In this world, there are countless niche corners of knowledge that often go unnoticed unless they are actively sought out. Beautiful nails, for example, are something some men and women take very seriously as a feeling and way of looking, well manicured. When painting nails, not everyone is aware that acrylic nails require maintenance every 2–3 weeks. In addition, A clear top coat is essential, and the cost of a manicure varies by salon. For some, however, this knowledge is second nature.
The realm of cosmetics offers a multitude of ways to express creativity and enhance beauty, from wigs and makeup to false eyelashes and forever-changing clothing trends. Among these methods, nail painting has remained popular for centuries. Some people are fascinated as to why humans grow keratin on their fingertips and choose to adorn it with polish.
According to The Guardian, nail painting dates back to 3000 B.C.E. “Women soaked their nails in a combination of egg whites, gelatin, beeswax, and dyes from flower petals; roses and orchids were the most popular. The result was shiny nails tinted reddish pink.”
For thousands of years, painted nails have been a marker of style and, historically, status. In ancient times, only the wealthy, or those who did not perform manual labor, could afford the luxury of long, manicured nails. Some wonder, if this still holds true today.
Recently, an increasing number of teens and young adults have opted to skip the nail salon, choosing instead to do their nails at home. This growing trend, popularized through TikTok and Instagram in 2024, has inspired people to take a DIY approach to nail care.

When asked about her DIY nails, high school sophomore Alina Smith explained why she prefers doing them at home. “In the long run, it’s much cheaper than going to a salon, and I actually enjoy it,” she says. According to Alina, her current setup costs approximately $100, while a single trip to the salon for a similar style could easily cost $60.
Beyond the cost savings, many teens have embraced the opportunity to experiment with nail art. Styles like acrylic and gel nails, as well as intricate details like blooming gel, chrome, cat-eye glitter, and French tips, have taken the internet by storm. Fellow sophomore Sydney Pesut expressed her enthusiasm for the trend, saying, “Even though it’s time-consuming, I really enjoy it, and the results always look gorgeous.”

Doing nails at home may require patience, creativity, and a steady hand, but, the ability to achieve customized, salon-worthy nails at a fraction of the cost might just make the effort worthwhile.