The Psychology of Manicures: Why Women Get Their Nails Done and How It Affects Self-Esteem

This article analyzes the psychological foundations of the manicure as a self-support ritual and a form of self-affirmation. The relevance of the study is driven by the sustained demand for nail services during periods of crisis and their influence on emotional regulation. The novelty lies in the analytical synthesis of data on manicures, makeup, and cultural-symbolic body codes with a focus on "body extension." The work describes the effects of manicures on mood, relaxation, and vitalization; it examines the differences between salon and independent practices, color coding, the influence of communication with the technician, the sanitary foundations of trust, and the boundaries between care and compulsion. Special attention is paid to salon communication as a condition for enhancing positive experiences. The objective of the work is to identify how manicures influence self-esteem and social behavior. To achieve this, comparative analysis, interpretive generalization of empirical data, content analysis of regulations, and theoretical modeling are employed. Publications and studies on makeup and female grooming practices are examined. The conclusion describes an applied framework for conscious decision-making for clients and technicians. The article will be useful to psychologists, nail service specialists, and researchers of female grooming.