Nail Clinic: The Golden Years

Service your elderly clients with care and you’ll gain their eternal loyalty.

by Tracy Morin

By now, you’ve witnessed that people are living longer now thanks to better nutrition and advanced methods of healthcare. The elderly population is one of the fastest growing in the nation, and studies predict that within the next 15 years, 20% of people in the United States will be considered elderly (65 and older). Chances are, you already service elderly clients, but you can further enhance their salon experiences by taking notice of their special needs. In this month’s Nail Clinic, we examine the changes you can expect to see in elderly skin and nails, and how to tailor your services for this fast-growing segment of the population.

What to Expect
The nails of elderly people change in a myriad of ways, from growing slowly to thickening and developing ridges. “There are many changes in the nails of elderly people,” says Stephen Webster, MD, dermatology, from Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse, Wisconsin. “Nails often become prone to splitting or fissuring, and become more brittle; they should have 16% water content, but elderly people have more trouble maintaining this level.” Therefore, the nails don’t grow as fast, and because the underlying layers of the nail become more fragile, bruising underneath the nail is more common. To prevent your clients from exacerbating the problem, Webster advises that you encourage them to avoid harsh soaps or cleansers, or wear gloves if they are coming into contact with such substances.

In colder climates, dry and brittle nails are particularly common in the elderly, notes D’Anne Kleinsmith, MD, from Bloomfield Dermatology in West Bloomfield, Michigan. “The frequent use of hand creams after the skin is washed helps this condition. I usually tell my patients to leave hand creams around the different sinks in their home, so they can reapply it during the day,” Kleinsmith says. “There has also been quite a bit of research that shows that vitamin B (biotin) is very helpful in getting nails stronger and preventing splitting and breaking.” You can do your part in the salon by using polish removers without acetone, as it tends to dry out the nail and leads to splitting or cracking in those clients with more sensitive nails.

Likewise, dry skin is common in the elderly, so you should advise them to hydrate their skin regularly and retail a heavy moisturizer for them to use—bonus points for one with SPF. “Emphasize good hydration,” advises Webster. “Within three minutes after a bath or shower, they should apply moisturizer to the skin to hold moisture in; and proper sunscreen can prevent further sun damage, which accumulates over the years. Use the moisturizer on the nails as well.” You can also recommend that your elderly clients apply the cream to skin and nails before bed and wear cotton gloves overnight to let the cream penetrate.

Another problem that may crop up is ridging on the nails, which is a natural by-product of aging. “Longitudinal ridging refers to the natural lines of our nails that become more noticeable as we age,” says Kleinsmith. “Just like a tree has rings, our nails grow from the matrix area, at the base of the nail, in this pattern.” A thin overlay of gel or acrylic, or the use of wraps can mask these ridges.

The Extra Mile

When working with elderly clients, you need to think of more than the technical aspects—consider how you can connect with them and accommodate them on an emotional level. Here are tips from nail technicians who go the extra mile for their elderly clients:

“The elderly are so appreciative for the extra time and patience that you give them—like grabbing the door since pushing it open is harder for them, getting their beverage for them, pushing the chair in, helping them pick out a color (standing and vision can pose a problem). Doing those extra things makes them feel so special, and they’re so appreciative.” —Terri Lancaster, Nails by Design Salon, Kent, WA

“Take those extra steps to be even more accommodating and considerate when servicing the elderly: making sure they know where the handicap access is; assisting them with opening doors; holding the chair for them so it doesn’t roll away; helping them out of the chair; carrying an oxygen tank, if needed; getting their socks back on their feet after a pedicure; assisting them down the stairs; going to their houses to provide an in-home service because they had surgery or can’t drive anymore. Taking the time and consideration to provide a little extra care will definitely keep them coming back.” —Cheryl McEvoy, Cheryl’s Place, A Nail Studio, Oklahoma City, OK

"To best accommodate my elderly clients, I book extra time and make sure I slow down-when walking with them, talking or working. I listen to them, make sure I understand their concerns and try to go out of my way to make them feel young. I make sure that they know they're still beautiful, and I stock a variety of colors that they deem more age-appropriate. Above all, I make sure that they know I value them as a client and want to hear and learn things about their past, rather than just taking their money. I adore my elderly clients because they remind me that I need to slow down; I still reach the finish line, but I get to enjoy the company a little bit longer." —Colleen Ramsey, C.R. Nails at the F.Y.I. Style Boutique & Salon, Safford, AZ

Continued on page 2.

To view previous nail clinics

— on Salon Protection

— on Warts

— on Bunions

— on Hospital Staff

— on Beau's Lines

— on Onychomycosis