Why Learning Proper Nail Care Beats Going to the Salon
Now, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with going to your local nail tech to get the perfect manicure. In fact, it’s totally understandable, especially with nails being such a big deal now more than ever (and they’ve basically always been a big deal, too). So, just think about it; everywhere you look, it’s all about the latest nail trends, perfectly matching your nails to your outfit and getting them done regularly.
Plus, in some places, having polished nails is seen as a key part of your self-care routine (Japan being a great example of this). But whether it’s keeping up with friends, scrolling through Instagram, or watching influencers, everyone seems to be flaunting their perfectly manicured hands— it’s all just a bigger deal than ever before.
So, most people will just go to the salon and get their nails done, right? Well, it’s pricey, that’s the thing here. Sure, treating yourself every once in a while feels great, but making it a habit? That’s where it starts to hurt (your wallet, mostly). So, why not learn to take care of your nails at home instead? You can still have those gorgeous nails without spending a fortune, and it’s not as hard as you might think.
The Salon Trap
Now, who honestly doesn’t love the salon experience? Just think about it; it’s relaxing to be in a chair while someone else takes care of your nails. It’s definitely a treat! But when you make it a regular thing, the costs start adding up fast.
Besides, depending on where you live, a basic manicure can run you anywhere from $20 to $50 (and usually even more than that, depending on the business, too). Plus, throw in a pedicure, maybe some nail art, or gel polish, and suddenly, you’re shelling out a lot more cash than you expected.
Now, it’s totally okay to treat yourself. But if you’re going to the salon every two weeks, you’re easily looking at hundreds of dollars a year. So, that’s the very reason why it’s best to consider learning how to care for your nails at home, turning that salon splurge into an occasional luxury, not a weekly routine.
The Occasional Treat
Generally speaking, salons should be an indulgence—a special treat when you need to pamper yourself. But at the same time, the beauty of learning proper nail care is that you can take control of your day-to-day maintenance.
It doesn’t cost much time or money; honestly, with a few nail care tools and some basic techniques (and yes, there are tutorials on YouTube), you can keep your nails looking just as polished without constantly relying on a professional.
Why Learning Nail Care is Empowering
You can think of learning nail care as learning to cook. Sure, dining out is fun, but knowing how to whip up a great meal at home? Well, it’s both cost-effective and rewarding. So, the perfect comparison is your nails, it’s basically the same. When you know how to take care of them properly, you’re in control of your nail health and appearance—and that’s empowering!
There’s the Freedom and Flexibility
Just think of it this way: there are no more frantic calls to the salon to squeeze in a last-minute appointment before a big event. When you know how to handle your own nail care, you can fix them up anytime. Whether it’s a broken nail or a fresh coat of polish before a night out, you won’t have to rely on someone else’s schedule.
Health is in Your Hands
But here’s another perk—when you take care of your nails yourself, you’re the one in charge of cleanliness. While sure, salons try their best to stay hygienic (and they are), but things can slip through the cracks.
But if you’re taking care of your nails at home, it’s going to be far easier to eliminate the risk of infections from poorly sanitized tools or mishandled treatments. Plus, your nails stay clean and healthy because you know exactly how they’re being treated.
Mastering the Basics of At-Home Nail Care
So, what does it take to give yourself a great manicure at home? Well, it’s easier than you might even think! You don’t need a degree in beauty to keep your nails looking fabulous. It’s more about just knowing the basics, and again there’s plenty of safe and easy tutirals online that you can follow too.
Trim and Shape Your Nails
Sure, it’s generic, but it’s the truth and yes, it deserves some regonition. So, trimming and shaping your nails is the foundation of nail care. You’ll just need to use a good pair of nail clippers and a nail file to keep your nails at a healthy length. If you have tougher toenails, consider investing in some nail set (there’s even special manicure and pedicure sets available you can buy) to make the job easier.
So, when trimming your nails, go straight across to avoid ingrown nails, and gently round the corners with a file for a smooth finish. People get this wrong all the time because it doesn’t look aesthetically pleasing, but yes, you need to do this.
Don’t Forget Your Cuticles
Again,another basic, that can’t be neglected! So, cuticles are like little protective barriers for your nails, so it’s important to treat them well. All salons do this, so you’ll need to do it too, like applying cuticle oil and using a cuticle pusher after a shower or bath. And remember, never cut your cuticles! Overdoing it can lead to painful infections. Again again, that’s one of the big DIY mistakes that happen.
Buff, Polish, and Protect
Buffing your nails will smooth the surface and give them a nice shine, even if you’re skipping polish. If you love a pop of color, always start with a base coat to protect your nails. When it’s time to remove the polish, stick to an acetone-free remover to avoid drying out your nails.
How About Acrylic Nails?
But what about acrylic nails? Well, generally speaking, going to a nail tech or not, you have to be really careful with acrylic nails. For starters, they’re not eco-friendly, and they can do a lot of damage to the nail and skin. But if you’re inclined to get these, don’t get them often, avoid DIYing these (yes, they should only be done by professionals), and only go to your local reputable nail tech for this.
The Health Benefits of Learning Proper Nail Care
Oh, and let’s not forget that taking control of your own nail care isn’t just about saving money (granted, it helps), but it’s also about protecting your nail health. Just like what was mentioned above, constantly relying on salons for acrylics, gels, and other treatments can sometimes damage your nails in the long run.
Sure, sometimes these are fine, but if you’re frequently getting these, then yes, these are a problem. When you care for your nails naturally, you give them time to breathe and strengthen.
It’s About Avoiding Damage
So, it’s something a lot of major nail-enthuisiasts know about, but frequent use of artificial nails or gel polish can weaken your nails, making them more prone to breaking or peeling. So, if you’re learning how to care for your nails naturally, you can keep them strong and healthy without relying on harsh chemicals or treatments.
Keeping Your Nails in Top Shape
But again, doing some regular maintenance at home means you’ll always be in touch with your nail health. You can spot potential issues, like infections or dryness before they become bigger problems. Plus, keeping your nails trimmed, moisturized, and polished regularly helps prevent common problems like splits, chips, and cracks.