DIY or Visit a Nail Salon for Your Dipping Manicure?

DIY or Visit a Nail Salon for Your Dipping Manicure - It's Never a Zero-Sum Game

Women spend nearly $1,000 on beauty treatments annually (not including more expensive procedures like injectables), so it's understandable that when it comes to getting professional salon manicures, they might consider whether it's worth it or if it makes more sense to opt for DIY nails.

However, if you're looking for a "nail salon near me" that offers the perfect dipping manicure, it's helpful to understand what's included in that professional service and manicure cost. Dipping manicures have been gaining immense popularity in recent years due to their long-lasting glossy finish and their potential to enhance the strength of your natural nails.

However, the question remains: Should you visit a professional nail salon or opt for a DIY approach at home? The answer is simple - it's a personal choice.

While some people prefer to book an appointment at their favorite nail salon, others enjoy the convenience and cost-effectiveness of DIY options. After all, the satisfaction of creating a flawless and personalized dipping manicure at home is unbeatable (if you know how to do it right, at least).

Regardless of your preference, this comprehensive guide will explore the advantages and disadvantages of each option and help you make an informed decision based on various factors.

The Experience

Are you tired of paying a fortune at the nail salon? Or are you afraid of botching your DIY dipping manicure at home? We've all been in both scenarios, and the truth is that it's hard to choose one option.

A great way to decide whether professional salon manicures are worth it for you, your look, and your budget is to begin by exploring the experience of a home dipping manicure versus a salon visit. After all, visiting a nail salon is sometimes more about the ambiance and pampering experience than the end result.

DIY Manicures

So you've decided to get a dipping manicure kit and give yourself a manicure at home. Great! Grab a glass of wine, turn on your favorite playlist, and prepare to pamper yourself. Here's how the experience compares to getting a manicure at a salon near you.

Ambiance

One of the biggest advantages of the DIY route is the ability to customize your environment to your liking.

Want to light your favorite candle while you soak your nails? Go for it. Prefer to do your nails in your comfiest pajamas? No one's here to judge.

The possibilities are endless when it comes to setting the mood. This is particularly great if you're looking to decompress in a quiet and calm space or if you're introverted and hate making small talk with your nail tech for an hour or two. (And some nail techs hate these too!)

Level of Service

Of course, the drawback here is that there's no professional nail technician to guide you through the process, so it may take some trial and error to figure out what works best for you. However, online tutorials and product reviews make it easier to educate yourself on the tools and techniques necessary for a great at-home manicure.

Convenience

The convenience factor speaks for itself. You don't have to worry about scheduling an appointment or finding time in your busy day to visit a salon. And if you're anything like us, you'll love the accomplishment of completing a DIY project.

Salon Dipping Manicures

If you're a hands-off person, a dipping manicure may be more up your alley. Here's what to expect from the experience of a salon visit.

Ambiance

Nail salons are notorious for their relaxing atmosphere. From the soothing music to the smell of nail polish (hey, we love it!), it's easy to sink into a state of bliss while getting your nails done.

Plus, most salons offer a variety of complimentary beverages like tea, coffee, and water, alongside other nail salon services like massages or aromatherapy.

Level of Service

Professional nail technicians are trained to make you feel pampered and cater to your every need.

Not sure what color you want? They'll offer recommendations based on your preferences and skin tone. Need a little extra TLC for your cuticles? They know exactly what to do.

And if you need a hand massage (who doesn't?), most salons also offer them.

Convenience

While scheduling an appointment may take some time and effort, everything is taken care of for you once you're at the salon. No need to worry about cleaning up your DIY mess or running to the store to grab more supplies. Just sit back, relax, and let the professionals work their magic.

The Service

While DIY nails at home is a convenient option, a professional service at a nail salon offers the expertise, range of products, and customer service experience that make it well worth the visit.

Plus, who doesn't love a little bit of pampering? If you're considering visiting a nail salon for a professionally done dipping manicure, here's what to expect regarding service.

Nail Artist Expertise

One of the biggest advantages of going to a nail salon is the expertise of the nail artists.

While you might be able to use a dipping manicure kit to yield some amazing results, professional nail technicians have extensive education and training in the field. They're knowledgeable about the latest trends and can advise on what might work best for your nails.

This knowledge is backed by a lot of training and education, as it takes a lot of work to become a professional nail technician. They undergo extensive education and training programs to learn the skills necessary for their job, including safety and sanitation practices, product knowledge, and nail design techniques.

In the United States, most states require that nail technicians complete a set number of pre-licensing education hours before they can practice professionally. These programs can vary in length but typically cover anatomy and physiology, chemistry, and hygiene topics.

After completing their education, nail technicians must pass a licensing exam to practice legally. Once licensed, they continue to hone their skills and stay up-to-date with new trends and techniques through ongoing education and training programs.

Product Range and Customer Service

When you head to a nail salon for your dipping manicure, you can expect to be greeted by a team of experts who know their stuff.

Your nail technician will start by buffing and shaping your nails, preparing them for the dip powder. They'll then apply a base coat, dip each nail into the powder, and repeat the process two or three times until your desired opacity is achieved. They will activate the material applied on your nail beds, and they'll finish off by adding a topcoat and filing any rough edges.

Sounds great, right? Nice and relaxing? It can be (with the right nail techs), but in addition to the professional service, one of the benefits of going to a salon is the variety of products available.

Salons often carry various brands, shades, and finishes, so you can choose the perfect color to suit your style. Plus, you'll have access to tools and equipment you may not have at home, such as specialized brushes, some customized glitter powders, and even some very personal gadgets.

Perhaps one of the best things about getting a dipping manicure at a salon is the customer service experience, though. Your nail technician will be able to answer any questions you have about the process, recommend the best products for your nails, and even offer tips and tricks for maintaining your mani at home.

The Look

Now that you understand the differences between these two services regarding product range, customer service, and other aspects, it's time to consider the final result.

When you go to a salon, you're assured of professional-looking nails; however, you will need to pay more. On the other hand, a DIY manicure may save you money, but there is no guarantee of perfect nails. How different do both options end up looking, though?

Quality of Salon Nails

Nail salon professionals are experts in their craft, and because you're paying for the service, they'll work hard to ensure your nails are perfect. They can access high-quality products, such as powders and liquids, ensuring your nails are smooth, consistent, and durable. They've also mastered the application process, which is essential to achieving perfect dipping nails.

Longevity of Salon Nails

The longevity of salon-done nails largely depends on the quality of the product and the nail technician's application process. However, when you go to a salon, they'll likely use high-quality products, which are essential to getting long-lasting nails.

While the longevity will ultimately depend on the nail technician you're working with, due to their experience (even if they're new on the job), your nails will likely last much longer than if you did them at home. Remember, they do this all day, every day!

Quality of DIY Manicures

Regardless of how you look at it, doing your nails at home can be cost-efficient and convenient. However, achieving a perfect dipping nail may be challenging for those who lack experience.

The quality of your dipping manicure will also depend on the quality of the products you use and the experience you have applying them. If you repeatedly give yourself at-home dipping manicures, you'll also want to pay special attention to the removal process, as you can easily damage your nails if you're not careful.

Longevity of DIY Manicures

As with a professional manicure, the longevity of your DIY dipping nails will depend on the quality of your products and the technique you use to apply them. This leads most DIY manicures to chip and break, as most people purchase low-quality dipping kits or don't use the right techniques to apply the dip powder.

If you use high-quality dipping products and follow the application instructions, your nails will likely last for a reasonable amount of time. However, since you lack experience, it may take some trial and error before you get it right. That means choosing the DIY route might require more time, and as they say, time is money.

Cost Breakdown

Now, it's time to answer the question on everybody's mind: How much will this cost me?

While getting your nails done professionally can be expensive, it's important to consider the overhead costs, product quality, and expertise of professional nail technicians. However, if you have the patience and time to do your nails at home, you can save significant money while achieving a similar look.

Remember, it's never a zero-sum game when it comes to DIY and salon manicures.

Overhead Costs

Running a salon requires high overhead costs. Renting or owning commercial space, equipment, utilities, and employees are just a few of the expenses that salon owners have to cover. This is why salon pricing is generally higher than what you would pay when doing your nails at home with a dipping manicure kit.

However, remember that you're not only paying for the quality of the products but also the expertise and experience of the nail technicians. While it might not be your "responsibility" to cover the salon's overhead costs, you should compensate fairly for someone's years of training and expertise.

Product Quality

When you get your nails done professionally, you pay for high-quality products tested and approved for safe use. Professional salons invest in high-end brands and the latest nail technologies to ensure their clients receive the best possible service.

On the other hand, when you do your nails at home, you may not always have access to the same quality of products. That's not always the case, especially with high-quality DIY manicure kits like the NAGAIA Dip Kit available these days. However, when browsing at-home dipping manicure kits, you'll notice that the higher-quality kits do cost a bit more, too.

Expertise Provided

As mentioned, professional nail technicians are highly trained and experienced in their field. They can help you choose the best color, texture, and design for your nails while ensuring they are healthy and strong. Not only do they have the technical knowledge to do your nails properly, but they also have an artistic flair that can make your nails stand out.

When you do your nails at home, you may not have the same level of expertise or experience, which could result in unsatisfactory results. Over time, you might be able to perfect the art of DIY nails, but that takes hours of time and practice, too.

If that's not worth it to you, then you'd ultimately save money by Googling "nail salon near me" and getting a professional dipping manicure there.

Global Perspective on the Cost of Professional Nails

According to Cosmopolitan, a professional dipping manicure in the United States usually costs a little bit more than a gel manicure, ranging from $30 to $60, depending on your salon (although given recent inflation, that average is likely higher, and you'll find some salons charging up to $200 for complex designs).

A comparison of pricing lists from various nail salons across the UK reveals that the average price of a professional salon manicure for a dipping treatment is around £20 to £30. One cosmetic provider spoke to a Chief Nail Technician from a London salon, who said that in 2022, the average cost was £20 to £36 GBP.

In Canada and Australia, the average cost is around CAD 40 to 50 and AUD 45 to 65, respectively. As for the EU, the prices may vary from country to country and can range from €20 to €60. It's worth noting that these estimates may not include any additional services, such as nail art or gel removal.

At-home dip powder kits also range in price point. You can find basic options for about $20, while bigger kits with more color variations can come in at around $60 to $80. It really depends on what you're looking for.

Ultimately, when comparing pricing for at-home kits, paying a bit more for quality is usually always worth it.

The Verdict

The cost of a manicure goes beyond just the actual procedure. When visiting a salon, you're paying for the expertise, product quality, and overhead of a nail salon. While averages in the US range from about $30 to $60, in certain parts of the world, manicure prices can be more affordable, making the salon route a perfectly reasonable option.

On the flip side, a DIY option will let you save money in the long run, but you'll have to experiment and learn to paint your nails expertly using your non-dominant hands and deal with cleanups, which can be annoying and messy (to say the least).

Ultimately...it comes down to what matters personally to you: expertise and experience or financial savings?

How to Choose Between DIY Nails vs. Professional Dipping Manicures

The choice between the two is entirely based on individual preference, mood, occasion, and budget. Just like choosing whether to cook at home or eat out, each has its benefits. To recap what we've learned, let's briefly compare DIY manicures vs. professional salon manicures.

DIY Nails: Flexibility, Learning Curve, and Self-Reliance

One benefit of doing your nails is the flexibility to get creative. You can try new colors, designs, and techniques without feeling rushed or worrying about the bill.

Furthermore, DIY nails provide a great opportunity to learn, be creative, and take pride in the final outcome. It's also an excellent way to be self-reliant, as you can do your nails anytime, anywhere.

But, there is a learning curve.

Beginners may struggle with application and may face challenges in achieving consistency in the quality of their nails. If you don't have a steady hand, don't stress! Practice makes perfect.

Professional Dipping Manicures: Professional Results, Pampering, and Relaxation

For those who prefer a more polished and professional look or don't have the time or inclination for DIY, a nail salon is an excellent choice.

Professional nail technicians are trained to give you the best care and are always up-to-date with the latest trends and techniques (meaning that, yes, they can help you achieve that cool marble look or add some nail art like you saw on Pinterest).

Plus, the equipment and high-end products can give you longer-lasting results, making it ideal for busy professionals or anyone who wants a little pampering and relaxation.

Going to a salon for your manicure is more expensive when compared to DIY, but the investment in a professional dipping manicure has benefits that extend beyond a classic manicure.

Community Perspectives

What do others say about the professional dipping manicure vs. DIY debate? For DIY enthusiasts, the benefits are clear when using a full dipping manicure kit like the NAGAIA Dip Powder Kit.

"Anyone wanting affordable salon-looking nails!" says Rachel C., while Alysia L. says, "The process is very easy to do at-home nails with this kit from start to finish. Everything is included!"

For others in the industry, it's better to visit a salon. Harli G., a licensed nail technician, told ELLE, "I would never recommend doing either of these treatments as a DIY at home because, for both treatments, there are chemical products that can harm skin or the nail plate if not properly applied."

While the opinions vary, everyone agrees that a good result depends on the technique used. If you don't clean the nail or apply the base coat properly, you will have issues with chipping or lifting.

The same goes for the quality of products you use. Choosing the right brand of dip powder, like the NAGAIA Dip Powder Kit, can make a world of difference when compared to the quality of a dipping manicure if performed at home using a drugstore dipping manicure kit.

Professional vs. DIY: The Choice is Yours

When getting a dipping manicure, there is no right or wrong answer. Sometimes, it's great to save some cash and try a DIY job, while other times, nothing beats the luxurious pampering of Googling "nail salon near me" and having them handle everything. Both options have unique benefits and results.

So, what's your preference? Have you tried doing it yourself, or do you prefer leaving it to the experts? Let us know in the comments below, and tell us what your experience was like!

And if you haven't given both a go, why not try them both out and see which approach suits your needs best? Share your thoughts and takeaways with us. Whatever you decide, enjoy your beautiful nails!