Pampering Your Palms: A Journalist’s Review of Japanese Gel Manicures

I have been getting my nails done every three or four weeks with extensions, gel, or intricate designs for years. This time, I decided to try something new and paid $160 for a Japanese gel manicure at Tokyo Nails in Chicago. The manicures are supposed to last longer and be better for your overall nail health.

When I worked in retail after graduating from university, having well-manicured nails caught customers’ eyes and made all the difference in making a sale. What started as something to do for a special occasion became a part of my monthly self-care routine. But as someone who gets my nails done every few weeks, I’m always looking for ways to improve my nail health and manicure longevity.

Although I’d love to find a budget-friendly way to do my nails at home, there’s a higher risk of developing or triggering skin allergies when you try to use gel polishes and UV lights yourself. In other words, you get what you pay for — and some things should be left to the experts. That’s why I tend to spend a base price of $100 to $150 with my usual nail technician. After hearing about the potential benefits of Japanese manicures, I paid a little more ($160) for my most recent appointment to see if it was worth the hype and extra investment. Here’s how it went: