From Salon Addict to DIY Queen — Here’s What Changed Everything
For most of my adult life, I was that girl—the one with standing appointments at the salon, a go-to nail tech, and not a single root out of place. A chipped nail? Booked. A little frizz? Straight to the blow-dry bar. I never thought twice about outsourcing my beauty routine.
But everything changed when the world shut down.
Suddenly, salons were closed, appointments were canceled, and I was staring at my two-tone hair and grown-out gel nails wondering, How am I supposed to fix this myself?
That’s when my DIY beauty journey truly began—and it’s been one of the most empowering transformations of my life.
The Awkward (and Honest) First Steps
Let me be real with you—my first attempt at doing my own nails was a mess. I watched a few rushed tutorials, ordered a beginner gel kit online, and set up shop at my kitchen table. I was so nervous, I forgot to buff my nails. I applied polish too thick. I smudged every finger.
It wasn’t pretty. But I was surprisingly proud.
Because I did it myself.
That was the moment I realized beauty doesn’t have to be perfect to be powerful. What mattered more was that I took control, saved money, and tried something new.
So I kept going.
I made space for a little beauty corner in my living room, put on my favorite podcast, poured a glass of wine, and treated each DIY session like a mini self-care ritual. It stopped being about trying to “fix” myself and started being about creating space for myself.
What I’ve Learned (and Why I’m Never Going Back)
Fast forward a few months, and I was hooked. I experimented with nail stamping, press-on designs, dip powders, and gel kits in every shade imaginable. I even tried temporary hair colors—lavender, rose gold, icy blue—just for fun.
With each session, I gained more confidence. And honestly, my skills got good.
My friends started asking where I got my nails done. I’d smile and say,
“My couch, thank you very much.”
More than the money saved (which, let’s be honest, adds up quickly) was the feeling of owning my routine. I no longer felt dependent on appointments or frustrated when my stylist was fully booked. I could refresh my look on my own time.
Now, I still love the occasional trip to the salon—especially for special occasions. But I don’t need it the way I used to. And that, to me, is real empowerment.
Why You Should Try It Too
If you’ve been thinking about learning how to do your own nails or hair at home, I understand the hesitation. But trust me—it’s not about being perfect, it’s about showing up for yourself.
Here’s why you should give it a try:
- It saves you hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars each year
- It gives you flexibility—you’re not tied to anyone’s schedule
- It becomes a relaxing part of your self-care routine
- You’ll build a skill that boosts confidence and creativity
Ready to Try It? Here’s My Best Advice:
- Start small — Begin with a basic polish change or a simple blow-dry.
- Don’t expect perfection — Making mistakes is part of the journey.
- Make it a vibe — Light a candle, play some music, and enjoy the experience.
- Learn as you go — Follow real, down-to-earth tutorials online.
- Invest in the essentials — A good dryer, top coat, and nail file are worth it.
DIY Beauty FAQs
Q: What’s the best beginner nail kit for at-home use?
A: A gel polish starter kit like Beetles or Modelones is great. You can also try press-on nails from brands like Kiss or Static Nails. Look for a kit with base coat, top coat, and a UV lamp.
Q: How do I avoid smudging my nails?
A: Keep layers thin, use a quick-dry top coat, and give your nails more drying time than you think. If you’re using gel, a nail lamp makes a huge difference.
Q: What tools do I need to style my hair at home?
A: Start with a blow dryer with a concentrator nozzle, a round brush, heat protectant spray, and a few sectioning clips. For curls or waves, a curling wand with adjustable heat settings is beginner-friendly.
Q: I’ve never dyed my hair. Can I really do it at home?
A: Yes. Start with a semi-permanent or wash-out color. Always do a patch and strand test, and follow instructions closely. Brands like Madison Reed are beginner-focused and offer helpful support online.
Q: How do I clean my tools properly?
A: Wash your tools with soap and warm water. Rinse thoroughly, let them dry, then sanitize them with rubbing alcohol. Store in a clean, dry space away from moisture.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve ever looked at a chipped nail or grown-out roots and thought,
“I wish I could fix this myself,”
—I’m here to tell you that you can.
You don’t need to be a pro. You just need to be willing to try. The beauty world can sometimes make it feel like only professionals can get it right. But your hands, your effort, and your creativity are more than enough.
Whether you’re doing it to save time, cut costs, or reclaim your confidence—DIY beauty is about so much more than just looks. It’s about learning to trust yourself and making space for personal growth through something as simple as a nail polish or blow dryer.
Start where you are. Keep showing up. You’ve got this.
