A professional hand model tells us what it takes to become one and her tips on taking care of yours

Considering the daily stressors that our hands endure – including sunlight, chemicals from hand soap and dry air-conditioning – it’s about time we give them the same attention as our faces. And yes, we’re talking about more than just a quick rub of excess face cream onto your hands.

When it comes to taking care of hands, nobody takes it more seriously than professional hand models. To help you give your hands the star treatment they deserve, we spoke to Sandy Lu, a Taiwan-born, Singapore-based model whose hands have graced campaigns for McDonald’s, Singapore Airlines, SK-II and more.

A freelance veteran, who has been hand modelling for nearly two decades, Lu is considered one of the most experienced hand models in town and gets jobs mostly by word-of-mouth.

She has also appeared in ad campaigns for Deliveroo and Eu Yan Sang, and dabbled in acting – you may have recognised Lu from Channel 8 dramas My Guardian Angels and Heart To Heart. And in her spare time, she gives piano lessons.

But for all of her gigs, Lu shared that hand modelling typically pays the best. “A hand model shoot pays better than a commercial shoot,” she added.  

WHAT IT TAKES TO BECOME A HAND MODEL

The 41-year-old had a serendipitous start in hand modelling. At 18, she participated in a swimsuit competition in her hometown, the Penghu islands in Taiwan, and was scouted by a modelling agent. “Before that, I had no ambitions of becoming a model. After signing with the agency, I’d take on ad-hoc modelling jobs like events and commercials while juggling my studies,” she said.

Soon after, Sandy joined another agency in Taipei, where she landed her first hand modelling gig. “Out of the blue, my agent asked if I wanted to try out hand modelling. I decided to give it a try,” she recalled. “They took some photos of my hands to show the client and I was booked right after. That first gig was for sanitary pads!”

So what does it take to become a hand model? Lu believes that you first have to be born with it – to an extent. “Your hands must not have any scars, moles or spots. Most importantly, the skin tone should be even,” she explained.

“Besides having beautiful hands, you need strength because sometimes you have to hold products, which can be quite heavy, in awkward poses for long periods during shoots. It’s a lot more physically demanding than people think.”

Beyond being genetically blessed with beautiful hands, Lu invests a lot of time and effort into looking after them. Here are her secrets:

PRO TIPS FOR SMOOTH, YOUTHFUL-LOOKING HANDS

1. Moisturising is key

Repeated exposure to harsh soaps and alcohol-based hand sanitisers can strip moisture from the skin of our hands. To make matters worse, signs of ageing – like fine lines, wrinkles and spots – tend to show up on dry hands sooner, so Lu stressed the importance of moisturising.

“I apply hand cream religiously,” she said. “Every time I wash my hands, I follow up with a nourishing hand cream.” Look for products that contain hydrating ingredients like shea butter and ceramides. “I’m currently using the L’Occitane Lavender Hand Cream. I like that it’s made with natural ingredients and isn’t too oily.”

She recommended picking a product that suits your needs. “Just like skincare, you should choose a hand cream that is right for your skin type,” she said.

L’Occitane Lavender Hand Cream, S$18

Available at L'Occitane boutiques.

Aesop Eleos Aromatique Hand Balm, S$43

Available at Aesop boutiques.

Chanel Le Creme Main Texture Riche, S$98

Available at Chanel Beauty boutiques.

2. Don’t overdo the nail polish

“I avoid applying nail polish unless they’re specifically required for a shoot,” Lu revealed. “Frequent manicures can be damaging to your nails and hands.”

A gel manicure, for instance, involves repeated exposure to UVA rays to seal in the polish. The Cleveland Clinic points out that this can contribute to skin ageing and, worse, a potential increased risk for skin cancer. The removal process is also problematic, as the prolonged acetone soak can strip the top layer of your nail, leading to thinning and brittleness.

When it comes to nail care, Sandy prefers to do her own routine at home. It includes simple steps like filing and buffing. “When I go for castings, clients prefer to see my nails in their natural state. Filing and buffing keep my nails neat, smooth and shiny without the need for nail polish,” she said. “If I find my nails getting a bit dry, I’ll apply a nail and cuticle oil to keep them soft and nourished.”

3. Keep your hands active with exercise

Simple stretches and exercises can improve circulation and prevent stiffness. Sandy keeps her hands flexible and strong by playing the piano – a hobby she’s had since she was young. “I teach piano in my free time. It helps to keep my fingers active and maintain dexterity,” she said.

These exercises also come in handy when she is on set, where shoots can last up to ten hours. “Sometimes I have to keep my hands in an awkward pose to showcase the product in the perfect angle. Once, I’ve had to hold a burger on top of my head for hours. There are also times when I’ve had to lie down on the floor while keeping my hands up. Regular hand exercises help to keep them from cramping and nail the shot,” she shared.

4. Stay hydrated and eat well

For someone who has been in hand modelling for 20 years, Lu is surprisingly laid-back when it comes to taking care of her moneymakers. “Actually, I don’t even apply sunscreen on them unless I have an outdoor shoot,” she sheepishly confessed. “But it really depends – I just happen to have hands that don’t require much fuss.”

The fuss she’s referring to includes fancy hand spa treatments like masks, massages or paraffin wax. “I only indulge in these when I’m booked for a shoot and the client covers the expense,” she shared, laughing.

Rather than targeted treatments, Sandy believes it’s more important to look after your body holistically. “Healthy skin starts from within. For me, drinking plenty of water and avoiding sweetened beverages make a big difference. I also like to cook, and that helps me to be more mindful of what I eat to maintain a balanced diet,” she added

Sandy also avoids wearing jewellery to avoid tan lines and pays extra attention when going about household chores – she opts for plant-based detergents.

5. Try local hand care products when travelling

When travelling, Sandy swears by a unique approach to hand care: Using local beauty products. “I find that the local brands are better tailored to their own climate, so it’s more effective to use their products to nourish and protect your hands while you’re there,” she said.

“I was in Hokkaido recently and the weather was extremely dry. The hand creams I brought along for the trip were not moisturising enough, so I picked up some products from local brands and they worked immediately.”

Her insider tip? Get the travel-sized product from local stores. “This way, you can use them during your trip and avoid the hassle of carrying extra weight back home,” she advised.