Never had a manicure...is this unusual?

[Keha]

Late 30s woman living in UK. Just reading an article about "bare nails".

I've never had my nails done professionally or had a manicure. When I was much younger I would attempt nail varnish at home and it would usually look rubbish. I think in my 20s, I didn't feel like I had enough money for it (although I had a professional job and didn't really know the cost). Then at some point I considered it but felt overwhelmed with all the options and not knowing what to ask for, so never went. Is this a common experience?

I’m 59 and I have never had a manicure, a facial or any other beauty treatments.

Nope, never been interested in any sort of beauty treatment. I don't own any make up either. It's just not me. Nail polish etc would be a particular waste of time and money because I would chip it within 15 minutes, I reckon.

Someone asked what my nails look like, so this is them right now (have removed most of my rings so I'm not identifiable!). I think they are probably a nice shape but I could make them neater.

First manicure; home ec. year 7 part of basic health and hygiene and included household budgeting for personal care.
I mostly do my own with clear polish currently loving Londontown Nail Blush.
Maybe salon job once/twice a year?

When it was just regular varnish, I only got it done for special occasions. Now it’s gel, I get them done every 4 weeks.

@Keha your nail beds are a nice shape! Quite envious as some of mine are square, no matter what’s done to them. I’ve been using Fyle manicure kit After my first attempt I could see a slight improvement but wasn’t sure I’d had my money’s worth. Kept at it maybe once a week - and once my left hand got the hang of actually being of use I almost started to enjoy it. And to notice the ragged bits around my nail. It honestly took about three months of buffing before I noticed the shininess emerging. It does still seem a tedious thing to spend money on - but then, so do hair products and tweezers, and I definitely notice if I don’t use those.

(NB I have absolutely no connection to this company.)

What a weird thing to say! I’ve always used clippers- pretty sure they’re unisex 😂

Me neither. I have better things to waste my time and money on.

Once for my DB's wedding in 2007. Hated it, it hurt trying to do things with them on. However, I love a spa day, massage and pedicure!

That’s how the beauty/aesthetics/cosmetics industries work isn’t it?

Tell us what’s wrong with us, make us feel insecure about it, and then sell us loads of shit that will fix us. I’m not buying it; I’m healthy, fit and clean and that’s more than good enough for me.

Don’t do it OP. I did once as some friends always get theirs done and said I should try it as they love their nails. Here’s my experience as a newbie.
I had to get coached into what to ask for in the busy salon. Told to ask for ‘SNS’. Was told the boss would yell ‘PICKACOLOUR’ and tell me to sit down. That happened. I picked a colour.
The woman I got sandpapered the surface of my nail which felt horrible then sort of snipped and dug around them then dipped and lacquered for ages until I was done.
They felt weird. Hard and thick. Quite fun. The lacquer lasted ages and you have to either have it taken off at the salon or the growth gap filled in. I had it taken off. My nails were ruined. All weak and rough.
So wouldn’t recommend if you’re not one to keep it up. I do paint my toenails in the summer though.

I've only had a couple, one where I was dragged by a friend and one was free with my pedicure. Didn't mind them and probably would get them if I were really rich, I just don't think they're worth the money. I do like pedicures as I think managing toes is a lot harder than fingers - they're a lot further away! I can file my own nails easily enough and polish is really quick to dry these days so happy enough doing it myself while watching tv.

Ooh it's lush. You put your hand in a bag of warm melted paraffin wax. Then squidgy it about and relax with towels over the top to keep it warm.
I have paraffin pedicures too. You cannot have polish after due to.the oilyness but I don't want it anyway.

I'm 63 and never had a manicure. I keep my nails short and clean, buffed if I am going out. I hate the feel of nail polish.

I had one for my wedding day. Hated it. Sat on honeymoon and picked all the nails off.

I do a practical job and my nails often get untidy/broken so I have a max 1-2 manicures a year - holiday and christmas.
I do my own pedicure because I dont like the idea of people touching my feet, but if I had a different job, id possibly get my nails done more frequently.

True, maybe a better description would be very polished and smart.

No me neither

Lol let's not go there 😂. Many men's nails ook bloody awful yes. But they are men so much more accepted. You can see ahen a man has actually looked aftwr their nails and cut their cuticles etc. Would a man's cut nails not smoothly filed and some cuticle overgrowth look good on a woman? Hell no . Do u west any make up even just lightly ?

Oh my god 😳 sorry but that's a step too far 😅

Sorry for all the typos bloody auto correct off

Me neither.
I had a few paraffin wax treatments at the hospital for a medical condition.

Self selecting cohort, or actually most people REALLY don't have manicures.

I am 60, also never had one. Not even for my wedding. I do have nice even nails and very white ends though, and they always seem shiny. But really, no point for me. I do all the housework, washing up, washing, gardening, so they get muddy, they break, and they grow again! I don't even bother doing them at home. They get cut when they get too long, or one breaks, and they get filed. I paint my toe nails occasionally as I think they look nice in the Summer with sandals, but that's it.

Never had one, never will. The smell from the places alone is enough to make me cross the street. I don't do any beauty or spa type treatments though. I find it all.... uncomfortable, even the thought of it 😅

At work all the younger people in mid level jobs had them. Up to mid forties I'd say were having them done regularly. Older and senior leadership never. I like my nails super short so a definite no from me.