Hand Modeling Tips: How to Keep Your Hands in Top Shape for Every Casting

As a hand model, your hands are the stars of the show. Whether you’re modeling for on-camera projects or print advertisements, maintaining impeccable hand and nail care is crucial. Here are some essential guidelines to ensure your hands are always camera-ready:

Nail & Hand Care

• Avoid Press Ons and Gel Nails: While gel polish can give a beautiful and polished look, it can also leave long-lasting effects on the nails once removed, including thinning, peeling, and other visible damage. Since photographers capture highly detailed close-ups of your nails, even the smallest imperfections, including any effects from gel polish removal, are easily noticed. Clients prefer healthy, natural-looking nails that are free from any damage or marks. For this reason, it’s best to avoid wearing gel polish before any shoots. Instead, we recommend maintaining clean, well-manicured nails without the use of gel polish or other potentially damaging treatments, so your hands are in top condition for all close-up shots.
• Nail Length: Keep your nails at a moderate active length. They should be long enough to look elegant but not so long that they appear artificial or interfere with the product you’re modeling.
• Moisturize: Regularly moisturize your hands to keep the skin smooth and soft. This helps prevent dryness and cracking, ensuring your hands look their best. Keep your hands well-hydrated. Drink plenty of water and use a good quality hand cream.
• Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Wear gloves when cleaning or doing dishes to protect your hands from harsh chemicals that can dry out your skin.

Preparing For A Hand Modeling Shoot

• Follow Manicure Instructions: Make sure you follow the instructions provided by your agent on how your manicure should be done for your upcoming hand modeling shoot. Your agent will provide you with instructions including what kind of color, if any, for the nails, length of your nail and the nail shape.
• Polish Touch-Ups: Bring your nail polish for touch-ups. This ensures your nails look freshly done throughout the shoot. Avoid strenuous activities with your hands before a shoot to prevent any potential injuries or strains.
• How Reimbursement Works: Please keep your manicure receipt and turn it in at the conclusion of your shoot to your agent by emailing a copy of the manicure receipt. Your agent will let you know if you are being reimbursed through your session payment or on site.

Additional Tips

• Notify us of any visible damage to hands: It’s important that you notify us of any visible damage to your hands, such as scars, scrapes, or other marks, during casting. This allows us to inform the client in advance and avoid any unexpected issues that could arise on set.
• Avoid Heavy Jewelry: Unless specified by the client, avoid wearing heavy rings or bracelets that could leave indentations on your skin and that can take the attention away from your hands and nails.
• Gentle Movements: Practice gentle and fluid movements with your hands. This is especially important for on-camera work where every motion is magnified. If you are modeling for a food product, it is crucial to know how to naturally and gracefully hold chopsticks, forks, and other cooking utensils, as clients often require these specific actions. Proper handling ensures your hands look comfortable and professional in every shot, enhancing the overall quality of the project.
• Follow Client Instructions: Always adhere to specific instructions from the client regarding nail color, length, and overall hand appearance.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your hands remain in top condition and are always ready for their close-up. Remember, your hands are your canvas, and maintaining their beauty and health is key to a successful hand modeling career.