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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To think getting nails done all the time is a waste of money

151 replies

Unsurefriend1983 · 07/11/2022 23:30

Had my nails done 4 times in my life all for special occasions. Just had them done for my wedding. I always have to have them taken off though after 2 weeks as I can't stand my nails being long. I think for a special occasion its ok getting gel nails but at 25 quid a pop isn't it a waste of money to have them done all the time? The nail people in the shop seemed to think I was bonkers for wanting them taken off and nothing new done. I was so happy to get home chop them file them and put a clear polish on. Most women would be sad to not have posh nails but I was happy to have my short nails back. Only had them done for my wedding so I wouldn't have to worry about chipping. With the cost of living is it justified to spend this amount of money every 2 weeks. I know we have to treat ourselves but I think there's better things to spend money on.

OP posts:
ZenNudist · 08/11/2022 07:25

Fenneloup · 07/11/2022 23:37

I don't think it's true that most women would be sad not to have posh nails.

I much prefer that natural look and nails that are practical. Gel wrecks my nails so I never do it.

I've said yanbu because I think it is a waste. The people who do it often haven't got 2 beans. I guess its an extravagance they can afford and it makes them happy. Its a better use of money than a night out drinking or costa coffee every week.

Do you not waste any money? Take the kids to see santa, get a take away, buy a new top or a second pair of shoes, enter a marathon, go on an all inclusive to Spain etc? I could go on...

Teenagequeenwithaloadedgun · 08/11/2022 07:27

You do what you want with your nails, other people do what they want.

I get acrylic nails regularly because I like them and my natural nails won't grow due to an autoimmune disease. I don't care what other people think of my choice for my body and neither should you.

GingerPigz · 08/11/2022 07:31

I have my nails done every 3 weeks or so (infills and gel) - unlike getting my brows and hair done (which I also do) I get to 'enjoy' them every time I look at my hands. My hands aren't very dainty so I think it softens them - and, over all, it makes me feel feminine and, well, polished (excuse the pun). I work hard and consider it a well earned treat - Money well spent for me!

ABBAsnumberonefan · 08/11/2022 07:33

It’s personal choice, I enjoy getting my nails done and they make me feel happy. I also find my nails grow better when they have gel on them (not breaking all the time). You probably do things I wouldn’t to enjoy yourself. For example, I don’t understand why people get Costa / Starbucks coffee everyday as it all adds up but people do to enjoy themselves!

KatiefromHull · 08/11/2022 07:33

@Hibernationsetting your nails are lovely 😍

Mummadeze · 08/11/2022 07:38

Beesknees I think you missed my point. I readily admitted to wasting my money on theatre and eating out. I was just saying that we all have things we prioritise and grooming isn’t mine. If I won the lottery, I probably would stretch to getting my nails done as well. But as things stand it is low down on my list of priorities. I was only speaking for myself.

tabulahrasa · 08/11/2022 07:38

YABU - because bet you a tenner there’s at least 3 things you spend money on that would be a waste of money to me.

Different people like different things.

TheMoops · 08/11/2022 07:41

Why are you bothered about what other people spend their money on?

I've just started getting my nails done every 3-4 weeks. They aren't super long and they look lovely. They cost £28.

I can afford it so what's the problem?

Igglepiggleslittletoe · 08/11/2022 07:43

I am about to pop out and spend 30euro getting mine refilled. Each to their own but I prefer mine looking nice no matter the occasion.

Igglepiggleslittletoe · 08/11/2022 07:44

tabulahrasa · 08/11/2022 07:38

YABU - because bet you a tenner there’s at least 3 things you spend money on that would be a waste of money to me.

Different people like different things.

Yes, a wedding for one 😂

TheMoops · 08/11/2022 07:48

I wonder how much the OPs wedding cost. My wedding cost £150! A friend of ours spent £70k!!

People choose how to spend their own money and it's really nothing to do with anyone else.

Cherry8809 · 08/11/2022 07:49

Underanothersky · 08/11/2022 01:51

"Not like other girls"

THIS

SliceOfCakeCupOfTea · 08/11/2022 07:49

Isn't it a waste of time to pop onto mn and make an inflammatory post just to put other women down and try and make them feel bad? Even worse when you don't even come back to acknowledge that you're a dick.

TwoLeftSocksWithHoles · 08/11/2022 07:53

LaBellina · 07/11/2022 23:34

I used to have long acrylic nails that didn’t even allow me to pick up a coin from the floor. I’ve had my own natural nails now for years, just file them by myself and use cuticle oil / handcream and I think they look pretty in all their cheap low maintenance simplicity 😂

Should you ever go back to wearing long acrylic nails, carry a stick with a bit of chewing gum on the end. It's perfect for picking up coins (and a nail that has come off!)

It's what I do.

Hillary17 · 08/11/2022 08:04

I got through phases. Sometimes have them done twice a months for six months then go months without having them done again. It’s a lot of upkeep. But also makes me feel like myself!

TheRookie · 08/11/2022 08:12

It's a waste of money if you don't want it done or can't afford it...? Much the same as having your hair cut, buying and wearing make up, hair removal? Weird thread.

georgarina · 08/11/2022 08:13

YABU
Different people feel good with different things. I personally never get food delivered but I love getting my hair or nails done.

Some people like massages, or facials, or books, or making new recipes. There's no 'right' or 'wrong' and it's not really surprising that people like and value different things.

happygertie · 08/11/2022 08:14

I love having my nails done, totally changes the way I feel. I alway feel more put together when I have nice nails. I keep them short and most the time keep them to just one colour.
I can still afford it during the cost of living crisis and it's my treat to me, to me it doesn't feel like a waste.

If you feel like it's a waste, too indulgent or can't afford it then don't do it.

WonderingWanda · 08/11/2022 08:23

Well anything that isn't essential to your survival could be considered a waste of money, Hair dye, Make up, trendy clothes, scatter cushions, going for coffee, going out for dinner....you get the idea. The thing is, does it add value to the individuals life? For me I'd rather get my nails done every three weeks but have a cheap sim only phone and only get my hair done 3x a year. I like the nails, I do it for me and they cheer my up on a daily basis.

Onlyforcake · 08/11/2022 08:29

My nails are functional and special occasions happen because they are special to us and those we love, not beacuse of frippery! I might make an effort to be formal but I don't owe anyone fitting some random persons aesthetic. I don't waste money on make up or nails.

NoNameNowAgain · 08/11/2022 08:34

Most women would be sad to not have posh nails but I was happy to have my short nails back.

I think that’s an unreasonable assumption

defi · 08/11/2022 08:36

I love having my nails done. Sadly had to stop due to cost of living. They grow soo quickly and I couldn't afford the upkeep of fortnightly appointments

FangsForTheMemory · 08/11/2022 08:38

Fenneloup · 07/11/2022 23:37

I don't think it's true that most women would be sad not to have posh nails.

inch-long talons aren’t my idea of posh!

TheMoops · 08/11/2022 08:40

inch-long talons aren’t my idea of posh!

Not everyone who has their nails done have 'inch long talons' !! Most people have normal length nails.

WinterWitchy · 08/11/2022 08:43

MotherOfPuffling · 08/11/2022 00:08

May I ask what that costs (roughly) to do? I’d love to be able to get my hair and nails done regularly but it costs a fortune (am in London). Might be moving away in a few years and am wondering if I might then finally be to afford to actually look and feel nice!

Nails £32
Eyebrows £15 (threaded)
Hair £90 - £140 depending on whether I get a t-bar or full head of highlights

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