How Often Should You Get A Manicure? [And Wait In Between?]

Getting a manicure is one of the best ways to spoil yourself. It can make you feel instantly better, not to mention those glamorous new nails that you will get to wear for the next couple of weeks. But how often can you get a mani done? Are there any considerations to take into account? I spent some time researching the possibilities and would like to share my findings with you here today.

So, how often should you get a manicure? You can look to have a professional manicure once every 1-2 weeks, although the frequency will depend on what you want done, your personal preferences and your budget. If you want pristine nails with no chips and want to keep them slightly longer, a professional manicure done once per week is advised. Alternatively, if you want shorter nails where you are able to touch them up yourself, a professional manicure every two weeks makes sense.

Either way the quicker your nails grow and the more you use your hands, the more they will require a manicure.

And while you certainly can do your own manicure at home, out of time, convenience and effort alone, going to the salon usually makes more sense.

Besides, they have all of the best tools and the expertise to give you the style and look you truly want.

Nevertheless, let us know take a closer look at what is involved with regular manicures. We will be looking out how long you should wait in between and if once per week is okay.

We will also be looking at the price you should expect to pay and what is generally included in the cost.

So, if you want to know all about getting your nails done and keeping them in tip top shape through regular manicures, be sure to keep on reading all the way through to the end!

How Long Should You Wait Between Manicures?

For most people with healthy nails, there is no need to wait any time at all in between manicures.

There is in fact, little use in taking a break from manicures, as outlined by Dr Dana Stern, a dermatologist and nail specialist from New York City.

As she outlines, there is an incorrect myth floating around that nails need to “breathe” to be able to receive oxygen, and for the natural nails to strengthen and grow.

As Dr Stern points out, this is floored logic.

Your nails instead receive all the nutrients and oxygen they need through the blood stream.

Instead, the priority is keeping the nails well nourished and moisturized.

By doing this, there is no need to take a break from manicures and you should be able to have them back to back without issues.

In fact, the process of regularly trimming nails and using beneficial cuticle cream and oils is going to actually improve your nail health.

So, if you are enjoying your regular manicures without any observable signs of damage, then there should be no reason to stop.

But, there is a caveat here.

If you are noticing signs of damage, it may be time for a break.

The common offenders are acetone and alcohol. Both drying to the nail beds and both of which can cause them become weak and split if used to excessively or consistently.

Thus, it is all about the products that are used during those manicures. Generally, those products that are free from toxic chemicals and other harsh ingredients do not cause issues.

This is why it comes highly advised to either purchase high quality products yourself, or only attend reputable salons.

Is It Okay To Get A Manicure Every Week?

It is perfectly fine, and even preferable in some circumstances, to get a manicure done once per week.

This is assuming that the correct techniques of application and removal are done, and that any products used are free from toxic and harsh chemicals that can cause damage.

In fact, weekly manicures can be a good way to protect the natural nails, while also giving them regular hydration and nourishment.

One of the best things you can do to ensure your nails stay in perfect condition is to regularly apply a high quality cuticle each and every day.

This is my go to that I get for a great price on Amazon.

This is especially important in cold and dry months, or if your hands are routinely exposed to water.

What Is A Good Price For A Manicure?

The average price paid for a manicure is between $10 and $125.

Although, how much your manicure costs will depend on what you have done, your location, the reputation of the salon and the quality of the products used.

Let us know take a closer look at the prices of each type of manicure and what’s provided in further detail:

Standard Manicure

A standard manicure typically costs between $10-$30

It usually includes: nail trimming, shaping, filing, and buffing of your nails. Also, the nail technician is likely to nourish your cuticles through cuticle trimming and/or applying a cuticle oil treatment. They should finish with a hand massage.

A standard manicure takes about 1 hour.

Gel Manicure

A gel manicure typically costs between $10-$25.

There are generally two different types of gel nails available: soft and hard.

With soft gel nails they can be soaked off in the salon; hard gel nails can be extended but need to be filed off upon removal.

Either way, a gel manicure takes up to an hour to do.

Shellac Manicure

A shellac manicure typically costs between $50-$75

Shellac is a polish/gel based product that is put on like a polish but is strong like a gel.

You generally get all of the features of a standard manicure (nail trimming, shaping etc.) with the application of shellac at the end.

A shellac manicure takes about 1/1.5 hours to do.

Dip Powder Manicure

A dip powder manicure typically costs between $40-$75.

Dip powder is applied either through dipping or pouring and is sealed by adhesive, with no need for a UV/LED light.

A dip powdered manicure can take between 1.5/2 hours.

Gel Nail Extension Manicure

A gel extension manicure manicure typically costs between $75-$125

Gel extensions are pre made and applied to the nail with a LED light.

Extensions are often available in different shapes (almond, round, square, stiletto and coffin) and also different lengths (short, medium, and long).

A gel nail extension manicure can take over 1.5 hours.

Acrylic Manicure

An acrylic manicure typically costs between $50-$100 for a full set.

These are nail enhancements made from a liquid monomer and a powder (polymer) that are applied to the nail bed.

An acrylic manicure can take over 2 hours to complete.

What Is Included In A Regular Manicure?

What is included in a regular manicure depends on the salon you go to and the price they charge. However, the following are commonly provided:

• Nail trimming,
• Nail Shaping,
• Nail Filing,
• Nail Buffing
• Cuticle Trimming
• Application of Cuticle Oil and/or treatment.
• Hand Massage.
• Application of Nail Polish.

Although nail polish is optional and some salons will charge less if no polish is applied.

You can always apply this at home yourself, or top it up as and when required.

Finally

How often you get a manicure is ultimately up to you.

Although, there is definitely the argument for getting a manicure done more frequently if you can afford it.

That being said, there is no reason to always visit the salon and you can always give yourself a professional manicure at home with the right tools and supplies.

Ultimately, what is important is that you take care of your natural nails.

Cuticle oils and nourishing treatments are what matter in keeping them in tip top shape over time.