To not know how everyone has the money and time to have their nails done

[Beckywiththegoodnails]

Cost of living crisis - have you cut down on having nails done?
I was surprised on the engagement ring thread how many people had nails done. I’ve had to cut back on loads and I earn pretty well- nails are now a luxury
my small town has about 6 pop in salons in the town and they’re always full
aibu to not know how such a high proportion of people have nails done so regularly

I find these “How do people afford x?” threads infuriating.

Obviously the people in question either have more money or time or they prioritize some things over others? These aren’t difficult concepts to grasp.

Most of this is stealth judgment dressed up as a question. A but like the “How do people afford x box/Sky TV/fags?” threads.

Ooh didn't know that. Was thinking the pale pink but ill avoid now. Thanks. Did it damage your nails?

Every 2-3 weeks £35
I go in lunch hour.
my nails are horrific without an acrylic, I’m a chewer!

Same, I find it hard to justify spending that money so I rarely have them done professionally but I love how I feel afterwards, it’s like a brand new me.

I go to a podiatrist every 2 months, so £20 per month. I’d have my toe nails painted professionally in summer, but there’s no way I’m having my feet swilling around in one of their foot-spas.

If you want stronger nails then stop using gel and use Sally Hansen diamond strength, alternating with maximum growth if you also want length. My nails are really great through using these as a base coat.

I am not a fan of manicures or pedicures because I don't really like random people touching me. That said, I'll get them done because my hands are probably the body part of my own body I see the most of so I want them to look nice!

Same here. I work 10-12hr days. Earn really well. The nails done every 2-3 weeks makes me feel relaxed, put together & gives me an hour or two of “downtime” where I am not contactable by email, phone etc. The rest of the work stress gets yelled out at the football games (PL) I go to every week or so with a nice 2 hr train ride there & back - make it an overnight stay at a hotel when I can to also catch up w friends or just sleep! Partner firmly with me on this (not that he needs to be. I’d do it all anyway) & I would support any “me time” he wants too. Keeps me sane :)

They earn more than you and/or spend less than you on other things?

I absolutely LOVE getting my nails done. £35 every 4-5 weeks for acrylic with plain colour or French manicure 💅
I have stubby hands so having shirt extensions makes them look better, plus always look clean and neat.
I always love seeing other people's new nail colours when they get them done also 😂

Ooh didnt realise mumsnet had that much nail salon demographic.

This is definitely a controversial topic! But many professionals call these ‘NSS’ - non standard salons. You can generally find them in city centres, predominantly foreign or Asian workers with little English. (This is absolutely not to say all foreign or Asian nail techs are trafficked but this is sadly the pattern) There is a NSS in my local shopping centre that you can smell from a mile off - the chemical smell is overpowering. It is often a conveyor belt service and sadly hygiene and safety standards for the client of worker are not prioritised. It’s difficult to know for certain who is and isn’t legit but I think if you have any concerns, I’d avoid. Your best bet would be to go to a locally owned salon. Most hairdressers have a beauty therapist or nail technician. Check Facebook or instagram for local independent nail techs. Apps like fresha are great too. Most of the NSS don’t post on social media or have an internet presence. Also, ask about qualifications and insurance - neither of these are legally required but any reputable technician will be happy to provide them on request - mine are framed and displayed in my nail room! Good luck.

Haven’t read the whole thread but has anyone tried the Glaize Stick On Gel Nails that were on Dragons Den?

Thanks @FTTTC2025 that’s very useful. Unfortunately I’m fairly inner city London so I think most are NSSs - but I’ll keep looking.

Agree with this. Mine is a pharmacy technician and does nails on the side, definitely pays taxes as she chatted through her thinking of how many clients she would need to break even and make it a viable business instead of her current role. She's very savvy, is keeping her pharmacy job as a safety net but loves nails and nail art as a passion. She is based in a gorgeous salon where I certainly feel pampered and relaxed. However I do know a few similarly self employed people who do not declare most of their earnings, if any and insist on cash.

My local Superdrug offers nails too. May be worth checking them out!

It's my treat. I don't smoke or drink, not a big fan of sweets or chocolate. I spend my money on gorgeous nails.

For those asking, I do gel-x type on my own nails.
Mylee set
https://amzn.eu/d/bMFxKqE

And use beetles gel
https://amzn.eu/d/2Lt4XNn

Nail prep for longer lasting
https://amzn.eu/d/gIQ237P

This is a good tutorial
x

There not practical if you are caring for young children or doing housework.

My gel nails don't hinder my ability to care for people or do housework.
They can get stained with spices if I'm not wearing rubber gloves to wash up.

I'm a childminder and my nails are fine 😂

I get my nails done every 3 weeks, sometimes every fortnight. It costs me £30, only takes an hour, and it's relaxing as it's in a proper spa. I get BIAB, which protects my nails so the length is all my own. Beforehand, they were always snapping because I live rurally, have kids and dogs, and have hobbies like fencing and horses. This keeps them strong and lovely looking, and I also really like nail art. Nothing crazy but stuff I definitely couldn't do at home.

I can afford it so I do it. I prioritise things that make me feel put together or just happy - nails, regular haircuts, massage, facials, etc. I'm far from glam, but I look nice and well kept.

As mentioned in this thread, I also find it tedious when people try to claim these things equate to lack of intelligence. I have a PhD, I'm an ex librarian and now work in management at a publishing house. You can be clever and put together! In fact, almost every woman in my circle (academics, authors, publishers, so on and so forth) takes great care of their appearence. For themselves!

They also don't impede my ability to clean, cook, or look after my children. 🤣 They're just nails!

I just think about all the extra space under them for germs, yuk

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0195670124004080

"Compared with UP nails, GP nails were not associated with a higher bacterial burden within 3 weeks of application, and even had a significantly lower bacterial burden before HH on day 21." Published this month nb - I haven't checked the credibility of the study, but it was funded from clinical rather than cosmetic sources.

UP = unpolished
GP = gel polish
HH = hand hygiene

@Beckywiththegoodnails I’ve had my nails done maybe twice ever, it’s not a priority, but I’d suggest the engagement ring thread is not a good barometer of people having them done routinely. If I was flashing my engagement ring in a picture to show it off, I’d 100% be getting my nails done nicely for that picture!