Recession Nails Are Here—Here’s How to Save Money Without Giving Up Your Manicures

Going to the salon to get your nails done is obviously a “treat yourself” splurge, but not all sets cost the same and you don’t have to eliminate them entirely when you’re watching your wallet. That’s the concept behind the “recession nails” trend, which says to keep the manis coming but to do so in a strategic way that maximizes their life and ultimately saves you some cash.

What Are Recession Nails? 

Recession nails are any manicure that either costs less up front and/or extends the time between salon visits and saves you money over time. The idea is that you can still keep your nails looking nice, but not spend as much in the process. 

There are various thresholds of cost savings when it comes to recession nails. For example, you can eliminate salon visits entirely and opt for super inexpensive (but still glamorous!) at-home options, or you could still schedule that regular appointment but opt for manicures that last longer. 

4 Ways to Save Money on Your Manicure

So how do you say money on your manicure without sacrificing an ounce of glam factor? You’ve got a ton of choices. 

DIY Your Own Mani

There’s something so therapeutic about shaping, buffing, and painting your own nails. You’re basically like the art director of 10 little palettes on your very own hand! “You still can have glamourous nails at home. You just need to have the right polishes on hand and some nail art tools,” says Molly Romah, head nail artist at Chillhouse. 

Learn how to give yourself a manicure, then choose a color or design that speaks to you. There are even at-home gel polish systems or dip powders you can try for a longer-lasting finish. 

Use Press-On Nails 

If you simply haven’t got the patience for a DIY manicure or you want a quick solution that looks like a salon manicure (without the price tag), you must acquaint yourself with the world of press-on nails. 

“Press-on nails are the quickest way to achieve an at home manicure,” Romah says. “First, pick the correct size for each nail. Then, apply glue on the nail, and apply the correct size tip to each nail.”

And if it’s been a few years since you tried this nail salon alternative then forget everything you know because the game has completely changed. Press-on nails come in tons of styles and colors—including some of the trendiest looks—and they easily last for a week or longer. 

Opt for Natural 

Of course, you can always keep your nails natural. This involves less upkeep and is the least expensive option. “If you just want to focus on your natural nails, you can use a nail strengthener or a nail hardener and cuticle oil,” says Romah. “Nail strengtheners can help prevent nail breakage and splitting, and you can buy these products on Amazon or at most drugstores.” 

Get Money Savvy at the Salon

Some can’t fathom the idea of not making it to the salon, and we can’t blame ‘em. The good news is that there are so many ways you can save money at the nail salon without cancelling your appointment. 

• Use nude hues that grow out nicely, allowing you to elongate time between appointments. And you can still have fun with color with this approach. Try little designs painted onto the nail or colorful French tips, for example. 
• Choose gel nails instead of regular polish. Though it’s pricier upfront, gel manicures last way longer with less chipping, meaning fewer touch-ups and more time between appointments. 
• Keep ‘em short and simple versus asking for overly ornate designs or extra long nails. Anything “extra” (like a design or a nail tip) is going to cost more, and intricate/long nails often require more upkeep over time, too. At-home nail stickers are a fun and cheap way to dress up your own nails.
• Schedule fill-ins instead of full sets if you prefer dip, acrylics, or gel extensions. Some techs prefer to start from scratch every time and won’t even ask your preference, but a fill costs less and can even save you time at the salon. Plus, it often looks just as good as a new set.