In an era of constant digital scrutiny, our hands and fingertips are under unprecedented focus. The rise of nail salons as social hubs and the routine nature of manicures raise questions about emerging aesthetic pressures. Television presenter, broadcaster, and writer Angela Scanlon shares her perspective on opting out of these “invisible expectations” and reclaiming her personal time.
The ‘Done’ Default: A Shift in Expectations
Scanlon reflects on her past reliance on manicures, including gel and shellac treatments, stating, “For years, my nails were always done.” She notes that this practice wasn’t driven by personal preference or self-expression, but rather a perceived societal requirement. “Somewhere along the way, without ever consciously agreeing to it, having your nails done became a requirement,” she explains. This evolved into a baseline expectation for women who “look after themselves,” akin to brushing teeth or owning a decent coat – a non-negotiable aspect of appearance.
Recounting an experience in New York years ago, Scanlon observed the near-universal prevalence of manicures. “Every woman, everywhere, with immaculate, glossy nails. It felt corporate, almost. Nails as uniform. A small but potent signal that you were competent, polished, in control of your life,” she recalls. This contrasted with her European upbringing, where manicures were typically reserved for special occasions. Over time, this distinction blurred, transforming an occasional treat into an unquestioned standard.
Questioning ‘Habits’ and Embracing Choice
Scanlon began to question the underlying reasons for these ingrained practices, asking, “When is a ‘habit’ actually an obligation?” She clarifies that her perspective is not an indictment of nail art for those who genuinely enjoy it. “If nail art is your thing, if you genuinely enjoy the ritual, the colours, the tiny canvases on your hands, this isn’t about you. That’s expression. That’s joy. That’s choice,” she emphasizes. However, she urges consideration for those who engage in these practices out of a perceived obligation to appear “put-together, professional or feminine enough.” For such individuals, she suggests, “it’s worth pausing.”
Taking Back Time and Practical Considerations
The time commitment involved in maintaining manicures was significant for Scanlon. “Every other week, I was giving up an hour and a half – sometimes two – to get there, sit there, pay for it and schedule my life around it,” she states. Considering her busy life, filled with work, creative pursuits, and loved ones, she realized the disproportionate time, money, and mental energy being invested in something that yielded little personal return.
Potential Health Impacts
Beyond the time investment, Scanlon highlights evolving research into the practical health implications of frequent gel and shellac manicures. Evidence suggests that the UV or LED lamps used for curing polish can contribute to skin aging and potentially increase the risk of skin cancer over time. Gels can also thin the nail plate, leading to brittleness and peeling. Furthermore, many nail products contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals, such as phthalates and formaldehyde derivatives, which some studies have linked to hormonal disruption. Scanlon expresses a disinterest in being a “test subject” for these long-term effects. The cycle of weak nails leading to gel applications, which can further weaken nails, presents a dependency loop that she believes is exploited by consumer culture.
The Liberation of Going Bare
Embracing bare nails has been an unexpectedly liberating experience for Scanlon. Her nails are now short, imperfect, and occasionally chipped – a reflection of someone who actively uses her hands. More importantly, she has regained valuable resources. “Sunday afternoons that weren’t booked out weeks in advance. Money that stayed in my pocket. A recurring calendar slot I hadn’t realised was quietly draining me. A small but meaningful amount of mental bandwidth,” she lists. In a culture that often encourages women to “add more,” Scanlon finds radical power in choosing to “do less.”
Ultimately, Scanlon views this as a broader commentary on the “invisible labor” women perform without explicit consent. It’s about challenging inherited maintenance routines that don’t serve them. By choosing bare nails, she is opting out of performing womanhood for external validation, treating her time as inexhaustible, and decoupling self-worth from constant upkeep. This year, her focus is on subtraction: questioning the ‘why,’ creating space, and directing energy towards what truly matters. For Scanlon, bare nails are a symbol; the true pursuit is freedom.
