Manicures are a must! Before Covid, I’d say I frequented the nail shop two to three times a year.
I love getting manicures and the quality girl time, but I’ve always struggled with the cleanliness, chemical smells, long waits, and limited healthy nail care selections.
Last summer, I found a beautiful parlor nicely nestled in a nice North Dallas neighborhood.
They effortlessly met all of my requirements with the exception of the location. I ventured to the other side of town a couple of times, but the desire to visit fizzled because long trips and fighting traffic is for husbands, duh!
My only options were to find a new place on my side of town that met all of my needs or do it myself.
Then a pandemic happened, so you know which option I was forced to choose.
Doing my manicures myself at home started off being more of a task than anything else, but it has quickly become a relaxing part of my self-care routine and here’s why:
Time-
There is no wait. So no rush.
Packed salons usually mean rushed services.
There is no appointment necessary. No people waiting after you.
You have the space to spend as much time as you need on your nails to get them just the way you like them.
So create you a playlist. Get your favorite drink and begin.
Quality Products-
You get to decide the ingredients in the products you purchase and the types of tools you use.
Be it a wooden cuticle pusher or a metal. Glass file or the emery board your grandma uses. It’s up to you.
A new variety of vibrant vegan polishes or OPI. Acetone, non-Acetone?? Again… Up To You.
Cost Effectiveness-
For the amount I’d spend on a deluxe manicure and pedicure, I was able to visit Sally’s and pick up all of the natural nail care essentials and a few quality colors.
The products I chose have a 12 month shelf life which means I can do my nails as often as I like this year and not have to spend another dime.
Practice improves technique-
The more manicures you give yourself, the better you’ll get at it.
Variety/ Versatility-
No longer are you obligated to keep a color for two weeks because you don’t want to waste the money you spent on the set.
Switch it up as often as you’d like.
Health Benefits-
You control the environment that your nails are done in.
You know that you cleaned your cuticle cutters/ pushers after each use.
The products you choose will determine the aroma present during your manicure.
It’s all up to you.
and a bonus- raggedy nails don’t snag my natural hair.
When was the last time you gave yourself a manicure?
Happy Manicure Monday,
T