Research from Lopay has found that, while 80% of UK salon owners say customers are opting for cheaper beauty treatments (with eyelash and eyebrow treatments taking a hit at 41% of venues), nails seem to be a non-negotiable.
Although, two in five regulars are getting their usual treatments less regularly, the analysis found that demand for nail treatments – including manicures, pedicures, gel nails and nail extensions – has actually increased.
And look, we really get it: having your nails done can be the difference between feeling put together and feeling like a slob. Plus, having less money shouldn’t mean we have to deny ourselves every little treat.
So, we spoke to four women who would spend money on getting their nails done over takeaways, fashion, going out and more – and hear why a fresh mani is such a priority for them.
‘I feel happy every time I catch a glimpse of my nails’
Serena Smith, 25, Leeds
Serena started getting her nails done when she first began working full-time. She says it made her feel a bit more ‘adult’ and was a real treat – as it wasn’t something she’d been able to afford before.
She explains: ‘I love branching out with different colours and it’s such a fun, easy way to inject a bit of personality into my look. I also work remotely and it really helps me feel a bit more “put together”, as 90% of the time I’m in a hoodie and leggings.’
While Serena gets her nails done slightly less frequently now, she still chooses them over other things.
She adds: ‘I’ve also found that, recently, I’m more inclined to prioritise spending money on getting my nails or eyebrows done over buying new clothes or “things” because the dopamine hit I get from buying material things is much shorter lived and the planet is dying.
‘For me, getting my nails done is both a more sustainable and more satisfying way of spending my money.
‘I feel happy every time I catch a glimpse of my nails, and they last for weeks.’
‘I have this rush of excitement leading up to my appointment’
Armi Olarte, 27, Manchester
‘I love getting my nails done bi-monthly because I feel it’s a big part of my self-care routine,’ Armi tells us.
‘I have this rush of excitement leading up to my appointment.
‘I also have a really good friendship with my nail tech.
‘We usually gossip and catch up for a good hour or two which is something I always look forward to.’
‘Having my nails done makes me feel confident in myself’
Lucy Young, 34, Manchester
‘Although my nail appointments have become more expensive and I sometimes have to skip out on social events or even food shops, I still get my nails done,’ says Lucy.
‘I’ve had to get cheaper treatments as I can’t always afford the treatment I want, but I don’t smoke or drink regularly, so for me it feels like a treat to myself.
‘I also suffer with anxiety and depression so self care can feel like a lot, but getting my nails done, mani or pedi, feels like pure “me time” which I love.’
Lucy adds that she has a great relationship with her nail tech and she enjoys seeing her – so there’s the social aspect, too.
She continues: ‘Also, I box regularly and being surrounded by mainly men, it can be hard to feel comfortable and having my nails done makes me feel confident in myself, even if I’m not all glammed up.’
‘It makes me feel happy and put together’
Grace Kelly, 28, Cumbria
Despite the fact that her nail treatment has gone up from £30 to around £45, Grace still gets them done every three weeks because they make her happy.
Grace says: ‘I’ve changed how many takeaways we get and what we eat in general to try and accommodate this small luxury.
‘I wouldn’t say we miss out on other things but I would say we try and budget out what we can and I have this as a general bill in our budget.
‘I keep getting them done because it makes me happy and feel put together.
‘I think people still need to look after their mental health if they can, and that includes spending money on themselves.’
Do you have a story to share?
Get in touch by emailing [email protected].
MORE : Blueberry milk nails: the latest Sofia Richie inspired summer manicure trend
MORE : Move over doughnut nails, ‘milkshake glaze’ is the new summer manicure to try
MORE : ‘Villain era’ nails have landed – offering a wicked twist on a timeless classic
Sign up to our guide to what’s on in London, trusted reviews, brilliant offers and competitions. London’s best bits in your inbox
Privacy Policy
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
For all the latest Lifestyle News Click Here
For the latest news and updates, follow us on Google News.
