Vacation nails are bright, easy nails you book a day or two before a trip so they look fresh when you arrive. At Nailed It Spa in Fresno, that can be a manicure, a pedicure for sandals and an add-on such as a French tip or one Nail Art accent.
Should you get your nails done before a vacation?
Many people do, and a day or two before you leave is a common time to book. Your color is fresh on the first day of the trip, and you have a little time to spare if your plans change.
Gel often lasts longer than regular polish. Regular polish on hands usually lasts about a week, while gel commonly lasts two to three weeks, so gel suits a longer trip. Wear time still depends on your nails and what you do with your hands. Gel adds $15 to the spa manicures (Signature Mani, Super Silky Manicure, Anti-Aging Mani and Mega Manicure) and to every pedicure. You can browse all of them in the manicures and pedicures categories.
Which colors work for vacation nails at the beach, on a cruise or somewhere tropical?
Beach, cruise and tropical trips share one palette: bright, light and easy to wear with summer clothes. These are general style ideas, so save a photo of the exact shade you want.
- Bright coral: a warm pink-orange that stands out next to sand and water.
- Ocean blue: a clear mid-blue, close to the color of the sea.
- Sunny yellow: a light, cheerful yellow that looks good on short nails.
- White: clean and simple, and it goes with any outfit you pack.
- A French tip in a bright color: the French Tip add-on is a classic white tip, so show a photo and ask when you book if you want a tip in coral or blue.
- One Nail Art accent: Nail Art costs $5 per nail, so a small design on a single nail keeps the look light.
Heading somewhere cold instead? Deeper shades such as burgundy or forest green suit a winter trip, and the winter nails guide has more ideas.
For a shimmer, Chrome Finish and Cat Eye are add-ons too, and this comparison shows how they differ. The full list is in the add-ons category.
Are short, almond or acrylic nails better for a trip?
Short nails are the simplest choice for travel, and an extension set makes sense when you want length. Many people find short nails easier for packing, carrying bags and daily tasks on the road.
A Signature Mani shapes the nails you already have. For almond or longer nails, Gel X and Acrylic Full Set can both be shaped almond, coffin or square. Gel X is a soft gel extension that feels lighter than acrylic, and acrylic feels harder and more rigid. Dip Powder layers color over your own nails.
| Service | Listed time | Cash price | Good fit when |
|---|---|---|---|
| Signature Mani | 30 minutes | $23 (gel +$15) | You want short, natural-length nails in a trip color |
| Gel X | 60 minutes | $60 | You want almond or longer nails with a lighter feel |
| Acrylic Full Set | 60 minutes | $50 | You want length with a firmer feel |
| Dip Powder | 60 minutes | $50 | You want color built in on your own nails |
Gel X usually lasts about three to four weeks, and acrylic is usually filled every two to three weeks, so count the days you will be away before you pick. More detail is in Gel X vs acrylic.
Should you get a pedicure for vacation?
A pedicure is worth booking if you will wear sandals or go barefoot, because your toes are on show all week. The Classic Pedicure takes about 45 minutes and costs $35, with gel for $35 + $15. It includes nail shaping, cuticle care, a sugar scrub and a lotion massage.
To match your hands and toes, pick one color family for both, or put coral on your toes and ocean blue on your hands. Mention the colors when you book. The other pedicures add steps and time, and pedicure options compared lays them out.
How much do vacation nails cost?
Listed prices are cash prices, card payments add 2.5%, and prices may vary with nail length and design complexity. Here is one example for hands and one for feet.
- Hands: Signature Mani $23 + gel $15 + French Tip $8.
- Feet: Classic Pedicure $35 + gel $15.
- Extras: Nail Art is $5 per nail and Chrome Finish is $10.
Ready to choose? Book your appointment, or browse the gallery for a color before you go.
