The quiet click of a nail clipper is starting to replace the busy noise of nail salons. More and more people are doing their own manicures at home, turning a simple routine into a popular trend.
At-home manicures have grown in popularity over the past few years. Since then, gel nail kits on websites like Amazon have become very popular. These kits include a variety of polishes, base coat, top coat, UV lamp, nail files, nail brushes, guide stickers, nail clippers, etc.
Going into the salon bi-weekly can cost up to $150 a month, while if you were to do your nails at home, the kits range from $30-$70 with the ability to do your nails whenever. While some can see it as pricey, it is not just a one-time cost; you can do multiple sets of nails, proving these nail kits to be an investment overall.
For many people, doing their nails at home is not just about saving money; it is about having the control and artistry they can have with it. They can choose their own designs, colors, and timing.
“The best part of doing my own nails is the creativity aspect of it. I just like having a piece of art on myself”, said sophomore Maeve McDonnell
Throughout the years, nail trends have flourished on social media pages such as TikTok and Instagram. The expressiveness of at-home nails has no limit when you are your own artist. Some of these popular trends included blooming gel, intricate designs, 3D art, and patterns such as stripes, polka dots, and even animal prints.
Designs like these could cost you hours in an uncomfortable salon chair, racking up your final bill based on all of the additions. Completing detailed nails like these at home on your own time will not cost you an arm and a leg.
While some may believe that doing your own nails can be hard, once you start doing them, you get better each time. Simple tutorials across the internet could help to improve your formality when doing your own nails.
“When I first started, I was so bad, it took a lot of trial and error, but genuinely the more I kept practicing on myself and family, I significantly improved so fast, and now doing nails is almost like a second nature to me,” said sophomore April Carey.
Doing nails on your own could also benefit other people. If you begin to do other people’s manicures, it could become a serious hobby or even a business if you start charging for clients. Instead of losing the money at the salon, you could be earning that money through your new side hustle.
At home manicures are more than just a passing trend; they show how people are changing the way they approach beauty and self-care. While nail salons are still popular, more people every day are choosing to do their own nails.
As new tools and tutorials continue to grow online, at-home manicures are likely to shape the future of the beauty industry.
