She asked a question about manicures. Women everywhere did not hold back.
- - She asked a question about manicures. Women everywhere did not hold back.
Madeline Mitchell, USA TODAYJanuary 14, 2026 at 12:41 AM
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Women don't have time for manicures.
At least, that's what hundreds of women wrote in response to a viral post on Threads.
"Girls that don't get manicures and pedicures.... Why???" the original post on Jan. 5, from a user named Jenny, reads. It has 5.5 million views and more than 33,000 comments.
"Because I'm a freaking surgeon, JENNY," one commenter wrote, complete with a photo of her in scrubs and a surgical mask. "Because I’m tired, Jenny," wrote another along with a photo holding two infants. "Because I'm an archaeologist, Jenny," replied another with a photo showcasing her work site.
Moms especially are feeling crushed under the mental load of juggling motherhood and their careers, survey data shows. About one-third of women say they feel overwhelmed every single day, and 43% of women say they are burned out or emotionally exhausted, according to a recent USA TODAY/Peacock survey of 1,600 U.S. parents.
Women aren't just skipping manicures and hair appointments. Nearly half of all American women are skipping preventive care services like check-ups, screenings and vaccines, according to a 2023 Ipsos survey of more than 3,200 women. Respondents said they skipped these services due to affordability and lack of time.
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On Threads, other women took to the comment section, too, explaining how their jobs, hobbies and caring for their families take priority over cosmetic self care like manicures, pedicures, facials and hair treatments.
Women posted photos of themselves in jobs that aren't conducive to long nails − careers like boxing and delivering mail. Other women said they need their nails short for rock climbing, hiking, gardening, crocheting and making pottery.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 15: A model, nail detail, prepares backstage at The Blonds fashion show during September 2025 New York Fashion Week on September 15, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images)
"Me, with my long nails, liking every comment from women explaining their cool job or hobby that makes them anti-long nails," one user commented.
One commenter gave a 13-point list of reasons why women wouldn't want manicured nails, including playing an instrument, the cost of going to a nail salon, allergies to certain products, not having enough time and "not wanting to poke their babies."
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Another woman simply wrote: "Because I'd rather spend my money travelling, Jenny."
Madeline Mitchell's role covering women and the caregiving economy at USA TODAY is supported by a partnership with Pivotal and Journalism Funding Partners. Funders do not provide editorial input.
Reach Madeline at [email protected] and @maddiemitch_ on X.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: She asked women why they don't get manicures. Thousands replied.
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