Beauty Tips

Road Test: In-Salon vs. At-Home Treatments

Should you splurge on the salon treatment or go the do-it-yourself route? Find out which treatments should be done by a pro -- and which ones you should attempt at home

by Dawn Davis

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Gel manicure If you're a Shellac addict, you've probably done this math: two $50 manicures each month equal $1,200 a year. That's a lot of money to spend on your nails. While the at-home kits aren't cheap either, you'll get many more applications for the cost. I tested the Sephora by OPI Gelshine At-Home Gel Colour System, $159 (comparable to three in-salon gel manicures), and loved the results. There are 16 great colors to choose from, and the application process isn't any harder than a regular mani. The catch, of course, is how well you do your own nails to begin with.

Verdict: As long as you have a steady hand, choose DIY.

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products mentioned

Shu Uemura Essential Drops Purifying Blend

0.0

Clairol Nice 'n Easy Perfect 10

7.4

Sephora by OPI Gelshine At-Home Gel Colour System

10.0

KeratinPerfect 30-Day Brazilian Hair Smoothing...

0.0

Sally Hansen Simple Spa Wax Warmer Kit

3.0

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Older comments

great advice - i wax myself (yes, where i can see, so i do visit the salon from time to time), i sometimes colour my own hair and I would love to try the DIY gel nails and face peel.

by AstridB Thursday, February 28, 2013 at 04:52AM Report as inappropriate

Keratin Perfect may not be any good--never tried it myself-- but don't assume all DIY keratins are bad. I've tried about eight--some were crap, but I actually think Uncurly is better than the Brazilian Blowouts I used to pay $400 for and I think it costs me around $25 per use. I would say Keratin Earth, Pravana, and whatever Sally's brand is called were a waste, but Uncurly and Global were successful for me. A few more whose names I don't recall were so-so--not great, but not as bad as you're describing Keratin Perfect to be. If your hair's like mine--thick, too curly/wavy, and a frizz disaster in humidity--keratin is NOT optional and money IS limited, so you need to be able to do it yourself.

by patriotwoman Thursday, February 7, 2013 at 07:26AM Report as inappropriate

Being so un-geeky this article definitely left me with the attitude that all is not lost. I will at least try one or two of the DIY's. Thanks Total Beauty!!!

by aussiegene Wednesday, January 23, 2013 at 03:16PM Report as inappropriate