Growing up in New York, it was while she was training as a ballet dancer that Ellen Sirot first started auditioning for various “parts” modelling jobs, as a way of getting some extra cash. She soon discovered that hands were the most desired and lucrative body part, which was lucky, because she always felt like hers were photogenic, so she suggested to her agent that she send her out on as many hand auditions as possible. “I realised that all my dance training helped me be a great hand model as I could move gracefully and hold positions steadily,” she says.

Editorial jobs turned into advertising and TV gigs - Ellen was the hands that chopped things and diced things and pulled apart pizza slices beautifully and gracefully - and soon she began to carve out a career as one of the most successful hand models in her industry, with campaigns for Neutrogena, Sally Hansen, Clear Blue and Campbell’s Soup under her belt. “My work and portfolio grew and I became the hand model who has had the longest and most varied career that continues even now into my 25th year of modelling.” Ellen’s also added hand care entrepreneur to her remit, having set up her own brand SIROT, which focuses on hydrating and anti-ageing products.

We caught with Ellen about the perils of papercuts, covering up Howard Stern’s love handles, her 25-year career advertising products.

How has your career evolved? What’s been your career highlight?
Ellen Sirot: At first I did a lot of editorial type jobs. Then I did more advertising and higher visibility jobs. Next, I started to do a lot of TV. Being able to do all aspects of the hand modelling world has been very helpful. From all of my work, I began to do a lot of PR about hands and hand care. That lead me to creating my own line of anti-ageing hand care, SIROT, and becoming an on-air guest on the shopping channels.

What do you think makes your hands unique?
Ellen Sirot: My hands are what I call "product hands" or "mom hands". They are very beautiful, but neutral. They can hold and frame a product but not take the focus away from the product itself.

What is your daily hand care regime?  
Ellen Sirot: I take care of my hands all day - 24/7. I can't forget for a minute that I'm a hand model. One little paper cut can put me out of work for weeks.

What are your favourite hand products out there and why?
Ellen Sirot: My fave products are the ones I developed with SIROT as they are highly hydrating and fight the signs of ageing on the delicate skin of the hands.

What would you say to people who always pick their skin on their hands, or bite their nails, or who do not look after their hands?
Ellen Sirot: Biting nails or picking at the skin is often a sign of stress or anxiety. Hands are like an accessory. You want them to look their best in professional and personal situations - like having a great haircut or the right outfit for the right situation.

As a working mum, how do you keep your hands unblemished?
Ellen Sirot: I am careful with all I do - but I can do anything carefully. I do cook - but I chop slowly and am vigilant of where my fingers are in relation to the knife. I also take chef classes to practice knife skills for safety at home and on set. I'm careful around boiling water, and fire, and I wear dish gloves for any cleaning.  

Do you let other people touch your hands? Do you go to one specific manicurist?
Ellen Sirot: I let other people touch my hands, but gently. I go to one manicurist who understands my job and realises my livelihood is at stake each time she files or nips away a hangnail. I usually get a mani once a week on Mondays.

What is the weirdest photoshoot you have ever done with your hands?
Ellen Sirot: I had to put my hands on Howard Stern to cover his love handles.

Leonardo Da Vinci, Henry Moore, and many others are known for their depiction of hands. Would you agree with their work and perspective that hands convey so much? What do you see as the emotional significance of hands?
Ellen Sirot: Hands have so much emotional significance as they are our one body part that people see and touch on a regular basis. Acquaintances, and even people you are just meeting, reach out to shake your hands. Your hands convey a huge amount about you, both the look and the feel of them.

What do you think about the depiction of hands and what they say about gender?
Ellen Sirot: My hands are very gender fluid. I've been both a female hand and a male hand in various ads.  

Do you have a favourite hand pose?
Ellen Sirot: I love being graceful with my hands. Very dancer-ly. I get the inspiration for that from my ballet training.

What makes a hand beautiful?
Ellen Sirot: There are many different versions of beautiful hands. Hands of all skin tones, sizes and shapes can be hand models.

Is there an age limit on hand models?
Ellen Sirot: I feel I will always continue to hand model and to care for my hands.  

What are the biggest misconceptions about being a hand model?
Ellen Sirot: That it is an easy job. That anyone with pretty hands can be a successful hand model. It's actually a very challenging job that takes a full-time commitment.