In a recent tweet, HerMoney founder and CEO Jean Chatzky mused, “Is anyone else looking at their nails — clean, short, filed — and thinking, I might not go back?” and it was like we could practically hear her Twitter followers clapping their un-manicured nails in solidarity.
Social distancing and quarantine restrictions have forced many of us to rethink how we do everything from grocery shop to color our hair. And nail care is no exception. After almost two months of skipping our regular salon appointments for gel nails, pedicures, and fancy nail art, the women of the HerMoney Facebook group have become quite adept at adjusting (and learning) their favorite nail techniques.
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WHAT’S A MANICURE?
Several women in the HerMoney community have been going natural for years, and quarantine hasn’t changed their desire to keep their nails short and sweet.
Julie D. says: “I’m #TeamJean here. I was never allowed to have my nails long or painted due to cheerleading. I think I just missed the boat on forming any sort of nail routine.”
Kim S.: “I have never had a manicure or pedicure, as I saw it as a splurge I would never spend on myself. I love Sally Hansen products. I have always done my own manicure and pedicure. And last week I cut my own hair and honestly may never pay to have someone else do it.”
Amy C.: “Years ago I had acrylic nails. Now, short, well-filed and either clear or nude polish. It always looks nice!”
Jennifer F.: “Short and zero polish is my go-to. I don’t like my nail color to stand out so always selected clear and then I just started caring for them at home because I am afraid of dirty tools at places. It’s been years for me.”
Jennifer P.: “I have never been one to get regular manicures. My natural nails are just fine thanks and much cheaper.”
MANICURES FOR LIFE, BABY
A number of women who responded to our nail care call to action said they could not wait to get back to their manicurists. Citing issues with nail biting, weak nails, and a general “manicures are me time” attitude, here’s what they had to say:
Lisa O.: “I am thinking what Jean is thinking in the tweet. But I will likely go back. DEFINITELY for pedicures. And most likely nails. I’m hard core. Had a standing appointment since 1993!”
Lydia D.: “I will always get at least my pedicures done by a professional. I work long hours on my feet and the foot massage is key. As well as the fact that they get those ingrowns so much better (sorry if that’s gross). Plus I’m not someone who spends much money on myself. Getting my nails done is my special thing for me.”
Trish C.: “I am so torn!! I miss my massage chair and strong, pretty, shiny nails. I used to do nail dip and they were indestructible but natural nails look pretty good and they are free!”
Camille G.: “No, I cannot wait!”
Of course, we asked our HerMoney gal pals to share their favorite finds and products so that you, too, can enjoy salon quality nails right from your couch. You’re welcome.
NAIL POLISH
Sally Hansen Miracle Gels
Millie S.: “I’ve always done my own nails. It saves time, and money. I love Sally Hansen Miracle Gels. It’s a 2 step process, dries fairly quickly, and usually lasts 2 weeks with occasional touch ups on the tips.”
Long Live Polish
Beth M.: “I had been splurging for the Live Love Polish brand polishes last year and found that they worked so well for long lasting Manis. I think I may go back to polish here soon (had been doing diy dip powder)
OPI Infinite Shine 2 Nail Lacquer System
Andrea R.: “I found OPI Infinite Shine 2 combined with OPI base coat and a Seche Vite top coat, I could get an at-home manicure that wouldn’t peel for 9 days.”
Seche Vite Top Coat
Julie C.: “Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat – 100% the best top coat. You can buy at Target. Dries in 60 seconds and is like rubber cement – won’t chip for days. It truly makes any brand of polish look fantastic!”
INM Out The Door Fast Drying Top Coat
While many recommended Seche Vite as a top coat, INM was a close second.
NAIL POLISH SUBSCRIPTION SERVICE
Orly ColorPass
Jenny A: “Doing my own nails, I’m saving about $110 per month and by the sound of how things are not going to normal any time soon. Using my savings, I ordered the Orly ColorPass a quarterly subscription, which was under $30 and it came with 6 fun nail polishes for the summer and a hand sanitizer. I’m ready to do this for the next couple months, and don’t mind the savings.”
NAIL SHEETS/STRIPS
Color Street
Brandi M.: “I use Color Street nail polish strips and love them! Started in November and won’t be back in a salon!”
GEL MANICURE KIT
April L. “I started using at-home gel manicure stuff years ago and can’t remember the last time I went back to a nail salon!”
Peppi Gel Kit
Annabelle M.: “I was a monthly gel manicure person but I bought a Peppi Gel kit for dip powder gels at home back in March + I don’t think I’ll go back to paying for Manis at a salon.”
DIP POWDER SETS
Geneviève L: “I love at home dip powder from Revel Nail!! So easy to use.”
DAMAGE CONTROL
Nailtiques
Sunny R.: “For damaged/split nails I found Nailtiques. It’s nail protein and it’s the best product I’ve ever used. Goes on clear.”
Necessity certainly is the mother of invention, and the sassy, money-savvy ladies of our Facebook group have risen to the challenge of practicing self care when it comes to grooming their nails. We here at HerMoney haven’t tried the products mentioned above, so just remember results may vary, but suffice it to say, we’re all going to have to watch out spending on nail care after reading some of these awesome suggestions!
MORE ON HERMONEY:
- 4 Green Beauty Hacks That Won’t Break The Bank
- Don’t Waste Your Money On These Unnecessary Beauty Products
- 8 Savvy Ways To Save Money On Amazon You Probably Don’t Know About
- 8 Expenses Every Woman Should Plan For
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