The life of a "parts model" is a demanding, 24-hour commitment that requires constant, rigorous upkeep of specific body parts. These specialists, who may focus on everything from hands and feet to hair or even lower legs, often find themselves overwhelmed with work due to the high demand.
Hand model Martha described her routine as requiring more "babying than other parts of your body." Her maintenance involves daily nail care, including reapplying polish multiple times a day. Her preferred style has shifted from oval to squared tips, with a current trend for a "pink with half moons showing" look, while "rounded and pearlized" finishes are favored for glamour.
Foot models face their own set of intensive routines. This can include removing corns and calluses, and the constant struggle to avoid injuries from ill-fitting shoes. One piece of advice for foot models is to dangle feet in soapy water and elevate them to reduce swelling. The desire for foot models is simple: "To sit more."
Hair model Pat shared that she washes her hair every other night to maintain its bounce and prevent it from becoming limp or stringy. She also incorporates a weekly oil treatment and uses a specific natural bristle brush nightly. Pat emphasized avoiding sun exposure without protection and using only rubber-tipped bobby pins to prevent hair breakage. She allocates an hour and a half to style her hair for work and another hour and a half to remove styling products before bed.
These specialized roles highlight the often-unseen dedication and meticulous care required in the modeling industry, extending far beyond conventional beauty standards to focus on the specific presentation of individual body parts.