As a nail care enthusiast, I’m here to answer the often overlooked question: how long does it take to get nails done?
From quick polish changes to intricate nail art, join me as I reveal the behind-the-scenes timeline of a nail salon visit, and navigate the factors that can impact how long you spend in the manicurist’s chair.
How long does it take to get nails done?
The time it takes to get your nails done largely depends on your chosen nail service.
- Regular Manicure or Pedicure: A standard manicure or pedicure, which involves nail shaping, cuticle cleanup, application of nail polish, and a short hand/foot massage, typically runs anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes.
- Gel or Shellac Manicure: These services involve the application of a special polish that is cured under UV or LED light, extending the procedure by about 15 to 30 minutes compared to a regular manicure. So, expect to spend around 45 to 90 minutes for these services.
- Acrylic Or Dip Powder Nails: Extensions or overlays using materials like acrylic or dip powder can take longer, typically 1.5 to 2 hours. This includes the time for preparing the nail, applying, curing, and finishing the extensions or overlays.
- Nail Art: If you opt for detailed nail art, anticipate the overall time to be significantly longer. Depending on the detail and intricacy, complex designs can add anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour or more to your total appointment time.
Remember, these provided times are just averages and actual time can vary based on factors such as the nail technician’s expertise, the health of your nails, or the salon’s cleanliness.
While rushing the process is tempting, remember that good nails, like anything worthwhile, take time.
How long does it take to get your nails done professionally?
On average, getting your nails done professionally can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours. This timing significantly depends on the type of service you’re getting, the expertise of the nail technician, the products being used, and methods being employed.
A regular manicure could typically take about an hour, but an acrylic manicure could take up to two hours.
High-end salons run by seasoned manicurists may potentially get your acrylic nails done in 45 minutes. Other factors, such as additional services or staffing issues at the nail salon, could also increase this time.
Again, this is a general range and actual time can vary. When planning your nail salon visit, it helps to call the salon in advance and ask for the estimated time based on what service you’d like to get.
How long does it take to get acrylic nails done at a salon?
Getting acrylic nails done at a salon largely depends on various factors, including the length of extensions you want, whether you require elaborate nail art, and the technician’s expertise.
On average, it can take anywhere from 45 minutes to 2 hours.
- Standard Acrylic Overlays: A complete set of standard acrylic overlays typically takes 45 minutes.
- Medium Length Acrylic Extensions: The same service for medium-length extensions generally lasts 45 minutes and an hour.
- Longer Nails and Elaborate Designs: If you’d like your acrylic nails longer, desire polish, and or want elaborate nail art, your salon visit may need to span 2 hours.
Bear in mind that the actual time can vary significantly. Some salons could finish a full set of acrylic nails as quickly as 30 or 60 minutes, excluding polish or nail designs.
Other factors can also impact the timing, such as the complexity of the acrylic nail set and the nail technician’s experience.
How long does it take to get a full set of gel nails?
Getting a full set of gel nails at a salon may take approximately 60 seconds to cure each layer of gel applied to your nails.
Once the appropriate size is chosen for the gel extension, it is placed on the natural nail, pressed down, and held firmly.
The nails are then placed under a UV light for about 60 seconds. It is important to consider that the time spent at the salon will depend on preparing the nails, fitting the gel extensions, and adding any additional nail art or polish.
The time may also vary depending on the skill level of your nail technician.
How long does it take to do gel nails at home?
Doing gel nails at home requires careful preparation and several steps, which can influence the overall time taken.
First, you need to prepare your nails. This includes filing your nails to your preferred shape, removing old nail polish, and gently pushing back your cuticles.
It’s crucial to start with a clean, dry, and well-prepped nail surface for the gel to adhere correctly. This process could take around 10-15 minutes.
The next step is to apply a base coat. After application, you must cure the base coat under an LED or UV lamp. The curing process for each coat of gel polish typically takes about 30-60 seconds.
Once the base coat is cured, you apply the colored gel polish. Each coat of gel polish will also need to be cured under the lamp. Depending on how opaque you want the color, you might need 2-3 coats.
Lastly, you apply the top coat and cure it under the lamp. After curing, it is recommended to cleanse and hydrate your nails.
In summary, doing gel nails at home could take 30 minutes to an hour or more, depending on your skill level and the number of colored gel coats you’re applying. The key to a great home gel manicure is patience and practice.
Conclusion :
The time it takes to get nails done varies greatly, from 30 minutes to over 2 hours, depending on the type of service – be it a standard, gel, or acrylic manicure.
Factors such as the technician’s skill level, the complexity of the design, and whether you’re doing it at home or a salon, play crucial roles.
Ultimately, it’s important to remember that a well-done manicure is worth the time spent, as it adds an extra layer of poise to your style and allows you to relax and self-pamper.