No, you should not massage with nails.
The Dangers of Nails During Massage
The primary reason you shouldn't use your nails during a massage is the risk of scratching or injuring your client. Even slightly long nails, or nails with any visible white tip, can cause discomfort and potentially break the skin. As stated in a massage school's instruction, "You cannot have long nails and be an effective massage therapist. Your clients do not want to get scratched by your nails."1 This discomfort undermines the relaxing and therapeutic nature of the massage.
Maintaining Professionalism
Keeping your nails short and smooth is a crucial aspect of maintaining professionalism and providing a safe and comfortable experience for your clients. It demonstrates care, attention to detail, and a commitment to hygiene.
Alternative Techniques
Effective massage techniques rely on the pads of your fingers and the palms of your hands, not your nails. Using the proper techniques ensures a comfortable and beneficial massage.
1 Fast forward to massage school where one of the very first things they said: You cannot have long nails and be an effective massage therapist. Your clients do not want to get scratched by your nails. Almost any hint of white on a fingernail could scratch a client, and make them uncomfortable. 14-Apr-2021
