No Matter What, I Will Always Get My Nails Done

When someone tells you, “I’ll never have my nails done,” believe them. The time, investment, and deliberations that go into each set can be hard to understand for those who aren’t manicure-obsessed, but enthusiasts will be the first to tell you: it’s totally worth it, and it’s about more than just nails.

“If I fall into a coma, I still get my nails done once a week. And it’s in my will,” Khloé Kardashian confessed on The Kardashians. Turns out it wasn’t celebrity vanity: When it comes to nails, many people agree that it’s so serious. We asked seven nail enthusiasts to tell us about their nail rituals, how they prioritize their manicures, and what a new series means to them. (And just like Kardashian, we’ve learned that nothing, including a global pandemic, will stop them from finding a way to wear the nails they love every day.)

For some, manicures are a deeply personal practice. From twice-weekly salon gels to elaborate at-home setups, people rely on their manicures as both non-negotiable self-care and markers of identity. Beautiful nails help channel confidence, professionalism and creative expression. And despite rising costs, inconveniences of salons and less than gentle chemicals and techniques, the always polite public presents convincing arguments.

But don’t just take it from us. Ahead, meet seven true nail enthusiasts from across the country and discover the nail art that keeps them coming back for more.

Marisa, 40 (Brooklyn, New York)

I consider getting my nails done an extension of my everyday style. I don’t usually get a full face massage every day and I don’t have time in the morning to focus on my hair, so getting my nails done automatically elevates my mood. I usually opt for nail art that reflects my mood or upcoming events in my life.

Before the pandemic, I was getting gel extensions and fills every four weeks at an amazing nail art salon in Park Slope, Brooklyn. Then the spot exploded on social media, driving up prices and making it impossible to get an appointment. During the COVID lockdowns, nail tutorials became very popular on TikTok, so I decided to buy the supplies and give it a try. I started with a very inexpensive kit from Amazon, which included the UV curing lamp, nail tips, etc. After much trial and error, I became very good at both gel manicures on my natural nails and creating my own press-ons.