AlainaKroll

Chrome, French tip, blooming gel, charms. Polka dots, gems, 3D art, stripes. These are just a few of the different options available at your local nail salon. However, you must choose wisely: each design you add on makes your bill bigger and bigger. Some salons around Omaha will charge you upward of $75 for a set of nails—and then you’re still expected to tip!

In response to the growing cost of getting your nails done, some girls take up the challenge of doing them themselves. With the recent rise of Gel-X, an easier alternative to acrylic, many realize that they are capable of doing everything a nail salon can—without the upcharge, of course.

Senior Cleo Washington took on the challenge in the summer of 2022. After her mom wouldn’t let her get her nails done because they were “too expensive” and “not a necessity,” she realized that she could simply teach herself. Washington said, “I saw a TikTok and I was like, ‘I could do that!’.”

In addition to being her own nail tech, Washington also holds the title of “nail tech” to many of her friends and clients. She has done her friends’ nails from the very beginning of her journey, but she recently started her own business over the summer. Washington said, “I started taking actual clients a couple of months ago.” You can see her work on her Instagram account, @polished_by_cleo.

Not only are nails a form of self-expression, but they can also be an art form. With endless designs to choose from, it is almost as if each nail bed is a tiny canvas. 

Sophomore Molly McGreer, who also started doing her own nails in 2022, said, “I’ve always been interested in all things artistic and creative, so this was right up my alley.” Starting off with just herself and her sister, she now does nails for her family and friends at Marian.

Both Washington and McGreer are advocates for self-nail artistry. While it may seem intimidating at first, there are so many positives to being your own nail tech. McGreer said, “It’s a super useful skill, especially now with the prices of nail salons.” While the cost of supplies may be steep, think of it this way: you’re paying for the cost of one set of nails, but you will get dozens of nail sets out of one batch of supplies. 

Washington said, “It’s a lot more money up front, but it’s cheaper in the long run.” If you’re considering starting to do your own nails, the pair has some recommendations. 

Both are believers that practice makes perfect. 

McGreer said, “Don’t get discouraged when a product doesn’t work or your technique isn’t perfect. It comes with lots of time and will take multiple tries to find what works for you.” The two know a thing or two about trial and error, as they both are self-taught. 

Washington said, “Just go for it. Believe that you can. It’s not going to be perfect right away.” Remember that confidence is key when it comes to taking on a new hobby.