How To Become A Hand Model: 13 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Become a Hand Model PDF download Download Article Everything you need to know about getting paid to show off your beautiful hands Co-authored by Mimi D.

Last Updated: June 12, 2025 Approved

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  • Meeting the Requirements
    • |
  • Getting Hired
    • |
  • Succeeding in Your Career
    • |
  • Expert Q&A
    • |
  • Tips
    • |
  • Warnings
|Show more |Show less X

This article was co-authored by Mimi D.. Mimi D. is a bi-coastal freelance manicurist. Starting her career in New York, Mimi had the opportunity to participate in nail art events including an Adidas shoe launch, Comic Con, and Sally Hansen’s Mani Match App release. She also worked with designers like Oscar De La Renta, Diane Von Furstenburg, Luar, and DKNY for several New York Fashion Weeks. While on the West Coast, Mimi manicured top celebrities like Angela Bassett, Tyra Banks, Lena Waithe, Busy Phillips, Rosario Dawson and Ciara for magazines including Essence, Tidal, Parents, and Remix Magazine. Mimi is also the creator of two seasons of the Pinterest Creator Originals show “Hands On with Mimi D”, where she shares everything from product recommendations to nail care tips. She was inducted into Old Dominion University’s inaugural class for the Top 40 under 40 alumni, and is the current and singular champion of the Cosmopolitan Magazine Mani Wars. Mimi shares her knowledge by hosting seminars on how to perfect nail art, as well as educating others on what steps to take to secure work as a celebrity & on set manicurist. She has sat on several panels sharing her knowledge of the industry with other top beauty professionals. Her work has also been featured in commercials, on billboards, and in major retailers all across the U.S. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, 90% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 619,316 times.

Have you ever been told you have elegant, photogenic hands? Being a hand model can be as gruelling and intense as being a traditional model, but if you have what it takes, then you may be ready to start an amazing career. If you think that being a hand model is within reach of your perfectly manicured hands, then follow these steps.

Steps

Part 1 Part 1 of 3:

Meeting the Requirements

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  1. Step 1 Have camera-ready hands. 1 Have camera-ready hands. Are your fingers long, your hands narrow? Do you have perfect cuticles and nicely-shaped nails? Small knuckles? Those are wonderful signs that you have good looking hands. Make sure you have a smooth, even complexion. Don't assume makeup will, well, make up for your imperfections. Birthmarks, freckles, moles, scars, crooked fingers, and irregularly shaped nails will severely limit your progress as a hand model. Pay special attention to your thumb; it'll play a huge role in many hand shots, so it needs to be good-looking. Here are some other things to consider:[1]
    • Inspect the back of your hand. If you're a woman, it needs to be narrow.
    • Though women are more often hand models than men, men can be hand models too. Just make sure you don't have hairy knuckles.
    • Don't get discouraged, though. There are a number of different types of hand modeling looks such as beauty, mommy, product, and older hands.[2]
  2. Step 2 Have steady hands. 2 Have steady hands. This is just as important as having nice-looking hands. Can you hold an object for an extended period of time without leaning on anything and without shaking? Any movement will translate into blurry pictures, so if you find that you can't keep your hands steady, modeling might not be the best use for them.
    • Shooting TV commercials or ads for your hands can take several hours. A 30-second spot can take upwards of 12 hours to shoot and you have to be ready at all times and prepared to do take after take of small actions.
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  3. Step 3 Have patience. 3 Have patience. If you want to be a hand model, then you have to prepare to hold your hands in the exact same position for hours on end. This means that you have to deal well with boredom and have really, really steady hands. If you're addicted to caffeine or chocolate, you may have to curb your addiction, because these things will only make your hands shake more. You can even practice holding your hands steady for long periods of time so you'll be more comfortable when the time comes.
    • Patience and the ability to always hit your mark can be the most important thing. Once the camera and lights are set, you have to be able to set the product down in the exact same place over and over.
    4. Advertisement
Part 2 Part 2 of 3:

Getting Hired

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  1. Step 1 Create a portfolio. 1 Create a portfolio. If you have the money to spare for a portfolio for your hands, then find a photographer you trust to get you started. If you find a photographer who is just starting out too, then they may work with you for a small price, or no price at all, since you'll be helping them build their portfolio too. Make sure you get a professional manicure before you take those photos.[3] Here are some other things to consider as you put your portfolio together:
    • Learn common hand poses. Study magazine ads and commercials to see how hands pose and move. Mimic those poses and movements for your portfolio.
    • Include at least one photo showing your face so that if they need a shot that includes someone's face, they'll consider you (and also so they can recognize you when they meet you).[4]
    • Include a straight on shot of the back of your hands and the palms of your hands.
  2. Step 2 Send your portfolio to reputable modeling agencies. 2 Send your portfolio to reputable modeling agencies. Tell them that your are specifically interested in hand modeling and request an interview.[5] Some agencies may have a separate department for hand modeling, or some agencies will be parts agencies specifically. Tell them that you have a portfolio and if they ask whether it's professional, be honest but specify that they simulate professional ads. Be politely persistent until you get an interview.
  3. Step 3 Sign with an agent. 3 Sign with an agent. If an agent thinks your hands have the look they want, then congratulations! You have made it through a tough hurdle on the hand modeling trajectory. Once you've got the offer from the agent, however, you have to make sure that it's the right for you. First of all, the agent has to be legitimate. A legitimate agent won't charge for money up front and will only get paid if you get paid. Agents typically receive a percentage of your pay, so they are motivated to find you work. Make sure to meet the agent or speak to them at length before you make a decision.
    • Look good for the meeting with the agent. Even though you're modeling your hands, you still want to give off a professional impression, and that means looking neat and nice. They might send you out on calls (more interviews) eventually, and they'll want you to represent them well. If all goes well, they'll send you to do test shots with a local photographer to see if you've got what it takes.
    • Once you've met with the agent and have gotten a positive vibe from them, as well as proof of the agent's legitimacy (names and samples of the work of other clients, for example), then carefully study the contract you are given and sign it when you're ready.
  4. Step 4 Go to go-sees to find work. 4 Go to go-sees to find work. Once you've signed with the agent, they will provide you with some places to go to look for work. These are called go-sees, just like in the world of traditional modeling. You will have to go from place to place, show off your hands, and see if you've got what they're looking for. Your agent won't be able to say, "Hey, I found you a great gig" -- they can get you to the gig, but you'll still have to work for it.
    • Once you've found some work, you'll be able to add it to your resume. And the more experience you have, the more luck you'll have in future go-sees.
    • Be persistent. You may have to go to a number of go-sees before you find work. But if your agent thinks you've got the look, then you should be able to find work eventually.
    5. Advertisement
Part 3 Part 3 of 3:

Succeeding in Your Career

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  1. Step 1 Take incredible care of your hands. 1 Take incredible care of your hands. If you think your hands have got what it takes, treat them like assets.[6] You should be careful not to do anything that could damage your hands, from cutting vegetables to handling a bouquet of thorny roses.[7] Here are some things you may have to do on a regular basis:
    • Visit a manicurist to make your hands look their best.[8] If you become really prominent in your field, you'll be getting regular manicures for free before your shoots.[9] And you'll be able to expense any manicures you get on your own. Sound good?
    • Have a proper diet and drink enough water so your skin is healthy. Also, some vitamin imbalances can show up as undesirable white spots on your nails.
    • Moisturize your hands on a regular basis.[10] [11] Some hand models even sleep with gloves on at night.[4] You can apply lotion and then wear latex gloves to make your hands extra soft.
    • Keep your nails trimmed and clean. Ideally, you should always file them and never clip them.[4]
    • Avoid scratching, burning, or creating any marks on your hands.
  2. Step 2 Keep your day job (at least at first). 2 Keep your day job (at least at first). Sure, if you're a top hand model, you'll be making enough to live on, but most hand models do the work to supplement their income, or even for the fun experience. Be prepared to have an additional income as you grow more prominent in your hand-modeling career. Don't be discouraged by this; it's simply a reality of this job and all other modeling jobs.
  3. Step 3 Move to a big media city. 3 Move to a big media city. You don't have to move to New York to be a hand model. But if you're really serious about the work you do, then you should move to a big media city to have an edge. You shouldn't drop everything and move hundreds of miles away to a big city before you even take your portfolio shots, but if you've already gotten some gigs and want more opportunities to grow in your career, then consider moving to one of the following cities: New York, Los Angeles, Boston, Atlanta, San Francisco, or Chicago.[12]
  4. Step 4 Treat any object you hold like it's made of crystal. 4 Treat any object you hold like it's made of crystal. Even if you're holding a book or a cutting board, you should treat it like it's the most delicate object in the world if you want to succeed. You should treat every item gingerly and with the utmost caution. This will make the object look even more desirable and special in the photographs or advertisements. If you grip anything too hard, then your hands won't look as delicate, either.[13]
  5. Step 5 Prepare to be a contortionist. 5 Prepare to be a contortionist. Don't think that all of hand modeling requires you to just hold a purse or another simple object. You may have to hold a book open for hours, or even lie on your back holding a camera for a long stretch of time. You should be flexible and be prepared to hold your hands in unusual positions for a number of hours. This may get exhausting and will require you to have both mental and physical strength, but it will lead to some unbelievable photos.
  6. Step 6 Enjoy the perks. 6 Enjoy the perks. If you've really made it as a hand model, then the perks of the job are endless. You may end up being a hand double for a celebrity, for example; Julia Roberts used a hand double during The Pelican Brief because she simply didn't have time to shoot a scene with just her hands. This will lead you to meet celebrities, directors, and other interesting people.[14]
    • Kimbra Hickey, the hand model for the world-famous Twilight cover, has become famous in her own right. She tours with Twilight conventions, re-creates her cover pose for fans, and signs thousands of autographs. Though this type of fame is hard to come by, if you're lucky enough to find yourself in this position, live it up!
    7. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search Add New Question
  • Question How do I know if my hands are photogenic? Traci Halvorson Traci Halvorson Modeling Agent Traci Halvorson is a Modeling Agent, Former Model, and the Owner of Halvorson Model Management (HMM) in San Jose, California. HMM is a full-service, licensed talent agency representing over 300 professional models and actors. With over 25 years of experience in the modeling industry, Traci specializes in scouting, managing, advising, and launching modeling careers in the Bay Area. Traci holds a BA in Public Relations & Business Management from San Jose State University and also specializes in Marketing, Image consulting, and is a certified Life-Career Coach. Traci Halvorson Traci Halvorson Modeling Agent Expert Answer Photogenic hands typically don't have especially large knuckles, hair, or scars. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 3
  • Question How do I keep my hands in great condition? Traci Halvorson Traci Halvorson Modeling Agent Traci Halvorson is a Modeling Agent, Former Model, and the Owner of Halvorson Model Management (HMM) in San Jose, California. HMM is a full-service, licensed talent agency representing over 300 professional models and actors. With over 25 years of experience in the modeling industry, Traci specializes in scouting, managing, advising, and launching modeling careers in the Bay Area. Traci holds a BA in Public Relations & Business Management from San Jose State University and also specializes in Marketing, Image consulting, and is a certified Life-Career Coach. Traci Halvorson Traci Halvorson Modeling Agent Expert Answer Aside from always moisturizing, keep them out of the sun. Some hand models even wear gloves at night and get manicures before a shoot. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 1 Helpful 1
  • Question I have a scar the size of a sesame seed on one of my hands. Will this prevent me from becoming a hand model? Community Answer Community Answer These things can usually be covered with make-up, so you don't have to give up being a hand model. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 42
See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Tips

  • Be sure to keep your hands decent and to keep them filed and clean. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
  • If it turns out that you are not fit to be a hand model, consider the other modeling niches. Learning how to become a model begins with knowing where you fit in best. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
  • Don't over-moisturize, it makes your hands looks greasy and can be a big turn-off to potential employers. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Show More Tips Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Warnings

  • Don't get discouraged if you are told you don't "fit the bill". Thanks Helpful 67 Not Helpful 9
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References

  1. ↑ https://www.nailsmag.com/391343/interview-with-a-hand-model
  2. ↑ https://www.nailsmag.com/391343/interview-with-a-hand-model
  3. ↑ Mimi D.. Nail Artist. Expert Interview
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 http://www.answerbag.com/q_view/5080
  5. ↑ Mimi D.. Nail Artist. Expert Interview
  6. ↑ Traci Halvorson. Modeling Agent. Expert Interview
  7. ↑ Mimi D.. Nail Artist. Expert Interview
  8. ↑ Traci Halvorson. Modeling Agent. Expert Interview
  9. ↑ Mimi D.. Nail Artist. Expert Interview
More References (5)
  1. ↑ Traci Halvorson. Modeling Agent. Expert Interview
  2. ↑ Mimi D.. Nail Artist. Expert Interview
  3. ↑ https://www.nailsmag.com/391343/interview-with-a-hand-model
  4. ↑ https://www.nailsmag.com/391343/interview-with-a-hand-model
  5. ↑ http://nymag.com/thecut/2009/08/inside_the_high-pressure_world.html

About This Article

Mimi D. Co-authored by: Mimi D. Nail Artist This article was co-authored by Mimi D.. Mimi D. is a bi-coastal freelance manicurist. Starting her career in New York, Mimi had the opportunity to participate in nail art events including an Adidas shoe launch, Comic Con, and Sally Hansen’s Mani Match App release. She also worked with designers like Oscar De La Renta, Diane Von Furstenburg, Luar, and DKNY for several New York Fashion Weeks. While on the West Coast, Mimi manicured top celebrities like Angela Bassett, Tyra Banks, Lena Waithe, Busy Phillips, Rosario Dawson and Ciara for magazines including Essence, Tidal, Parents, and Remix Magazine. Mimi is also the creator of two seasons of the Pinterest Creator Originals show “Hands On with Mimi D”, where she shares everything from product recommendations to nail care tips. She was inducted into Old Dominion University’s inaugural class for the Top 40 under 40 alumni, and is the current and singular champion of the Cosmopolitan Magazine Mani Wars. Mimi shares her knowledge by hosting seminars on how to perfect nail art, as well as educating others on what steps to take to secure work as a celebrity & on set manicurist. She has sat on several panels sharing her knowledge of the industry with other top beauty professionals. Her work has also been featured in commercials, on billboards, and in major retailers all across the U.S. This article has been viewed 619,316 times. 18 votes - 90% Co-authors: 55 Updated: June 12, 2025 Views: 619,316 Categories: Featured Articles | Modeling Careers Article SummaryX

To become a hand model, start by creating a portfolio of photographs of your hands in common poses, which you can find in magazine ads and commercials. Next, send your portfolio to reputable modeling agencies, express your interest in hand modeling, and request an interview. If an agent wants to meet with you, dress professionally, be polite, and don’t be afraid to ask them questions about their clients to make sure it will be a good fit. Once you sign with an agent, you’ll be sent on go-sees, which are like auditions for hand models. To learn how to take great care of your hands, keep reading! Did this summary help you?YesNo

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Reader Success Stories

  • Doreen Powell

    Doreen Powell

    Jan 18, 2017

    "My husband is always telling me I have nice hands, so I just wanted to read a little about hand models."
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Mimi D. Co-authored by: Mimi D. Nail Artist Co-authors: 55 Updated: June 12, 2025 Views: 619,316 90% of readers found this article helpful. 18 votes - 90% Click a star to add your vote Doreen Powell

Doreen Powell

Jan 18, 2017

"My husband is always telling me I have nice hands, so I just wanted to read a little about hand models." Nomvuyo Malotana

Nomvuyo Malotana

Aug 22, 2016

"The how part of making hands soft and also the fact that it also gives a chance to old women as well." Crystal Passmore

Crystal Passmore

Oct 12, 2016

"Very organized and detailed. Liked the fact that it was step by step. Outstandingly written. " Misty Flynn

Misty Flynn

Sep 28, 2016

"It's good to know that I'll have to keep my hands in good shape to be a hand model." Carla Quinn

Carla Quinn

Apr 5, 2016

"The pictures are helpful for learning a few poses." Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

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