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Scientists have revealed why it’s good for you to get your nails done.
Research has long shown that a visit to the manicure results in feelings of relaxation and euphoria, and significantly reduces anxiety.
Previous studies have suggested that these feel-good effects stem from the mood-boosting brain chemicals released when we come into contact with human touch.
But new findings appear to show that the health benefits are due to something else entirely.
It’s actually the result of “superficial self-disclosure” ? otherwise known as the light-hearted chat you have at the nail salon, according to a new study.
Researchers from two universities in Japan surveyed 500 women to discover the psychological effects of getting your nails done.
Study author Atsushi Kawakubo, associate professor at Saitama Gakuen University, told PsyPost: ‘Our research suggests that participating in nail care at a salon, combined with light self-disclosure, can positively boost one’s psychological state’
About 300 women regularly visited a salon, the rest did their nails at home or not at all.
Participants then rated the extent to which they experienced different emotions and attitudes during a nail care session on a four-point scale from “not at all” to “very much.”
Women who went for a manicure were also asked about the content and quality of their conversations with manicurists and fellow customers.
The results showed that those who had their nails done at a salon experienced significantly more positive emotions, such as relaxation, compared to those who did it themselves at home.
Most intriguingly, the topic of conversation with others during the appointment influenced the participants’ mood.
Surface self-disclosure, which researchers defined as discussions about hobbies and daily life, was associated with increased positive emotions, but deeper self-disclosure, which related to negative personality traits and life difficulties, negatively affected certain psychological outcomes.
Study author Atsushi Kawakubo, associate professor at Saitama Gakuen University, said PsyPost: ‘Our research suggests that participating in nail care in a salon, combined with light self-disclosure, can positively boost a person’s psychological state.
‘This practice provides individuals with a tangible way to promote their mental wellbeing, highlighting the importance of self-care and the potential benefits of sharing personal thoughts in a comfortable environment.’
The researchers emphasize that more research is needed to draw firm conclusions – there was no control group and the data was self-reported.