Whether you’re the one getting married or attending a wedding, wedding season calls for back-to-back days of parties. Which translates to back to back days of glamming up. To make things a tad easier for you, check out my recommendations for prepping your nails, depending on how much time you have to prep, what your budget is, and the time you have to spare to actually get them done.
Take Your Pick From These Nail Prep Options For The Wedding Season
Ten-Second Takeaway
Mani–Pedi With Nail Paint
Pros: The most economical and quickest nail service to get done. Best part is that just when you think you have no time for it, you can always call for a mobile nail service at home.
Cons: If you’re as clumsy as me, by the time you get home and do the chores, the tips might have already chipped or something may have smudged.
Pro Tip: Ask your nail technician to use imported nail paint such as brands O.P.I, Essie, or Sally Hansen, which are known to last longer and retain their shine. They might cost you a little more than the locally available brands, but trust me, it’s well worth your buck.
Prep Time: 30 – 45 mins
Lasting Power: One week
Budget: INR 600 onwards
LBB Recommends: Meghna for Salon Service/TooYoo for Home Service
Gel Polish
Pros: The best choice given the demands of the wedding season. This serves true whether you’re the bride, close family or BFF, because all eyes will be on you. Just by adding a few hundred bucks, you get chip-free, super high-shine finish that will last you for up to two weeks, so there’s no need to wait till the last minute to get your nails done. The best part is that gel polish is dry by the time you even get up from your seat at the nail salon.
Cons: One trip to the salon is not enough; a second one is required to get the gel polish professionally removed. Do not even try to remove it yourself {unless you seriously want to damage your nails}.
Pro Tip: It could get addicting, especially since removal is usually free of cost {only if you get the gel polish done again, though}. If you have weak and brittle nails, do consider getting this with long intervals in between.
Prep Time: 30 – 45 mins
Lasting Power: Two weeks
Budget: INR 1,000 onwards
LBB Recommends: Simar’s Nail Bar/Rhapsody Nail Studio at Monsoon Salon & Spa
Acrylic Nails A.K.A. Extensions
Pros: Longer lasting than gel polish, they’re basically extensions which are sculpted on and hardened to bind with your natural nails; a perfect solution for those with short nails. With these nail enhancements, you can enjoy a perfect French tip manicure and even adorn them with trinkets.
Cons: Just like the gel polish, you need to get these removed professionally. Never try to remove them by ripping them off as it will break your natural nail. You also need to get a ‘filler’ as the nails grow out if you wish to keep them on for longer. Your natural nail tends to get damaged, which can lead you keep going back to acrylic nails to hide the damage.
Pro Tip: Be mindful of the maintenance of the acrylic nails. Damaged nails could lead to fungus growth, so the acrylic needs to be bonded well to your natural nail.
Prep Time: 1 – 1.5 hours
Lasting Power: 15 – 20 days before they need to be refilled
Budget: INR 2,000 onwards
LBB Recommends: Nail Spa by Shivani / Nail Sutra