Nice nails. Whatever your preference over nail design is, we can all agree. Everyone wants nails that are well-maintained and pretty whilst also ideally being cheap and easy to create.
TikTok would have you believe that in order to achieve these sorts of perfectly polished manicures you have to get your nails professionally done. If you’re interested in beauty, and have an algorithm that reflects that, then all it takes is a quick glance at your For You page to be greeted with a sea of influencers sporting salon nails.
There’s nothing wrong with this other than the pressure it places to maintain such expensive nails. In my experience, the look can be achieved just as well at home. Nail polish often receives a bad rep when compared to its acrylic or gel nail counterparts, but I’m here to argue in its defence.
Let’s weigh up the pros and cons of salon versus at-home nails.
The experience
Getting your nails done at a salon is only partially for the actual nails. It’s also about the luxury experience of attending a salon!
Getting your nails done professionally means an hour of uninterrupted time sat in peace as your nails are beautified. The price tag may be high but the spa experience is included.
However, I would argue that the spa treatment can exist at home also. In fact, maybe it’s even more relaxing as it takes place from the comfort of your own bedroom. DIY nails still count towards pampering time, especially as whilst your nails are drying you have to rest.
The price
Professional nails differ in price varying on what you want/the salon you go to but roughly cheaper professional manicures cost around £20.
Contrastingly, a DIY nail manicure, a good quality nail polish (like Barry M) will only set you back a fiver. This is a pretty substantial price difference!
If you want to DIY a nail look that incorporates different colours or utilises nail jewels, the price will go up. But for a baseline manicure, paying a fiver for a bottle of nail polish that you can use multiple times instead of a manicure that only lasts a couple of weeks seems like a better deal.
The look
Hear me out… at-home manicures can look just as good as professionally-done nails. It might take some practice (and the trusty help of some YouTube tutorials) but you can craft whatever look you want. Professional nails are beautiful and sleek… but so are DIY nails.
At the end of the day it depends on how ambitious your nail designs are. If you prefer styles that are too intricate to master yourself than a salon is the way to go.
But if you prefer a simpler look or want a pattern that can be achieved with a bit of patience and maybe some nail tape then DIY nails are the way to go!
The durability
It depends on the quality of the nail polish you buy but generally a DIY manicure will last up to a few days before chipping to an unsalvageable level. Although, the beauty of applying your own nail polish is that you can reapply when you need to! A feat that isn’t as easy when imperfections show on professionally-done nails.
That being said the chances of professionally done nails chipping a few days into having them are low. Generally, they last around 2-3 weeks (although this does depend on the nails you get and your lifestyle).
Despite my advocacy for old-fashioned nail polish I have to admit that professionally done nails do last longer and are, therefore, more durable than their DIY counterparts. Yet, this is part of the charm of DIY nails!
Professional manicures are built to last for longer. This means that it’s harder to switch your look up without trekking back to the salon. DIY-style nails makes it easier to customise your look. Who wouldn’t want to personalise their nails to their outfit?
And there are some tricks you can use to help your at-home manicure last as long as possible. Try applying a clear nail polish over the top of whatever design you’ve created, using a base coat and avoiding hot water (make sure to use rubber gloves when doing your washing up!)
The results
For a special occasion or a one-off treat getting your nails done can be lovely. If you aspire to have nails as detailed as Cardi B then professional manicures may be the route for you.
But otherwise DIY nails are ultimately cheaper and can look just as good as professional nails. Pair this with the notion that DIY nails make it easier to switch up your look and a surefire winner is revealed.
