Press On or Salon?

Photo from Unsplash

Between classes, sports, jobs and social activities, high school students are constantly balancing limited time and money. That’s why at-home press-on nails, which can be applied in minutes, have become such a popular option for school dances, special events and for some, day-to-day life. At the same time, many students still opt for nail salon services for their wider range of designs and professional application, especially if they’re concerned about nail damage from cheaper products. So which option fits the average high schooler’s lifestyle best? By looking at factors like quality, price and time it becomes clear why students gravitate toward one choice over the other.

On one hand, professional service offers a level of quality that’s difficult to replicate at home. Some argue that getting their nails done at a salon with professional grade products leads to longer wearing time which works to offset the initially high salon costs.

“I really enjoy getting my nails done, especially with gel, because it both lasts longer and helps my nails. I haven’t had a nail break since I started doing gel,” said junior Carolyn Hughes.

For some students, getting their nails done is a service reserved for rare occasions. This makes them more willing to drop the occasional hundred dollars because they seldom spend money on nails at all.

“I like getting my nails from time to time, even though it gets expensive it’s worth it since I only ever get them done around every other month anyways,” said sophomore Amyra Agarwal.

However, for other high school students who like to get their nails done more frequently, dropping a hundred dollars every few weeks isn’t realistic. Press-on nails, often under 15 dollars, offer a way to stay on trend without breaking the bank.

“I prefer press-ons because they’re more affordable. I got mine for nine dollars while going to the salon would cost over a hundred dollars,” said sophomore Hannah Kim.

Time is another key factor. Press-ons can be applied in ten minutes, making them ideal for last-minute plans. These nails are extremely accessible and can be found online and in local drugstores.

In the end, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, both options are great for different lifestyles. Press-on nails are a great option for those who enjoy constant manicures and convenience, while salon service appeals to those who prefer intricate details and don’t mind the price tag. Each serves a different purpose depending on student priorities.