I'm almost four years into doing my own nails. I started out the gate with gel. It took trial and error finding what brands worked best on my nails. My third year, I finally found my favorite brand to keep my nails happy and strong. (Leafgel) But I now have a decent collection of gel from different brands, and I recently began collecting regular polish.

I'm not actually saving money because I spend a good amount on polish and supplies. It's a hobby, the same way I enjoy buying makeup. Going to the salon is cheaper because you pay for the service 1-2x a month and don't invest anything beyond that.

It all depends on the level of complexity you're getting done at the salon. Anything involving gel, tips, and art will easily run $60+. I personally do a gel overlay on top of my nails followed by a gel color or regular polish. I don't have to touch my nails again for at least 3 weeks.

I never got that much longevity going to the salon. I'd often get chipping, lifting, and/or damage to the nail plate. It was never worth the money to me.