It’s no secret that cannabidiol (CBD) has shimmied up the ranks when it comes to the latest skincare ingredient. This entirely non-psychoactive compound, derived from the cannabis plant, boasts a number of wellness benefits; its anti-inflammatory properties, combined with its natural skin enhancing anti-ageing vitamins label the oil a hero for hydration and protection against pollution, UV rays and other environmental aggressors.
Not limited to the ever-expanding range of creams, serums and body lotions, you can now experience CBD specific beauty treatments. I’ve been intrigued by the use of CBD for a long time but have only just introduced the oil into my wellness regime. CBD self-care brand The HuGG Co has teamed up with Kensington-based beauty salon Threads & Co to offer a menu of CBD-infused spa treatments. You have the option of a manicure, facial, pedicure or massage, with each treatment utilising the brand’s acclaimed CBD-infused product line. I took a trip to the salon and – after a deep inspection of my dire cuticles – opted for the manicure in the hope that the CBD element would heal all my problems and leave me with younger looking hands and perfect nails. One can hope. Right?
The star of the show when it comes to the CBD manicure is HuGG’s CBD Cuticle Oil with 20mg CBD. The oil has also been enriched with lavender, rosemary and clary sage essential oils for optimal nourishment. With my cuticles quite literally screaming out for some help (I’m an anxious skin biter – how glam!) I was told this would nurse them back to full health within just a few days. They weren’t wrong.
I’m always somewhat embarrassed by the sorry state of my nails when embarking on a salon trip, but my lovely (and very pro) therapist couldn’t have put me more at ease. Before anything, my hands were massaged with a CBD-infused cream. This is probably my favourite part of any treatment; if you include a massage I’m down for anything. Post massage, my hands had never felt better – I had almost forgotten what hydrated hands felt like. I’ve always been awful at remembering to use hand cream. Yes, I’m a shame to the beauty world. After coming away with the cuticle oil, I have pledged to myself that I shall use it consistently. So far, so good. After a bit of CBD TLC, it was then time to choose a colour. Now, I have multiple personalities when it comes to fashion and beauty. One season I will be so colourful that you could mistake me for an extra in Joseph’s Technicolour Dreamcoat, and the next, a witch from AHS’s Coven. Since I’ve been itching to embrace autumn, I channeled the darker side of my style with a deep navy that, I felt, imbued a sense of chicness. The manicure was one of the best I’ve had in a long time and lasted much longer than when I do it myself. As for the cuticles? The CBD worked a treat, meaning it will be a permanent addition to my at-home mani routine going forward.
The CBD manicure costs £35 for a 45-minute treatment.