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Love a weekly mani, hate what it does to your budget? Real Simple has gotten a hold of a nail technician who shared—anonymously, so as not to get herself be feathered and tarred by the rest of the beauty industry, presumably—her insider tricks for making your manicure and your manicure budget stretch as far as possible. Check 'em out, after the jump.
· Go on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday. "These are the slowest days at a salon, so the owner will probably offer a special," she says.
· Ask about deals. Just because they're not posted doesn't mean they don't exist.
· Request that the technician use polish remover before applying the base coat. Even if you don't have any polish in need of removal, this step will help color stay up to 50% longer.
· Choose a metallic polish. Apparently glitter makes your mani resistant to dings.
· Bring your own chip-preventing primer. She recommends using Orly or Opi, and having it applied before the base coat.
· Use cuticle oil at home. At-home maintenance helps prolong the life of your mani. She advises cuticle oil, which is more moisturizing than standard hand cream.
· Don't overlook the humble polish change. It's about half the price of a full manicure most places.
· How to Get Cheaper Manicures [Real Simple]
· The Ring Finger Mani Deserves a Good Name, Don't You Think? [Racked]
· Pop Quiz: How Many Nail Polish Brands Can You Guess By the Shape of Their Bottles? [Racked]