How Often Should You Get Your Nails Done? (Explained)
Getting your nails done is something you have to plan for.
If you are looking for a steady appointment and don’t have exceptional circumstances, you will need to plan ahead.
Here are some things to take into consideration when you are trying to decide how often you should go to the nail salon.
How Often Should You Get Your Nails Done?
Every two weeks is going to be the ideal frequency for most people who are looking to get their nails done frequently.
No matter what type of manicure you are getting done—normal, gel or acrylic—two weeks gives you enough time to fully enjoy your nails.
After two weeks, you will have nail growth and (for some types of manicures) chipping, which is why it is the ideal frequency to get your nails done again.
Having a bi-monthly manicure will also insure that your hands stay soft and cuticles stay neatly trimmed all year long!
First, let’s walk through your three options for how often to get your nails done.
Then we’ll go through some different things you can consider when deciding which frequency is best for you.
Pros And Cons Of Nail Frequency
1. Every Week
People who really love nail care will often get their nails done on a weekly basis.
It’s like doing the grocery shopping or going to church.
One of the huge benefits of getting your nails done every week is that it affords you a lot of opportunities to switch up your style.
If you got them done every week without fail, that is 52 different nail styles you can sport per year!
If you are a regular fashionista, this could be a huge source of joy for you.
Of course, getting your nails done every week is going to come at a cost.
It’s important to consider your finances when deciding if a weekly appointment is right for you.
2. Every Two Weeks
As we said, this is going to be the sweet spot for the average person.
If you don’t mind having a bit of nail growth showing, two weeks might be a better option for you.
Getting your nails done every two weeks will allow you to switch up your look frequently, but it also won’t take too much time out of your schedule.
It will also cost half as much per year as compared to getting your nails done every week.
3. Every Three Weeks
This is going to be a good option for those who like getting their nails done but are pretty low maintenance about it
By the three-week mark, you are sure to have some nail growth showing.
Whether you have a gel or normal manicure, you will probably have some chipping as well.
However, it’s a lot cheaper to get your nails done every three weeks compared to every one or two.
If you are looking to save money, this option might be the best for you.
Also, for those who don’t really care about chipped polish or keeping up with the trends, three weeks could be a very reasonable frequency.
Things To Consider
If you still aren’t sure how often you should get your nails done, here is what you want to consider when choosing the right frequency for you.
1. Speed of Nail Growth
Everyone’s nails grow at different rates.
How often you need to get your nails done will depend on how quickly your nails grow.
The next time you have a nail appointment, pay attention to how long it takes for the nail to show underneath the polish.
If noticeable growth isn’t happening until week two or three, you can take your time to get them redone.
However, if you have fast-growing nails, it might be better to get them done each week.
2. Wear and Tear
It’s not only growth that you will have to think about.
You also have to consider how much wear and tear your nails experience.
If you use your hands a lot in your work or hobbies, you might need to get your nails redone quite frequently.
However, if you work at a call center and talk on a headset all day, you might not experience any chipping due to wear and tear.
Once you start to notice how long it takes for your nail polish to chip, you can better anticipate when you will need to make your nail appointment.
3. Type Of Treatment
The type of nail treatment you get definitely plays a role in determining how often you need to get your nails done.
For example, gel nails tend to last around two weeks if properly cared for.
However, normal nail polish can chip after just a few days.
Adding a high-quality top coat can extend the life of your normal nail polish by a few days or even a week.
Acrylic nails are a little different.
They are longer lasting: they can usually last two to three weeks before they need to get filled in.
Filling in the nails is different from replacing them, though.
As long as they are properly filled in every two to three weeks, a set can last anywhere from six to eight weeks before needing to be removed and replaced.
4. Money
Of course, money is always a factor.
At the end of the day, getting your nails done is a luxury, not a necessity.
If you only have the money to get your nails done once a month or even once every two months, that is fine.
If you aren’t wanting to commit to regular nail appointments, though, it is probably best to stick with options like gel nail polish or normal nail polish.
These polishes can be easily removed with acetone, which can be obtained at almost any drug store or grocery store.
Unlike acrylic nails, there is no health risk to your nail beds if these polishes aren’t maintained properly.
Acrylic nails not only have a steeper upfront cost, but they also have a higher maintenance cost.
They often need to be removed by a nail tech—usually for a price.
It is important to fill them in regularly and maintain them, or it could threaten the health of your nail.
Also, for 99% of people, it isn’t possible to DIY acrylic nails.
Unless you moonlight as a nail tech, you will have to go back for an appointment anytime you need them touched up.
It’s an important thing to consider.
5. How Important Is the Look?
You have to consider how important your nails’ looks are to you.
Some people get their nails done every week like clockwork.
Maybe they want them to match their outfits that week.
Maybe they just hate the look of chipped nail polish.
Other people don’t care so much.
They are okay with manicures being an occasional treat.
They don’t mind if the polish is chipping.
They are okay with removing a manicure themselves and letting their nails stay natural in between sessions.
6. Nail Health
Frequent manicures can either promote your nail health or damage it.
It all depends on what services you are getting done.
Getting acrylic nails causes damage—there is no way around it.
If you want your nail to grow long and strong, it might require taking long breaks between wearing acrylic nails.
Some women move away from acrylic nails entirely, solely for the sake of their nail health.
On the other hand, getting a simple polish or gel polish regularly can actually help improve your nail health in some cases.
After all, a manicure is more than just applying polish.
It often involves exfoliation, moisturization, as well as substantial cuticle care.
By getting manicures regularly, you can improve the overall health of your nails.
7. Stress Relief
Some people feel that going to the nail salon is a chore.
Other people love it.
Which group you fall into might determine how often you should go to the nail salon.
If you love the experience and you find that it relieves stress, it might be worth going more often.
If you love talking to your nail tech about that week’s drama, it might be a great opportunity for socialization and bonding.
Maybe you are the type of person who loves to throw in your headphones and listen to your favorite music or a good audiobook.
Going to the nail salon more often will be a no-brainer for you.
Then there are people who don’t care for the nail salon.
They find it stressful or would rather spend their time somewhere else.
Maybe they don’t get along with their nail tech, but don’t have another option.
For them, doing their nails is a necessity for looking good—like getting a wax or wearing an uncomfortable pair of heels.
If you are one of these people, you probably want to go with low-maintenance, long-lasting options like a nude gel nail.
By going nude, any chipping won’t be noticeable, and if you go natural for a while, it won’t be a shock.
Gel polish can easily be removed at home if you get sick of it or aren’t ready for your next appointment.
If you find the nail salon unpleasant or stressful, it might even be worth putting in the time to learn how to do a simple manicure at home.
After all, a trip to the nail salon is supposed to be a luxury, not a chore.
8. Preventing Ingrown Nails
If you know you are at risk of developing an ingrown toenail, regular pedicures can help prevent them.
If you have struggled with ingrown nails in the past, it’s good to keep your nails trimmed and shaped.
One of the common causes of ingrown toenails is wearing tight shoes or socks along with long nails.
It can also be caused by improper nail cutting.
This is why having a professional regularly trim and shape your nails can be great in preventing ingrown nails.
It’s also good to wear open-toe shoes when possible.
Many people feel a lot more comfortable having their toes out in the open, especially when they are nicely manicured.
9. Special Occasions
Many people like to have their nails done for special occasions.
In this case, it’s best to make the appointment well ahead of time.
Whether it is a wedding, a birthday, or a Christmas party, nails can be the ultimate accessory.
It’s also a good idea to get your nails done regularly if you suspect your significant other might “pop the question” soon.
Even though most well-trained men know that it is important to subtly convince their partners to get a manicure before the engagement.
Being proactive in having your nails done can save you the embarrassment of having to show off your new engagement ring with bitten nails in the background.
10. The Season
What you are wearing on a day-to-day basis definitely plays a role in how often you should get your nails done.
In the wintertime, it’s possible to go weeks without a nail appointment.
In fact, in terms of getting a pedicure, it probably isn’t necessary to get one all season long.
After all, you aren’t going to be wearing flip-flops in the snow, are you?
Gloves also play a role in why you don’t need to get your nails done as often in the wintertime.
Why should you get a beautiful manicure if it is just going to be covered up by your mittens?
In fact, long acrylic nails can even make it difficult to put on gloves.
In short, the warmer the weather, the more often you should get your nails done.
11. DIY Skills
If you have the skill to paint your own fingernails without much (or any) help, you might not need to go in for a manicure quite as often.
Some people can’t paint their nails to save their life.
For those who struggle to do a home pedicure or manicure, having a regular appointment could be helpful.
12. Foot Callouses
Some people have problems with their feet that can be greatly improved by a regular pedicure.
We’ve already talked about how ingrown nails can be prevented, but foot callouses can be a major problem too.
If you have a high arch in your foot, chances are you might have regular callouses.
The same can be said for people who spend a lot of time on their feet.
A well-done pedicure will involve shaving off all of your callouses and leaving your feet smooth.
If you regularly get callouses, getting regular pedicures as well can make a huge difference to your foot health.
13. If Your Job Is Physical…
… You might want to come in for a frequent nail appointment!
If you work in a field where you are using your hands a lot, they can start to show the effects of that labor.
If you notice callouses or dry skin building up on your hands, then you might benefit from regular manicures.
Prevention is better than trying to solve problems once they have already arisen.
14. You Time
It’s important to have time just for yourself.
For some people, this is hard to come by.
Maybe you spend your week logging late nights at the office or driving your kids to different appointments and activities.
If you rarely get “me time,” then having a regularly scheduled manicure or pedicure could be just the cure.
15. Looking Professional
It’s important to look professional at all times if you are the sort of woman who really values her career.
If you are on the job hunt, then you are going to want to keep your nails in tip-top shape.
After all, first impressions matter—a lot!
Even if you are working from home, clients and coworkers are going to be able to see your hands in Zoom calls.
While a pedicure might not be quite as important (depending on the job), well-manicured nails can let others know that you take your appearance seriously.
Remember, you can always change your mind
In the end, how frequently you get your nails done depends on your individual wants and needs.
You don’t have to trap yourself into a box of getting a weekly or bimonthly manicure.
The frequency at which you get your nails done might even change over time.
As you earn more money, you might feel compelled to make more appointments.
Or you might start to value spending Saturdays with your children rather than at the salon.
Don’t box yourself into a strict schedule if it isn’t working for you.
Use our guide, but do whatever makes you feel good in the end!
