How to Do Your Nails with Shaky Hands

Doing your nails can be a quiet, satisfying ritual, but when you’ve got shaky hands, it’s easy to feel like this small act of self-care has turned into a bit of a challenge.

Tremors from Parkinson's, essential tremor, or any other condition can make holding a brush steady seem impossible. But here's the thing—there’s a way forward. With the right approach, the right tools, and a bit of patience, you’ll find that doing your nails doesn’t have to be off the table.

1. Set up your space

First things first: Get your workspace set up before we get into the thick of it, having a workspace where you can carry out your nail care makes all things easier.

Comfortable setup: Pick up a stable ground with enough support and ample light to sit at. Your desk and chair should enable you to reach your hands comfortably whilst sitting at the desk. The risk of accidents is reduced in a stable environment

Tool organization:  Have your nail clipper, file, and polish in one place where you can easily get to it. With your tools near, you prevent extra movements that will make your hands shaky.

2. Choose the right tools

The tools you use can make all the difference. Choosing ones that provide better grip and control can help tremendously.

Nail clippers, and files with a thicker handle or soft grip: Make sure to get larger clippers with thicker handles and nail files that are easier to hold and have more control over.

Nail polish with bigger brushes: A lot of nail polishes have tiny thin brushes. Choose brands that large brush, this allows each stroke to cover a larger surface area which means you need less layers and less chances of mistakes.

3. Apply nail polish with care

Applying polish is often the trickiest part, but there are ways to make it easier.

Start with a base coat: A base coat smooths out your nails and prevents the polish from spreading unevenly.

Use nail guides: Stickers or tape around your nails can help keep polish from getting on your skin.

Stabilize your hand: Rest your elbow on the table and support your wrist with a cushion or your other hand for better control.

4. Try alternatives to traditional nail polish

If traditional nail polish feels like too much of a hassle, consider exploring other options.

Gel nails: Gel polishes are often thicker, so they don’t run as easily, making them a good option if your hands shake. They also last longer, meaning fewer touch-ups.

Nail stickers and decals: These can be applied directly to your nails, giving a decorative touch without the need for nail polish.

Press-on nail: Press-on nails are a quick solution if you want your manicure to look finished without relying on your brushwork.

5. Practice patience and self-care

Keep in mind that doing your nails should be a relaxing and enjoyable moment, not a stressful one. Take breaks whenever you feel tired or notice the shaking getting worse. If the results aren't perfect, be kind to yourself—it's all about the journey, and with time, you'll get better at doing your nails.

Final thoughts

Dealing with shaky hands can make home beauty rituals harder, but with the right tools and technique, you'll be able to enjoy doing your nails at home.

If you want to learn more tips on how to make life with essential tremor easier and interact with like-minded people, join our essential tremor community on Discord today!