The cost of getting your nails done at a salon is more than just expensive, the extensive time that is needed to take out of the day to go sit at a salon is often something that many people do not have the time for throughout the week. Ideally, it is nice to go to the salon after a long day; however, at that point, most do not have the energy to go and get their nails done for at least an hour. Oftentimes, this results in most people turning to doing their own nails not only to have the ability to do it on their own time, but also to save money.

Sophomore at Walpole High School, Abby Dorant, began doing her own nails in the summer of 2024. After multiple positive experiences of doing her own, she soon began doing other people’s manicures in the fall.

“I like doing them myself because I save money and get to have full control on how [the nails] end up,” Dorant said.

Doing your own nails avoids the cost of professional salon services which can result in saving hundreds or even thousands of dollars per year. The up-front cost of obtaining the needed tools to do manicures at home is minimal compared to the costs of salon visits adding up. Items like press-on nails and nail polish can be used numerous times and overall it is not realistic to visit the nail salon every other week.

“By doing my own nails I have a creative outlet and get to make the designs in my head a reality. I think doing nails is a form of art and should be celebrated as such,” Dorant said.

Painting nails, experimenting with color combinations and designing patterns can be the perfect outlook for creative freedom. Nail art can be a great way for people to express personality and style. People tend to shy away from doing their own nails because they believe that they do not have the ability to make their nails look good; however with practice, doing your own nails comes more naturally and becomes less stressful and more fun.

The benefits of doing your own manicure outweighs the few negative aspects of doing your own nails. By trying out different looks, colors, shapes, art and designs, doing your own nails enhances creativity while saving money by not going to the salon.