An indication of rough economic times or just another your-nails-but-better trend? Recession nails have got beauty experts talking, as more consumers opt for longer times between salon appointments and DIY-ing their manicures with at-home kits. Disguise your grow-out with the best shades for recession nails and discover ways to keep your nails looking salon-day fresh.
What Are Recession Nails?
According to nail experts, this trend is most commonly associated with clients looking for a longer lasting manicure and the maintenance to keep it looking fresh. That gives them the flexibility to stretch appointments and makes grow-out a lot less obvious.
“The recession nail trend to me means maintenance,” says MiniLuxe lead designer, Nicole Wong. “Something that is low maintenance but needed, something that is part of our routine that makes us who we are, and yet it is something that is easy. So that you can get your nails done in a way that is not super expensive and have clean nails routinely.”
Extending the Life of Your Manicure
Keeping a manicure looking good for longer comes down to taking care of it.
“Cuticle oil and lotion not only helps your manicure last longer, but they also make sure your skin is healthy,” Wong explains. “Using gloves for household work also goes a long way towards protecting your nails.”
Generally speaking, you want to maximize your nail health. “And a lot of people don’t think about diet, but that plays a big part on your nail health, which then corresponds to how long your manicure can last,” Wong says. Healthy eating can contribute to stronger, healthier nails, which can help prevent breakage.
And of course, regular maintenance will help keep your nails looking fresh. “My biggest recession nails tip is to invest in a cuticle oil you love,” Wong says. “MiniLuxe cuticle oil ($22) is like a lip balm for your hands, with a newly enhanced formula that moisturizes and restores cuticles and promotes healthier, stronger nails.”
MiniLuxe Cuticle Oil Roller Ball
The Manicures That Last
Trying to decide what manicure will keep your nails looking fresh the longest? “For clients who want to go longer in between appointments, I would recommend regular gel or builder gel, depending on the client’s day-to-day life,” Wong says. Gel manicures last an average of 2-3 weeks, and if you’re taking the DIY route, at-home systems can make this an easy and economical choice for a longer lasting look.
While acrylics might last you longer overall, grow-out will be obvious during those later weeks and would require a fill. If you’re trying to extend time between appointments, this may not be the best route.
The Best Shades for Recession Nails
“I would suggest something on the simpler side,” Wong says. “For example, a clean French, where the base color is a clean pink, so when the nail grows out you don’t see it as much. Or you can go with the soap nail trend, which is a clean pink nail. Any kind of nail art where your base is a transparent pink will work.”
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