A Beginner’s Guide to Getting Your Nails Done at a Salon
If you're not someone who regularly gets your nails done, you may find it hard to figure out how some people's nails seem to look consistently incredible.
Even if you paint yours at home regularly, problems like chipped polish and broken nails continue to be a pain. If you're searching for the key to the perfectly shaped, perfectly painted nails (that actually last longer than a week) you keep seeing all across your Pinterest boards and TikTok feed, it's likely related to one thing: getting them done at a salon.
While giving yourself an at-home manicure that looks good and lasts is technically possible, most of us just can't get the same results that we could by turning to a professional nail technician at a salon. However, different nail services come with different results (and prices), and the whole experience can be a lot to think about for someone new to it all. Here's your beginner's guide to everything you should know about getting your nails done at a salon:
Can You Go to Just Any Salon?
When you're new to getting your nails done, it can be tempting to simply go to the salon nearest you or even the one with the cheapest prices. However, you may unfortunately find that some salons just aren't the same in terms of quality and, perhaps more importantly, cleanliness. Look up well-reviewed salons near you, and if you know friends, family or coworkers who get their nails done regularly, it's always a good idea to think about going somewhere vetted and approved by them.
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Also read about: 7 Must-Have Nail Colors for 2023
What Service Should You Pick?
If you book your appointment ahead of time, you may end up confused simply by searching through the list of services alone. If terms like "dip," "gel manicure" and "fill-ins" are as foreign to you as what you're learning in French class, you'll want to do a little bit of research before walking into your nearest salon. Yes, you could just go in and pay to have your nails professionally painted, but the results of this won't last as long as a manicure done with gel, dip or acrylic. The latter three options can typically last from about seven to 21 days, but the actual time length will depend on many different factors. The cost can also vary along with the results, as a regular polish manicure will typically be the cheapest option with gel coming next followed by dip and acrylic (acrylic will cost you the most upfront, but fill-ins or polish changes will cost about the same as a dip manicure, depending on the salon).
The type of manicure or polish you select will depend on several factors, but here are a few benefits of each:
- Regular polish: A cheaper option that's also easy to remove, making it a good option if you want to get your nails done before an event like prom. You might not need to put your hands under a UV light, either.
- Gel polish: Typically the cheapest of the longer-lasting polish options (around $35 before tip, depending on the salon and if you choose a special design). Your nails will look super smooth and your manicure can last up to three weeks if you take good care of your nails.
- Dip (powder): Slightly more durable than gel as the powder forms a stronger layer on top, and it forms an even smoother surface that's excellent for unique styles like ombre as well as adding tips if you want to keep your natural nails but add some extra length.
- Acrylic: If you have a break in your nail but don't want to give up the length you worked so hard to achieve, acrylic is the best (if not the only) option for you. It works like magic by filling in your nail and hiding the damage, creating an ultra-smooth, natural-looking surface. Acrylic also lasts the longest, and your nails probably won't "break" when you have them done.
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Know Your Shapes
"Square," "oval" and "round" are more than just shapes you study in geometry, and "almond," "stiletto" and "coffin" are more than just objects. All these words are just some of the many used to describe nail shapes, and let us be the first to tell you that the shape of your nails can make all the difference in terms of the finished result of your manicure. Research the different shapes and find some nail inspiration before picking a shape, especially since you'll kind of be stuck with it for a while (depending on how fast your nails grow and which specific service you choose). If you're just starting out and don't have a lot of length to work with, square is oftentimes a good starting point (although dip and acrylic might make it easier for your nail to be shaped differently even if they are on the shorter side).
What Does the Maintenance Look Like?
One thing few people talk about when it comes to getting your nails done at a salon is what it takes to maintain and/or remove your nail polish, as this can vary from service to service. If all you're doing is getting your nails painted (no gel, dip or acrylic involved), you shouldn't have a problem removing the polish at home with your usual remover. However, simple polish manicures won't last as long and aren't as durable in terms of the nail itself, so you may have to deal with chips and broken nails more often than you might with another option.
For gel and dip manicures, you might be able to remove the polish at home after a while (there are some DIY methods you'll find online, most of which involve soaking your nails in acetone and wrapping them in foil until the polish will come off), but for best results, you'll want to go back to a salon to have them professionally remove the old polish. This part of the process is typically free or included if you're also getting your nails done while you're there, but otherwise, you will likely have to pay to have your nails returned to their polish-free state. If you only get your nails done once in a while and aren't ready to commit to going in every two to three weeks for a regular polish change, we'd say it's still worth the (albeit small) cost to go to a professional.
Acrylic nails famously last longer than the other options, and they're far less likely to chip or break. The maintenance looks a bit different though, which is why most people who switch to acrylic will continue to get this type of manicure. Your first salon visit to get acrylic will cost more as it involves the initial application of the acrylic material (different salons may do this differently, but painting it on with a brush is a common and effective way). We recommend picking a color you really like if you're doing acrylic, as it really can last up to a month if your nails don't grow super quickly (although most people will change them out after two and a half to three weeks). When you do come back to have the polish changed, you won't have to pay as much since what you're getting is a "fill-in," which is similar to how it works if you opt for builder gel for gel manicures.
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What If You Want a Design?
Expect to pay extra, and make sure you ask the salon for a nail artist who specializes in designs. Also, you'll want to have a clear image ready of what it is you're looking for to ensure that the result matches up and that the artist has something to reference.
Also read about: Our 7 Favorite Nail Trends for Summer 2023
How Does Tipping Work?
Like most services you receive, you should always tip your nail technician. Most salons now will let you tip when you pay with card, but you might want to have some cash on hand (enough to cover approximately 20% of your service) just in case they don't.
This might all seem like a ton of information for something that should seem simple, but trust us when we say that the experience of getting your nails done at a salon can be extremely enjoyable. It's a great way to not only treat yourself but also to support a local business and boost your confidence—seriously, few things feel as great as a fresh manicure you can't wait to show off.
If you're not sure what style you want to select for your first salon manicure, why not let astrology pick for you? Click HERE to check out the best summer nail style for you based on your zodiac sign.