Every three weeks to the salon, booking an appointment, travelling there and an hour and a half to two hours in the chair. For many people it's a fixed ritual, for others mainly a big bite out of the diary and the wallet. In this article we put press-on nails and salon gel nails side by side honestly, without the sugar-coating.
Press-on nails or the salon: the costs side by side
A salon gel treatment is a cost you pick up again every three weeks, and over a year that adds up quickly. A set of handmade press-on nails from L'Adele you wear for one to two weeks, about ten days on average, and with careful removal and storage three to five times. Work out for yourself what that means per wear.
Time is the real difference
At the salon you book an appointment, travel there and back and sit in the chair for about an hour and a half to two hours. You put press-on nails on at home in about ten minutes, whenever it suits you. It's Sunday evening and you need something quick for a meeting on Monday morning? That's possible. You can read how to go about it on our How it works page.
And your natural nails?
Gel has to be applied at the salon and removed again later, which usually means filing or soaking. You stick our press-on nails to your own nail with an adhesive tab. You remove them with warm water and the cuticle pusher, never pulled off dry. You don't need to roughen or file your own nail for any of it. Want to know exactly how removal works? It's covered on the How it works page too.
Quality and finish
A good nail technician produces beautiful work, and we certainly don't want to deny that. Our sets are handmade from soft gel in our own studio, and you can see that in the shine and the finish. One difference is flexibility: at a salon the nail is built to measure on your own nail, while with press-on nails you choose the size and shape yourself. That's why it's smart to take the shape and size quiz first.
What suits whom?
- Is the salon visit itself the outing, and do you love that fixed appointment? Then do keep going.
- Do you want to be flexible, change your look more often or not plan appointments? Then press-on nails are a lovely routine.
- Curious but not sure? Start with one set and see how you like it.
Trying it for the first time
You don't have to choose straight away. It's perfectly fine to alternate: a set at home and a salon appointment for a special occasion. If you want to be sure your size fits, the Beginnerset Reflected is a safe start, with sizes S, M and L in one box.
An honest conclusion
There's no right or wrong. Salon gel nails are a perfectly good choice if you enjoy them. Press-on nails are for those who prefer to decide when and how for themselves. Weigh up what counts for more with you: time, budget or the ritual itself.
Frequently asked questions
How often do you need a salon gel treatment?
About every three weeks, so the cost keeps coming back.
How long does a salon visit take?
An hour and a half to two hours, plus travel time.
How long do press-on nails stay on?
With adhesive tabs one to two weeks, about ten days on average.
Are press-on nails bad for my natural nails?
No, if you use them properly. You don't need to roughen or file your own nail, and you remove them with warm water. That keeps things gentle on your own nail.
Experience it yourself
Have a look at our handmade soft gel press-on nails and try it for yourself.
