhaps unsurprisingly, there hasn’t been any scientific research specifically into the effects of CBD manicures, although who knows what researchers will decide to study next. This doesn’t mean that there’s no merit to the claims that CBD products and CBD manicures could be great for your hands and nails, though.

First, a quick guide to CBD: known by its scientific name of cannabidiol, CBD is a cannabinoid — one of more than 100 naturally-occurring compounds found in cannabis plants (which include both hemp and marijuana). Like all cannabinoids, CBD interacts with your body’s endocannabinoid system, a network of receptors that controls a wide range of bodily functions such as mood, sleep, and fertility. It also has a big influence on the health of the skin. Some studies suggest that using CBD oil products can help the endocannabinoid system restore balance to skin that’s been having a tough time (and the skin on our hands has arguably the toughest time of all).

For example, researchers have found that CBD topicals could be a very effective anti-inflammatory treatment. While human studies are still in their early stages, the initial research shows that applying CBD topicals can reduce the inflammation and offer relief from pain caused by arthritic conditions. One of the best parts of a manicure is the mini-hand massage that usually accompanies it, and with CBD the benefits could be even greater.

Other studies have shown that CBD is a potent antioxidant, which means it can kill off free radicals and prevent the development of fine lines and wrinkles. We tend to focus on our faces when we think about anti-aging skin care, but the hands and fingers are one of the first places on the body where the signs of aging become apparent. If you’re looking for a way to keep your hands looking youthful, CBD could be just the ticket.

CBD beauty products may have even more to offer than anti-aging, pain-relieving, and anti-inflammatory benefits, too. Depending on the type of topicals used during a CBD manicure (pro tip: ask if they’re “transdermal” products), you could also take advantage of CBD’s anti-anxiety properties. Just when you thought manicures couldn’t get any more relaxing.

Are There Special Aftercare Requirements?
Nope. The aftercare requirements for a CBD manicure are the very same as they are for standard manicure treatments.

It’s always recommended that you give your hands and nails more than enough time for the products used to absorb and/or dry fully. After that it is a simple case of wearing protective gloves when gardening, washing dishes, or undertaking other handsy chores. Maintaining your beautifully soft hands with a good quality hand lotion will help the results of the treatment last for longer, too.

Will A CBD Manicure Give You The Hands and Nails of Your Dreams?

Honestly, who knows? The results of beauty treatments like manicures vary widely from salon to salon, based on lots of variables like the training level of the staff and the quality of the products used. There’s definitely a lot of hype surrounding CBD manicures right now (as there is surrounding CBD in general), but whether or not a CBD manicure will meet your expectations depends as much on the skill of the staff as what’s in their bottles.

One thing’s for sure though: they’re not going anywhere any time soon. Pure CBD goodness has already made its way into your bath bombs and lotions, and now it’s in your manicures, too.