We recommend getting your nails done on holidays or weekends when you’re not really limited in time. However, if you still decide to get your nails done on weekdays, you might want to know, “How long does it take to get nails done.”
In general, this depends on several factors, such as the manicurist, the type of nail service you are getting, etc.
How Long Does It Take To Get Nails Done? Just Ask The Staff!
For most salons, the acrylic manicure can take more than an hour. However, for some high-end salons, you expect to have your acrylic nails done in 45 minutes with the help of seasoned manicurists. But, if there are broken nails or bad lifting, your treatment will likely last more than an hour.
In general, one hour is the standard completion time. However, unless your nail technician is excellent, under an hour runs the risk of getting the job done poorly.
Nail polish is a skill-based work of a manicurist and takes time to achieve perfection. However, in our experience, no process has taken longer than three hours.

In general, the manicure process rarely lasts more than 2 hours.
In fact, every salon has different procedures and staff qualifications, so there’s no correct answer to this. The most accurate and easiest way to know the exact time of your nail session is to ask the staff at the nail salon when you make your appointment.
In most cases, they will happily tell you the exact time expectations. But, to get the most accurate estimate, it’s a good idea to describe what you want, like the type of nail or service you choose.
Additionally, they can also provide you with some valuable information, such as their manicurist’s experience, previous session completion time, and more.
3 Different Nails & The Time It Takes To Get Them Done
In recent years, the nail industry has grown a lot, leading to the introduction of many types of artificial nails. This section will cover the three most common types, including Acrylic, Polygel, and Gel nails.
Acrylic Nails
Acrylic Nails are one of the most popular choices at salons. It is also considered the trendiest and most sought-after nail on our list.
They are firmly attached to your real nails as a type of artificial nail. This type of nail requires an investment of both time and money. So, if you choose these nails, it takes up to 45 to 2 hours to get them done.
However, if you just apply simple acrylic on your natural nails, it’ll take you about 45 minutes.

Acrylic Nails are one of the most popular choices at salons.
Basically, this type of nail is quite pretty and is loved by many women because of its versatility. It allows them to create their own exotic styles and patterns, making them perfect for the freedom ladies who prefer to express themselves.
For many women, it is used only for decoration. It can help them stand out and get noticed at luxury events. Others choose acrylic nails to avoid bad habits, such as nail-biting.
You can also do Acrylic at home, and the time it takes will depend on your experience and speed. For beginners, this can be a real challenge. Therefore, you should seek help from an excellent manicurist to get the best results, even though this can be pretty expensive.
Gel Nails
Gel nails are also another service that most nail salons usually provide. They are also prevalent due to their versatility as well as their durability. Basically, they apply directly over the natural length of your nails.
These nails are the perfect pick for you if you work in certain professions or need to use your hands a lot.

Gel nails are also another service that most nail salons usually provide.
They will usually last for a period of 2 to 4 weeks. Making gel nails does not take as much time as the two models above. You can expect to get them done within half an hour.
Polygel Nails
Polygel nails are a great combination of acrylic nails and gel nails. They are as flexible as gel nails while being as durable as acrylic nails and as flexible as Gel Nails.
If you use these nails, it can take you anywhere between 30 and 90 minutes to complete.

Polygel nails are a great combination of acrylic nails and gel nails.
How To Do Your Own Nails at Home?
If you don’t have the time or budget to get your nails done at the salon, you can always do it yourself at home.
Home manicures can be strenuous and not as beautiful as at the salon. But, with patience, you will soon succeed.
You can do your nails at home quickly by following these general tips and recommendations.
1. Take A Good Kit
There are thousands of kits on the market to help you do your nails at home. Therefore, if you are an amateur, you may be overwhelmed. So, before you start, consult a trusted manicurist to get the best kit.

If you are inexperienced in choosing a nail kit, just consult a professional manicurist.
2. Clean And File The Nails Short
Start by clipping your nails down before applying the acrylic paint. This helps prevent injuries on the bed. Then, push your cuticles and remove the old polish on your natural nails.
3. Rub a Grit-Filing Block
This allows the manicure to stick to your natural nails more firmly (whether these are gels, acrylics, or shellacs).
However, this can damage your natural nail bed. Therefore, You can skip this step to keep your nails healthy.
4. Apply Nail Glue or Primer
Apply nail glue for acrylic and primer for polygel or gel nails. It is essential to let them dry completely before moving on to the next step.
5. Apply Extension or Paint or Gel
If you’re doing acrylic, apply for the extension as soon as the glue dries.
If your choice is gel nails, you need to apply a thin layer of gel polish. After that, dry it with UV lamps.
- Acrylics Only: Shape your extensions to get the desired shape and length.
- Only for Polygel: Apply the extension and the gel together.
6. Let Your Nails Dry
Last but not least, let the nails dry.
Acrylic nails are usually air-dried. So, the use of a UV lamp is not necessary. On the contrary, you need to use UV rays to dry Polygel or gel nails.

If you choose Polygel nails, it is essential to use UV rays to dry them.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do acrylics hurt?
You may feel some discomfort and pain in your nails. Don’t worry! It is usual for people who have acrylic treatment for the first time or those who do not often use acrylic.
The discomfort will disappear spontaneously within 24 hours.
2. Is it OK to wear acrylic nails for years?
If you wear false nails for a long time, it is essential to repaint your nails every 2 to 3 weeks to fill in the gaps.
However, keep in mind that this can damage your natural nails. In short, fake nails can make your nails thin, dry, and brittle.
3. How much does it cost to get nails done?
It will depend on the salon you choose. You can refer to the following average prices:
- Regular Manicure: $10-$40
- Acrylic Manicure (complete set): $25-$100
- Dip Powder Manicure: $35-$55
- Gel Manicure: $20-$65
4. How Long Do Acrylics Last?
If applied well, an acrylic set can last up to two months. However, it is best to return to your salon for a “fill in” every two to three weeks.
Also, your acrylic nails will need replacing If they start to break or fall off.
5. How long do gel nails really last?
If you have many events coming up like interviews, proms, internships, and family vacations, gel nails could be the perfect pick.
On average, gel nails can last up to 2 weeks. However, if you’re really careful, they can last up to four weeks or even more.
Bottom Lines
In general, you can expect to get nail done anywhere between half an hour and two hours.
Hopefully, our article is helpful when trying to schedule a manicure for a busy day.
For final advice, ask your salon when making an appointment. They will provide you with the expected time and other helpful information.
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