I've been getting my nails done by a professional for the past 4 years. We've become close friends and I look forward to our appointments.
Between my hands and feet I usually spend 115.00 which is really the only big indulgence I have monthly. (I don't buy clothes very often, I don't have a car payment, no credit card debt, no extra purchases for just fun, aside from concerts from time to time)
I can't help but feel guilty that I'm spending this much once a month on nails when I see soooo many other people using press on nails…I did attempt press on nails years ago (the Kiss imPress ones) but they wouldn't last even 2 days. I even tried using nail glue with them but I made a big mess between the glue and the adhesive the nails already had on them and my nails got all kinds of ruined. I got frustrated by this and gave up on press ons.
I've also seen a lot of people getting into doing their nails themselves with these kits on Amazon but I'm not sure if I'd be good at it.
Any advice here? Basically should I only go my nail girl for pedis and save money my doing my hands as press ons? I can't imagine just not having anyone on my nails as it's something that genuinely makes me happy.
Should I give up getting my nails done?
byu/glitchbitchxo inFrugal
Posted by glitchbitchxo
20 Comments
I think maybe you should go for just the manis and do pedis at home. You always see your hands close up but not so much your toes.
You can paint your nails at home for practically free. It just takes some practice. Paying $115 for someone else to do your nails is wild and wasteful IMO. There’s really nothing else you’d rather spend $1,380 on annually?
If you can afford it, enjoy it and it makes you feel good about yourself I say go ahead. Treat yourself!
I went to get my nails done for years. I recently stopped due to budget. It hurts every now and then and I miss my nail tech. But it’s been better in the budget. I have bought the press ons but haven’t applied them yet
Life is short. If this is something that makes you happy and adds to your quality of life, stick with it I say.
***Everyone here is missing the point of being frugal:*** it’s not about being ***cheap***, it’s mindfulness with money so you can prioritize your larger financial goals and still enjoy life.
If going to get your nails done once a month is something that **brings you joy**, you’re not heavily in-debt, you’re not sacrificing your retirement savings for nails, ***go get your nails done girlie.***
Yes. That os totally a luxury
Mani and pedi at home. Saving the money for something else like a trip will likely eventually make you happier.
I got used to doing my own mani (I use “KISS acrylic” glue ons) and pedi and I feel less guilty and am proud of what I’m saving. It’s tough but you could take one month off and see how much you miss your friend. Then decide if it’s permanent. Is it possible to meet them for coffee once a month?
Can you just cut back on how many times per year you get them done or maybe just get the mani and do the pedi yourself? If you are meeting your financial goals and can still afford to get your nails done I don’t really see why you have to deprive yourself of this one thing you do for yourself. What’s the point of that if you’re where you want to be financially?
Over the four years that’s around $5,000 I don’t know but I would want to spend that money towards a side by side.
As someone who wears press ons, not necessarily for frugality, but because I have a gel allergy and while there are other options, I’m scared of cross contamination.
If you can comfortably afford it, and it isn’t financially neglectful towards anything else in your life, then keep your nails.
Tip about press ons- you have to prep your nail beds, similar to how they do it in salons. I don’t use a nail drill, even though I have one. I use some basic tools while I watch trash TV. They last two weeks for me.
I’m more hearing that you feel guilty for spending on a non-necessity, not that you actually can’t afford to. I think that instead of denying yourself, ask yourself why you feel like you don’t deserve it. I just look at my weekly Uber Eats priority order as – I don’t drink, smoke, or spend money excessively. Spending money once a week is ok. But I know my upbringing makes me feel guilty about it sometimes. There’s a whole host of issues around my parents and money that have affected me forever.
You get better at manis and pedis at home the more you practice. Whether it’s press ons, just polish, sticker nails (there are quality ones that last), etc., if you start now, you’ll get better each time, and just think of how much better you’ll be in six months or a year. Maybe get them professionally done for an event or a birthday, just not every month.
Man that’s a lot over a full year. About 1300 a year
If there is nothing you’d rather spend $1380/year on, all other debts are covered, and you’re saving some each month, why not? Just keep in mind the cumulative effect of investing that money and retiring early.
I had a really hard time giving up my waxes when I became a stay at home mom and our budget shrank. I’m a pretty hairy girlie and I would usually do at least a full face and an eyebrow touch up once a month which would be roughly $90 per month with tip and everything. I also love my esthetician and I didn’t want her to lose my business. I told her when I wasn’t going to be able to come anymore and why and she was very understanding and it made me feel better to not just ghost her.
I still go get my eyebrows done sometimes, like if we have a wedding to go to or something. It doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Try doing your own pedis to start. It can be relaxing to care for yourself. If you don’t find joy in the process, you can always go back.
Self care is important and a valid expense. If you do go the press on route, try the NYK1 Nail Bond glue, it has a brush so applying the adhesive is much easier/less messy. Nail Reformation has good quality press on nails and you can usually find them discounted at TJ Maxx. Also be sure to prep your nails well!
It’s cheaper than therapy. And if it makes you feel good keep doing it.
I get a pedicure every 2 months. It’s my only treat and keeps me sane.
Dude. Quit overthinking this! If it’s not causing you problems and you’re enjoying it- ENJOY IT and continue doing what makes you happy!
As far as guilt- your nail tech makes her living off of you and her other customers. If everyone quits bc they have guilt over something that is a small indulgence- then they would be homeless and hungry. You’re supporting a business and businesses require clients that pay for services or goods.