Acrylic Nails: Price Differences & What to Expect

Question
Hi!
I want to get nails for my vacation next week, I have never had them doe before. I am a massage therapist, so I cannot have nails while I am working. Where I work it costs $80(!) to get a full set. Where I usually go to get my nails done,(basic mani&pedi) at a Vietnamese place, it only costs $28. That is a huge price difference. So I of course booked an appt. next week at the $28 place. Why is there such a huge price difference? Is there that big of a difference in product? Will they look different-getting nails at a high end spa as opposed to a Vietnamese nail salon? I like the lady there who usually does my nails and she speakes fairly good English. I am super excited to have nails for my two week vacation, so I want to make sure that I am getting good ones. Is there a way to communicate properly to get what I want? (pretty pink and whites) or should I spend the money and get them done where I work with someone who I know will do a good job? Thank you for your time!!
   Dee

Answer
The price difference can be because of the difference in products--professional products are much more expensive than the discount alternatives (there's also the problem of MMA--dental acrylic--used in many discount nail shops.). There may also be a difference because of the level of education and skill of the nail tech.

The most important considerations, though, are if proper sanitation and disinfection procedures are followed, and then if the quality of the nail enhancement is there. If you have to spend $80 for a set of nails that are excellently done, and the environment is clean and sanitary, then that is definitely worth the money, don't you think?

What is the possibility that you, as an employee, might get an employee discount for the nail service?  Or could you maybe swap services with the nail tech? If you guys work together, there must be something you can work out! :)

I hope this helps!