She Strengthens

Finding Solace in Self-Care: My Unlikely Obsession with Press-On Nails

As a self-proclaimed nail-biter, I’ve struggled with onychophagia, a condition that has no cure. But with the rise of the coronavirus pandemic, my monthly nail salon visits came to a halt, leaving me with a bare canvas and an irresistible urge to bite.

A Chance Encounter with Press-On Nails

It was during a particularly stir-crazy moment, stuck in my studio apartment, that I stumbled upon Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s popularization of press-on nails. This chance encounter sparked a newfound curiosity, and I found myself browsing the press-on nail selection at my local grocery store. What I discovered was a world of possibilities, and I was hooked.

Embracing My Inner Nail Enthusiast

No longer confined to the salon, I now have the freedom to experiment with different shapes, designs, and colors. Square, coffin, glittered, or gold – the options are endless. I’ve developed a fondness for pastel shades, but a touch of bling on my ring finger never goes amiss. With adhesive press-ons being the easiest to apply, I’ve also kept glue on hand for those pesky reapplications.

Finding Community in Unlikely Places

As I COVID-binge-watch my favorite shows, I’ve started noticing the nails of actresses, like Ally’s stunning pastel blue manicure on FX’s “Dave.” I’ve even created a mini community on Instagram, where friends share their own press-on creations and tag me in giveaways. It may be a small group, but we’re committed to our newfound love.

More Than Just Aesthetics

For me, press-on nails are more than just a beauty fix. They’ve become a coping mechanism for my heightened anxiety during these uncertain times. Doctors attribute my nail-biting to anxiety or OCD, so it’s no surprise that the pandemic has amplified this habit. But with press-on nails, I’ve found a sense of control and normalcy in my otherwise abnormal routine.

Pressing On

As I apply a new set of press-on nails, I’m filled with a sense of joy and readiness for the day. They’ve brought me a sense of community, sparked a new hobby, and – most importantly – kept my fingers out of my mouth. I’ll keep pressing on, and hopefully, next time it’ll be in that elusive pastel blue shade.