Fingers and Toes and Hair
There are many women who get their hair and nails done every week. They enjoy the process and include the appointments as part of their weekly routine. I am not one of them! I find the time, effort and money to get these beauty services annoying, but necessary. Fortunately, the women who do my hair and my nails are great, thus, making these experiences pleasant, even enjoyable for me. They are particularly special because they know how to handle my Parkinson’s without making me feel awkward.
The woman who takes care of my hair is special. She is patient and caring and continually asks if I need a break while she is covering the gray, adding highlights, trimming and blow drying. My Parkinson’s manifests with resting tremors in both of my hands, meaning I shake when I am not using them. The more I sit in one position, the more I shake. Looking good (even presentable) takes effort, especially at 64. It may take three to four hours to get all the aspects completed. Before Parkinson’s, I would just bring a book or some paperwork to do while getting my hair done and the time would pass quickly. Now, the stationary position stresses my body and I start moving around in the chair. Tough on me and tough on my hair dresser. But once again, I find when there is a will, there is a way
The woman who does my nails is bright and articulate. She travels frequently and has the best stories and photos that she shares while busily working on my nails. I love her passion for life and her zest for adventure. She knows my hands will shake while she trims my nails, cuts my cuticles and applies the polish. Somehow she has learned to space the timing of all these procedures just perfectly to minimize the effect of the tremors. Occasionally she has me hold a washcloth which steadies my hand while she works on the finger tips. Together we get through the process and for awhile my fingers and toes look great!
The following tips may be helpful for your hair and nail appointments. Good luck and enjoy.
*Make your appointment for the late morning or early afternoon and give yourself plenty of time to get there. Stressing over time issues just makes you shake more. Relax.
*Do not schedule anything else for that day.
*Eat before you go and bring water to hydrate.
*Take meds right before your appointment, if possible.
*Take breaks from sitting and walk around.
*Find hair dressers and nail professionals who can handle the challenges that Parkinson’s present. Make sure you both have a good sense of humor, you’ll need it.
