Fun new sets have become a trend among girls around schools over the past few years. Typically, people only get nails done for homecoming or special occasions. But many have started getting nails done every month or earlier. Many do their own nails, but it's more common for girls to go to a salon.
I used to get my nails done every 3-4 weeks, costing me around $70 for my nails every time, which means in one year, it costs me around $1,213.
What if you just did it yourself or went to a friend who knows how to? Nail supplies from the polish, drill, UV lamp, nail glue, and more can become less maintenance than a bi-weekly trip. But is it worth it to spend all the money on equipment and the long process to learn, or is the trip to the salon better?
Senior Teghan Swenson, who decided 2 years ago to start doing her own nails, said, “I didn’t have the money to constantly get my nails done, but I loved the look of having a new set. I bought all of my supplies and watched a lot of tutorials to learn to do my own.”
From a survey sent to the high school girls at Louisville High School, 60.5% of the 53 girls don't do their own nails. Of those who get their nails done, the cost is around $68 per trip. The majority is done every month rather than any other time frame.
For me, in the past month, I have saved $140 by doing my own nails, but doing my own nails does take me a lot longer than if I went to the salon. Cutting the cost of nails hasn't just helped my bank account. Senior Maia Buettner loves getting to do girly stuff, but the cost isn't always as friendly.
Buettner said, “I love having someone do my nails, but when I go, I hate the awkward silence, but when Addi does them it is just like we are hanging out, and we can talk with less of a cost.”
For me, why would I spend money on something I can do myself in the comfort of my room with a good show? I believe that if you want to save some money and are willing to learn, doing your own nails is worth the time and energy than a monthly trip to the salon.