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

[Unsurefriend1983]

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.

I like my nails done - I've always had weak shit nails and having gels on means they're not breaking all the time. Plus I like them to look good and - while I can do gels myself - they look better when someone else does them.

I could say getting your hair done was a waste of money when you could cut it at home or just let it grow (I do my own hair). But I understand that some people like it being done by a professional... Because I'm capable of understanding different people care about different things 😏

With the cost of living is it justified to spend this amount of money every 2 weeks.

Also, what do you mean? Is it justified for you? No, probably not if you think it's a waste of money. Is it 'justified' for random strangers to get their nails done because of the vague notion of a cost of living crisis? Yeah, if they can afford and want it.

Weird phrasing that suggests you think anyone doing something as 'frivolous' as getting their nails done in a cost of living crisis should stop it for the good of the economy.

@MotherOfPuffling

You should easily be able to get all these things done at the prices WinterWitchy quotes in London. If you live in a very affluent inner suburb you might have to go a bit of a way, but I have a full head of highlights and a cut done in Richmond for £150, Nails for 32 in my current area, and eyebrow threading for less (the only time I've paid 15 is in Selfridges I think.)

I agree.

It plays into the discourse that women who spend money on themselves beyond a haircut are vain, self absorbed and ‘basic’. And those who don’t are somewhat superior.

There is nothing wrong with taking care of yourself and enjoying the experience. For me it’s more tattoos than nails these days but it’s the same principle.

Everything is a waste of money in some regard. I’d rather prescribe to the belief of enjoying my life (while being able to afford it) than living a mindlessly boring existence where I never treat myself to anything.

I do also think OP is failing to realise that if nobody "justifies" anything fun or frivolous then we're going to have an awful lot of unemployed nail techs, hairdressers, personal trainers, baristas, chefs, travel agents, and retail staff.

I think it's up to every individual to decide what is and isn't a waste of money. I have the following done

Nails £45 every 3 weeks
Eyebrows £27 once a month
Hair £120 when it needs doing

By a lot of people's standards that's low maintenance, by yours it's probably high. To each their own.

I know we have to treat ourselves but I think there's better things to spend money on

There are better things, to you, to spend your money on. You don't control everyone money. I'm sure there are things you buy that other people think are pointless

Well yes but so is anything. That bottle of wine at the weekend? Just drink water. That nice bubble bath? Just use basic soap.

I spend a lot of money on beauty. New acrylic nails every 8 weeks, infills every 4 because I bite my nails and they look awful. I prefer my real nails but I am hopeless at not biting them. I get my hair bleached every 8 weeks too for no other reason than I like my hair blonde.

We have the money and whilst it could be added to the savings, life would be very sad if we couldn't spend our hard earned money on stuff we enjoy because it's "a waste"

I would take issue with this bit, OP:

Most women would be sad to not have posh nails

Huh? How on earth can you know what most women would feel about whatever 'posh' nails are? There are lots and lots of women who don't have their nails done.

YANBU. Each to their own, but I’ve never seen the appeal. Yet another way to charge women the “women tax”.

I don’t care about nails though and don’t paint them, so maybe I’m not the target audience, but I think it’s a waste of money.

And as others have said, most spending beyond the basics is a waste to some people and essential to someone else. So long as you're not going without basics, and you've got a roof over your head, what the hell does it matter to anyone else what you spend your money on?

I am typing here looking at my freshly manicured and gelled nails and delighted with them. Not too long as I spend a lot of time on the laptop but love looking at them fly over the keys perfectly polished. Cost me 10euro per week on average which in Ireland is about the price of a bottle of wine or a packet of ciggies so I have absolutely zero guilt.

I'm not 'most women' but speaking for myself - I like my gel nails.

I'm a biter - they look awful unless I get them done - and I like cocktail rings - so they make my stumpy hands look nicer

Even gel nails can be bitten if you try hard enough so I get them done every 2-3 weeks - no one is cold or starving as a result

Well it would certainly be a waste of money for me, as I actively dislike the look of gel nails. But it's not a waste of money if you enjoy it and can afford it.

Most women would be sad to not have posh nails.

That's nonsense. The vast majority of women I know do not have 'posh nails' (not that there is anything posh about it) and I doubt they are remotely sad about it!

All non essential spending varies from individual to individual. Personally I wouldn't spend 50p on my nails and don't own any make up.

I spend a lot of money on other things that some people would class as unnecessary.

If it makes you happy and is not harming anyone else then there is no problem surely?

I used to bite my nails so liked having fake nails every few weeks which stopped me biting them but now I've found builder which nis painted onto your natural nail the gel polish id put on top. It lasts loads longer than false ones, they never pop off and they don't file your nail down like they do to get rid of false ones.

I'm a nail biter and the only thing that breaks the habit is having builder gel on them. I get them done every 4 weeks but I'm not a drinker, not into fancy meals, don't spend anything on makeup or other cosmetic procedures and very rarely buy new clothes. Nails are my 4 weekly treat.

I wouldn't waste my money on it either, but I buy a lot of books and have quite a lot of takeaways (two a month minimum) - other people probably think that's a waste

I waste my money on theatre tickets, and always buy a programme too, even though they just go in a box and never get read. I once totted up that I spent over 2k on theatre tickets one year, pre covid. I stopped counting after that.

I am a misery with books. Unless it is under 99p on my kindle I will not pay it.

I use to get shellac done every 3 weeks roughly but I ended up buying my own home gel kit for £100 in June and I've already got my money's worth. I did them Sunday after not doing them for 2 months due to being ill and it's made me feel so much better. I keep my nails short and they just look so neat and make me feel much more put together (she says as she sat in clashing patterns and hair that need washing)!

Have my acrylics done every 2-3 weeks, Hollywood and eyebrow wax every 6-8 weeks and hair bleached and highlighted every 6 weeks. I think cigarettes and alcohol are a waste of money but each to their own 🤷‍♀️

I never get my nails done, but do get my toes done. I do it about once a season though.
It's not a waste if you keep them in good condition and like the look.

I've never had my nails done.

But don't begrudge other people for spending their money on it.

I spend my money on other things that are equally unnecessary

I used to bite mine, and thus hid them behind falsies. But as I let go of the anxiety chewing, I began to paint my own. For me, choosing & using a great varnish - currently black patent! - is a reward, as much as salon nails are a reward for others. We cannot police treats. I mean, if someone was foodbanking then going to get some flash nails I'd be vexed...