first time at a private studio and I'm never going back to a salon!

[u/Least_Cow_4205]

I'm obsessed!! found her via social media, and it's the best creative set I've ever had.

also the private studio experience wasn't overstimulating (I find salons a bit overwhelming), and she played the Barbie movie for me 🥹

[u/Massive-Warning9773]

Looove it. Personally private salon appointments take like 3x as long but are so worth it.

[u/Least_Cow_4205 → u/Massive-Warning9773]

was totally there for almost three hours but it was such a vibe it flew by!

[u/monstrousnuggets → u/Least_Cow_4205]

Out of curiosity, how much did you pay for those 3 hours?

[u/Luqueeme1 → u/monstrousnuggets]

For a private salon and nails that pretty, I would say she probably paid about $150 with tip.

[u/peachesxstone → u/Luqueeme1]

Saw in another comment that the tech actually charged $40 (because she is new) but OP refused and paid $75 instead

[u/loyallemons → u/peachesxstone]

$40 is insane. I hope they raise their prices

[u/monstrousnuggets → u/peachesxstone]

How that person manages to pay their bills when charging 40 for 3 hours I do not understand

[u/newbreeginnings → u/monstrousnuggets]

I am curious too, if she is willing to dish.

[u/PegasusWrangler → u/monstrousnuggets]

I was at my last appt for 1hr 40min and it was $65. I got lavender tips shiny topcoat on six fingers and handdrawn lavender flowers and white accent flowers on the other four with a matte topcoat. She did a ton of maintenance work before the paint even came out. 

[u/superneatosauraus → u/Least_Cow_4205]

I saved this picture for inspiration, then when I read the text I was afraid you were saying you didn't like them at first. They're super cute!

[u/Bestdressfearless3 → u/Massive-Warning9773]

agreed!!! so worth it and last so much longer. plus their similarly priced!?! so worth it.

[u/Whatthefrick1 → u/Massive-Warning9773]

From experience, it’s because the salons try to get people in and out and the quality shows. I’ve had artists barely even try. I just wanted simple hearts for V day and the lady just drew blobs and tried to rush me to dry my hands. My friend (my nail tech when she’s home from school) will keep trying until it’s perfect

[u/needween → u/Whatthefrick1]

This was my understanding of salons too so I read a bunch of reviews and thought I'd found one that didn't do this and what do ya know. It was still exactly like this... Like those reviews either had to be friends and family who got the actually claimed individual treatment or were paid because when I went there I felt like just a number.

[u/Ses_Jul → u/Massive-Warning9773]

This is true and I can’t understand why? Quality? I mean yes def quality but it blows my mind how long I’m there and I don’t even get anything fancy! lol

[u/Massive-Warning9773 → u/Ses_Jul]

Honestly the biggest reason is that salons will often pressure artists to turn guests around as fast as possible resulting in fast service but worse manicures.

First time I got acrylic removal at a salon they literally cracked my nails off with pliers instead of doing a soak off and broke one of my natural nails in half all for the sake of saving time.

With private salons the artist can take their time without outside pressure of flipping clients quickly. I personally find when I can take my time doing something and I’m relaxed my art turns out much better. I usually take at least three hours to do my own nails lol.

This isn’t to say that a salon can’t be good quality / price, but is a reason why many private salons have great quality as well as long appointment times.

[u/Scotch_Lace_13 → u/Massive-Warning9773]

When my brothers friend got set up in a cute boutique salon my husband was used to my getting quick service nails and txt me like half way through the appointment asking how it was going and I was like they look so good I love how long she’s taking! I had no idea what I was missing and now I’m broke and wondering if I can learn to do acrylics sets for myself 😂😭

[u/ghoulnextdoorxo → u/Scotch_Lace_13]

Learn gel x

[u/Scotch_Lace_13 → u/ghoulnextdoorxo]

Can’t do any kinda of UV unfortunately 

[u/Ses_Jul → u/Massive-Warning9773]

Makes sense!

[u/Massive-Warning9773 → u/[deleted]]

They’re privately owned businesses yes, but when it’s referred to as a “private salon” it’s something run by one person, usually out of a studio or their home. This is opposed to a salon business with multiple artists working on appointment based or walk in clients.

Private salon artists are still licensed and have experience but for whatever their reasons are prefer to work solo at their own pace and in their own environment. This often produces high quality work with more enjoyable experiences for the customer as they’re not rushing, but also due to the relaxed environment they usually take their time resulting in long services. It’s totally worth it for me and a lot of people :) I feel much more pampered rather than someone trying to rush me out of the chair.

[u/SoyChai9 → u/[deleted]]

Love that you stuck around and asked the question!!

[u/jjjjennyandthebets → u/Massive-Warning9773]

I go to like a hybrid of the two. The salon is run by a woman from a studio she built onto her home. But she has 5-6 nail tech employees who are all insanely talented. They have like zero turnover there and don’t accept walk-ins. People always comment on how amazing my nail place is when they see my nails.

[u/Massive-Warning9773 → u/jjjjennyandthebets]

Sounds like a great set up, I’d definitely try somewhere like that!

[u/WonderfulService703 → u/Massive-Warning9773]

Agreed and I’ll never leave her!

[u/DancingPinkyFlowers]

The girl I go to is super nice and when she saw me starting to drift off to sleep she turned the music down so i didn’t wake up. I think I was asleep for like 10 minutes! I love private studios because 1) money goes straight to them 2) if I snore who cares???

[u/Least_Cow_4205 → u/DancingPinkyFlowers]

that's so kind! and love that she made you feel safe enough to catch a nap 💕

[u/DancingPinkyFlowers → u/Least_Cow_4205]

Private studios are awesome and I’m so glad you found someone you liked! ❤️❤️

[u/niamhxa]

My nail lady left the salon (which I also found overwhelming and honestly as someone who is a bit weird and alt-y, I’ve always felt a bit uncomfortable in salons, especially the more clique-y ones) and built a pod in her back garden to do her appointments from. It’s amazing! The loveliest neutral colours all over, no constant loud hairdryers and chattering from every which direction, she has a little mini fridge now and she recently had a TV installed and has been playing Grey’s Anatomy 😭. I love it!

[u/Least_Cow_4205 → u/niamhxa]

what an upgrade for you 🥹 love that!

[u/todayistheday_1027]

Beautiful!!! Did you get lucky finding that studio or did you search for something specific? I think I'd prefer a studio

[u/Least_Cow_4205 → u/todayistheday_1027]

I just searched '"[city name] nail tech" on tik tok and Instagram and found one that matched my aesthetic!

She made a video about putting on princess diaries for her client and I knew she was the one 😍

[u/ForecastForFourCats → u/Least_Cow_4205]

Thanks, I'm really tired of the salons. They barely listen and rush you out. Prices are confusing. They don't care about your nail health at all. I'm looking for a private tech now!

[u/sassafrassian → u/Least_Cow_4205]

I did not know this was an option omg thank you

[u/marshmallowghoul]

These feel like Christmas and Sailor Moon meeting 😍

[u/xoxoBug]

These are so cute!! Kind of remind me of the gems from Spyro.

[u/MS2M7 → u/xoxoBug]

Memory unlocked 🔓😱

[u/missssjay21]

Private salon is deff where you get time and attention to detail!

[u/KokoMiakoda]

Stunning attention to detail! Love them!!

[u/technicolortiddies → u/[deleted]]

r/CHIBitchesWithTaste probably have some!

[u/magicbong → u/technicolortiddies]

oooo my new fave sub, thank you!

[u/Least_Cow_4205 → u/[deleted]]

I suggest going to Instagram or TikTok and searching [city name] nail tech. I bet you have some amazing private studios in Chicago!

[u/magicbong → u/Least_Cow_4205]

exactly how i spent saturday, thank you OP

[u/vront781 → u/[deleted]]

jenilea on insta is great! She books up fairly quickly tho

[u/magicbong → u/vront781]

thank you 💖

[u/yellowjournal → u/[deleted]]

tigertipz on insta has amazing work, i do believe she owns her own salon but it seems like the work is the same quality as a priv nail tech (i think she used to be one before she opened up the salon)

[u/OrangeToTheFourth]

I knew I had seen that design! I went digging through my nail inspo folder until I found it!

https://www.glamnetic.com/products/north-star-short-almond-nails

[u/Least_Cow_4205 → u/OrangeToTheFourth]

I got my inspo here!!

but a few people have mentioned these in the comments and I'm assuming the linked ones were inspired by the glamnetics set ✨

[u/pocketfullofrocks]

These are gorgeous!! My sister is a nail tech with a private studio and it really is all about the vibes! Treat yo self 💅

[u/readthinkwrite23]

[u/Hancler]

How much were these if you don’t mind? I want more fancy nails like this but my salon would easily charge $120 and not even do it right so I’m thinking about a private salon.

[u/Least_Cow_4205 → u/Hancler]

she's just getting started so she tried to only charge me $40 for this set?!! I refused and sent her $75 because she put in hours of work.

It's funny, I said the same thing to my friend. This set would easily cost $120+ in a salon and look kinda meh. I have noticed on social media that private studio sets are usually less expensive!

[u/Jeweldene → u/Least_Cow_4205]

It’s probably because they don’t have to rent the place they are in because most salons charge the nail tech for their place in the salon kind of like a hair dresser (besides what they would normally pay such as mortgage or rent) so it brings the overall cost down in my experience.

[u/sun_daisy04]

Could be just me, I am high, but your right hand pinky nail looks like it’s going to the side a bit. But they are super cute! Love them!

[u/Least_Cow_4205 → u/sun_daisy04]

hahaha it's not just you! both of my pinkies bend outwards when I pose my hands that way

[u/tinaloustar]

Love it!

[u/International-Land35]

Umm LOVE!

[u/Alone_watching]

Oh wow.  Beautiful 🩷

[u/tambourine_goddess]

I'm not usually into sassy nails, but I LOVE these.

[u/technicolortiddies → u/tambourine_goddess]

What are sassy nails?

[u/tambourine_goddess → u/technicolortiddies]

Anything bright, fun, with a design... non basic

[u/justme35555]

Adorable

[u/elrabb22]

People are soooo fucking talented. I love these. I would have experimented with coffin myself but the overall is amazing. Enjoy!!!

[u/Least_Cow_4205 → u/elrabb22]

they'd look amazing in coffin!

[u/iris819]

Wait these look exactly like the North Star glamnetics set

[u/Least_Cow_4205 → u/iris819]

these were the inspo

[u/LuckyEntrepreneur939]

absolutely gorggggg 😍

[u/Heavenlyangel95]

Super cute . She did a great job . ♥️

[u/No_Mortgage3189]

Those girls are more fun to chat with too. I loved my old nail tech who worked out of her mom’s basement. 😅

[u/mirrorball100]

Wowoowowo these are stunning

[u/brownsugarhoneybb]

They take so much care with their craft and your nails end up growing healthier too. Private nail studios over chop shops. I love your nails! 💅

[u/RiverSong--]

so cute!!!! 🥰

[u/Willow_Lin]

same!!

[u/Goodgoodgirl1]

I LOVE them! So cute

[u/Decent-Eggplant2236]

Crushed it 😍

[u/Mermaid_Martini]

These are gorgeous!!

[u/Stunning-Painter1049]

💓love 💅🏻

[u/putosikwate]

✨ Sparkly, sparkly ✨

[u/Radiant_Gas_4642]

Damn I love that!

[u/Ses_Jul]

Right?!! Such an amazing experience

[u/International_Debt58]

They look soooo good.

[u/milus8]

wowoow cute

[u/7thwardpasseblanc]

I LOVE THESE NAILS 😍😍😍

[u/[deleted]]

Shout her out!!

[u/Least_Cow_4205 → u/[deleted]]

good call! she's @pixienailgarden on Instagram!

[u/Yta31]

These are AMAZING

[u/emilyogre]

I love these !

[u/dreamalittledream01]

I made the switch about 10 years ago and have never looked back! I only switched from my first nail tech because I moved, but loved her and love my current one that I’ve been with for ~5 years. It’s just such a better experience, even if it’s more expensive and takes longer. I feel like she’s my BFF and she does such an amazing job!

[u/Decent-Fishing1730]

As a 63-year-old woman, I normally never do a design. But I would do this in a heartbeat!

[u/Ok-Pin-5743]

After years of going to “chain salons” after I moved, I finally found a private salon and I will never go back. I have a HEMA allergy and she purchased an entire product line for me to use.

[u/BubblyTroubly]

stars are gorgeous!

are private salons certified or are they just people inviting randos to their homes to get their nails done?

[u/shananapepper]

Obsessed! these are lovely

[u/spiralaalarips]

Those are so cool! ❤️

[u/CharacterPayment8705]

How much?

[u/anti_arctica]

These are beautiful, I would be asking for them every time

[u/lenaloo119]

LOVE!

[u/Majestic-Will6357]

Your nails are beautiful 😍

[u/fiftyshadesofgracee]

Those are amazing

[u/CreditOdd8248]

Wow so beautiful!!

[u/AcanthocephalaNice89]

How much do private salons charge for this?

[u/PoweredByVeggies]

I don’t know shit about nails beyond painting them but even I can tell these nails are 🔥

[u/champagnecloset]

Oh I loooove these!!

[u/Regular_Victory4347]

Ohh my gosh these are my favorite nails I have ever ever seen. 💖💖

[u/yehc-d]

My bfs mom is an unlicenced nail tech and low-key love having an at home nail salon yk

[u/AgentClockworkOrange]

Your nails look like magic 💅✨

[u/catsarewiddlebabies]

I go to a private nail tech too and I'm never going back either! Saving your photos for future inspiration 🥰

[u/schismaticswims]

Yep! My best nails came from a friend who had been through school but couldn't afford to get licensed. She was just doing nails out of her home for donations and it was so fun. We got to play around and catch up and she was always ordering fun new tools and embellishments to play with. We would watch stand up if there was nothing to talk about. It was aweeeeesome. I moved away from there a few years ago and was so disappointed with the salon scene that I've just been doing press ons. And I keep getting such rave reviews on them that I'm like ... I guess I'm gonna just keep doing this?? They are cute but I miss the creative experience of working with a nail artist.

Anyways, your nails are GORGEOUS!!

[u/Ok_Row8867]

These are so pretty! I can see why you’re hooked.

[u/lastknownbuffalo]

This sounds like my wife could've said it.

My wife came home one day gushing about her new nail person she found on Instagram:

" my nail girl (at nail girl's house) made an unnoticeably small mistake on one nail, and then fixed it, but then she tried to say "ok your whole session is on the house". And then I was like... Oh no honey, you're getting your full payment and tip. But then she was like "oh that's so nice, ok well it's 30 dollars, and I won't even charge you for the nails"... I almost lost my shit (my wife then briefly explains how much getting nails done at a salon normally costs), and then I gave her one hundred and twenty dollars. "

lol power to the people

PS: this was a couple of years ago and my wife still goes to her house for nails and sometimes just orders nails from her by mail.

[u/Hallelujah33]

Ok but wow those are gorgeous

[u/curiousdryad]

Love this!! How does one find someone who uses a private studio ?

[u/lovestheautumn]

I love these! They look magical

[u/flavouredicecubes]

I've got these nails! Wish I still had them they're so pretty

[u/Soft_Let9026]

ahhh infinity stones inspired ~

[u/Hari_Azole]

I love them!

[u/ButterfIyKisses]

those are so CUTEE 🥰🥰 also that sounds like such a fun experience❤️

[u/Nikki-C-Puggle-mum]

That's awesome. They are so pretty. I love that design.

[u/Practical-Spell-3808]

Sometimes not using social media sucks. Are there other ways to find these people?

[u/Whimsy-Critter-8726]

These are my favorite nails I’ve ever seen

[u/ConsciousCucumber831]

Beautiful!

[u/CherryWhim]

Excellent work of the master, the highest degree of art

[u/informationseeker8]

🎶Best believe I’m still Bejeweled…when I walk in the room…I can make the whole place shimmer ✨

[u/Human_Imagination_12]

love it!! my last set was just like this :)

[u/LooneyLunaGirl]

Omg girl these are so freaking cute!!!! 😍

[u/Bubbles69_]

Those are sooo gorgeous

[u/Bubbles69_]

Those are sooo gorgeous

[u/RoniL03]

LOVE 💗

[u/Silly-Ant213]

Very pretty

[u/TheirOwnDestruction]

I’m going to get downvoted for this, but these are decent quality but not exceptional, and not worth paying a large premium for. Two things point to this: the gems are too big for the stars (or, alternatively, the stars are too small for the gems) and the middle, ring and pinky on your right hand are too thick.

[u/No_Wait7319]

This would be super easy to recreate! Thanks for inspo! So cute!

[u/Queenrose17]

I love those😍

[u/morena_14]

Love it , you liked this ?🤍🥺

[u/cholesteroyal]

I'M SAYIN

[u/ny_dc_tx_]

Ive done private and salon. I think my sweet spot is salon with the same person. I get the friendly and thoughtful vibe with the speed I need.

[u/Greenmedic2120]

I’ve never been to a salon and, touch wood, I never will because independent studio girls are just the best , love them so much.

[u/CanIAskAQuestiion]

Those are so cute♡ glad your first time was a good experience!

Let me tell you that my first experience to a private salon was in the city of Saint louis in the hood (in America for Non Americans), and the chick scared TF OUT OF ME 🤣😭 She let me know SEVERAL times that she has a gun for people that try to leave without paying lol. I kept getting the feeling that she was trying to intimidate me. Which was weird a.f because im super chill and friendly lol. She was also on the phone with her friend from who's IN prison and somehow had a cellphone. She kept talking about fighting this random chick. She did a BOMBB job but, I won't be going back to a salon in the hood again lol

[u/LostInNvrLand]

I wish I could find one near me!!!! I just want someone that will take their time and not rush through my nails

[u/PandaGirl617]

Beautiful nails I love them

[u/smithsknits]

Those are so cute!

[u/lesqueebeee]

my sister started doing nails, and now im so spoiled i could never go to a normal salon 😭 hanging out, hitting my cart, getting coffees and snacks... a whole different vibe!

[u/vilepanda85]

Those are truly lovely!

[u/splinteroflight]

God they are gorgeous 😻

[u/Hexybae]

that’s super awesome nails

[u/Practical-Ball-5070]

Love you nails! They are so pretty 😍

[u/SexySanta2]

Adore these. Well worth the time!

[u/PathA2020MLS2007]

Too cute love it!!!

[u/lowposter5]

How do you find private nail techs? I would love to see one as they take such care of your cuticles and take their time for better results. Whenever I try to look them up on google, I just get salons.

[u/Potential-Ad-6549]

Love these!!

[u/KittenaSmittena]

Whoa, these are gorgeous!

[u/MrsQuasi]

These are stunning!!!

[u/macguy2002]

How do you even find a private nail studio???

[u/sleepyhead907]

My nail tech is a private salon and she's always fully book. I have book 4 months ahead.

[u/newbreeginnings]

I'm late to this kind of thing. Is it just in someone's personal/rented space?

[u/CoffeeFueledCanuck]

I’ve never visited a private studio, but you urge me to visit a independent nail artist. 😂🫶 Your nails turned out beautifully!!

[u/AdvancedDirt2116]

I loved it when my friend had her own spot. She was more expensive than the salons but she WORKED for that and I was always thrilled with my sets and tipped at least 50% 😭😭😭😭 the quality and craftsmanship when you build that relationship is PRICELESS. I could tell her an idea and she'd nail it. Then she decided to save the world and be a nurse 😮‍💨 I watched her pinning and I'm so proud but DAMN GIRL MY NAILS MISS U PLS COME BBAACCKKKK

(PS your nails are fantastic I love the concept and execution!)

[u/Moist_Boat_9707]

how? its gems on white?

[u/Adventurous_Peak9811]

OMGOSH THESE ARE PERFECT😍. I also would NOT go back to a salon!!

[u/naidean]

Bomb!!!

[u/quantumkitty128]

Omg I love these SO MUCH!!! How cute 🥰

[u/zukythebookbum]

these are gorgeous! I get mine done privately and I loooove my nail tech sm

[u/MasuAMS]

Depends on the studio. Some charge per nail design /the complexity, small stones are a price, bigger stones are a different price, and some just sum up no matter what they did

[u/devlinsky]

These are EVERYTHING 😍 Obsessed ✨

[u/Curious_Event4848]

Obsessed!

[u/Goddesstrini7]

So cute

[u/needween]

Just went to a regular salon myself for the first time ever (after scrolling reviews it seemed like a great and personable place that cared) but when I got there I just felt like I was on an assembly line. $60 for nails that are uneven in shape and color and about twice the length I wanted because I had to tell the tech to cut them shorter four times and she still was just not getting it and I was overwhelmed and just said yeah fine.

Tldr: I need to find myself a private nail tech.