While a suffering beauty routine is not the #1 item on ‘list of tragedies we as a globe are facing,’ it’s still real. Just because we’re mostly indoors and not going out on the weekends doesn’t mean we don’t want to feel at least somewhat normal when it comes to our beauty regimen (and by beauty regimen I mean all of those gel manicures, waxes, etc. that I’m missing out on thanks to COVID-19). I’m not trying to achieve gorgeousness here – I’m merely trying to feel like a woman vs. a gremlin.

I’m sure I’m not the only one struggling, so I’ve rounded up some tips on how to deal with these beauty struggles while at home during the quarantine. So, to anyone who is missing their local European Wax Center, or to anyone who has ever gotten their hair stuck in a growing out gel manicure (IYKYK) – this one’s for you!!!

THE PROBLEM: I can’t remove my gel manicure/acrylic nails

THE SOLUTION:

DO NOT rip them off! Buy 100% acetone and the gel manicure or acrylic nails will soak off in roughly five minutes using the double broiler or baggie in hot water method. (The hot water under the acetone will heat it up and speed up the process).

And if you want to give yourself a manicure afterwards, the Essie Gel Polish is amazing!

THE PROBLEM: I haven’t gotten a wax in weeks

THE SOLUTION:

An epilator is an at-home equivalent for waxing. It’s not for the faint of heart as it’s pretty excruciating, but hey, desperate times call for desperate measures! Otherwise, try not to shave as it will ruin all of the waxing progress you’ve made – only trim.

THE PROBLEM: My roots are growing in

THE SOLUTION:

I spoke with Alexandria Hiers at Spoke & Weal Flatiron, and here’s the advice she’s giving to her clients on how to touch up their roots at home:

For grey coverage:

Use temporary color (powder, spray, crayon) from DPHue, Color Wow, or Bumble & Bumble
DO NOT use any store brand color
Only touch up the part line and hairline

For adding tone:

Use Fanola or DPHue shampoo

For adding tone to fashion colors:

Use a color conditioner from Uberliss or Maria Nila Sotckholm

Do not use an at-home hair color for the following:

Highlights or dimension
Double process color
Anyone going lighter

And absolutely no henna coloring!

If you don’t want to try any at-home remedies for coloring, try out new hairstyles instead: switch your part, diffuse or create more texture, or just embrace them roots girl!

THE PROBLEM: My lash extensions look janky & I want them off

THE SOLUTION:

DO NOT peel off yourself (are you seeing a theme here?) or you’ll damage your natural lashes. Dab olive oil or castor oil* on a cotton swab, and press against your lashes. Let the oil sink into your lashes for a bit to give them time to loosen up. Then, take a clean tissue and gently remove the extensions.

*Castor oil can also help your natural lashes grow!

Good luck, and remember you’re beautiful no matter how janky your nails or hair might look!!