Diary of a Gen Z Student: Bad perms and conditions — but let me explain why I can't complain

You may be assuming that I quickly complained and asked her to cease burning my open wounds with acetone. You would be wrong. Because, while I may be a nail technician cheater, I am far too Irish to complain about something so minor as excruciating burning of my hands

Jane Cowan: 'And what did I do while I was being charged €60 for a shameful set of nails? I sat there grinning like an idiot the whole time. Afraid I might hurt her feelings if I alerted her to the blood pumping out of my fingers.' Picture: Moya Nolan

As anyone that likes to get their hair trimmed or their nails done in preparation for Christmas Day knows, beauty appointments can be difficult to come by in December. Obviously, it is imperative to look your absolute best while you lull yourself into a chocolate induced coma in your childhood living room.

Last week, I was undergoing some such preparation for the big day. And though I excel in many things, bookings things in advance, is not one of them. So, I was cheating on my usual nail lady. I’m not proud of it. But a girl's gotta do, what a girl's gotta do.