Congratulations, gals.

You’ve secured a date, scrambled to get a seat in the most coveted limousine, finally decided on the perfect dress after trying on all possible outfits at Stanford Shopping Center, and purchased a ticket only moments before the auditor’s office door slammed shut. Just as you think you’ve resolved all the pre-prom details, your worst nightmare hits; oy vey, you’ve forgotten all about those precious little nails of yours.

Sure, you’ve already shelled out tons of cash for a chic ride to San Fran, an expensive pair of stilettos, and a ticket to dance the night away, but in no way does that mean you have to forget about all your dreams of having primped and pampered hands and feet.

Have no fear! Below are some quick tips for an inexpensive, and, of course, relaxing trip to the nail salon.

1. Figure out what your nail priorities are. Do you really need a full set of gel tips with a pretty airbrushed smiley face on top, or can you settle for a chic and elegant French manicure look instead? Figure out what you want before you arrive so you don’t end up overspending. Remember that pedicures almost always cost more than manicures, so sort out what takes precedent if you’re on a tight budget.

2. Grow out those fingernails. It’s a lot cheaper to get your nails painted rather than getting faux add-on tips. Just remember not to bite, clip, or snip, and you’ll see just how much your wallet will love you.

3. For pedicure time, wear flip-flops. Yes, I know this seems terribly obvious, but I can’t even begin to tell you about the countless times I’ve heard about girls showing up to a salon, getting a beautiful pedicure, and then getting home to realize that they have their shoes to blame for messed up toenail lacquer. Don’t ruin that great toe prim with some socks and sneakers, or you’ll be faced with putting up some extra cash for a quick fix. Plus, it’s spring; your toes have been begging to see the light of day for weeks now.

4. Don’t be shy, ask if they have discounts. In most cases, your manicurist will oblige, and you’ll be surprised at the dollars you can save just because you’re a Paly student. Seize the opportunity to use those youthful teenage years to your advantage. Also, some salons give a discount for doing both a pedicure and a manicure together, so make sure to see if this applies.

5. Make an appointment. Just because you’re Cinderella for the evening, doesn’t mean that there aren’t hundreds of other prom princesses waiting to get their nails made up like royalty. Spots at salons fill up fast, so reserve your place soon; otherwise, you may be stuck getting your nails done at a more expensive venue.

6. Shop around. Don’t get stuck with the nail salon down the street. Sometimes, traveling an extra block can get you a better deal for the same service. Just to get you started, here are some Palo Alto salons that have great deals. Compared to some of the pricier spots that can charge over $100 bucks for a spa manicure and pedicure, these are great.

Nail N Joy, 453 South California Ave., (650) 322-1983, French manicure: $15, Manicure and pedicure combination: $25.

Tina’s Nail, 156 Hamilton Ave., (650) 328-1568, French manicure: $15, Manicure and pedicure combination: $39, A full set of gel tips: $40, Extras: 20% student discount.

Palo Alto Central Nails, 101 South California Ave., (650) 327-2580, French manicure: $15, A full set of gel tips: $35.

Ramona Nails, 530 Ramona St., (650) 321-9484, French manicure: $20, Manicure and pedicure combination: $38, A full set of gel tips: $45.

Nails by Thi, 384 Cambridge Ave., (650) 327-1557, French manicure: $16, Manicure and pedicure combination: $39.

Bale, 2786 Middlefield Rd., (650) 462-9856, French manicure: $21, Manicure and pedicure combination: $40, A full set of gel tips: $35, Extras: A special rate for teenagers.

Now that you have the names of some of the most inexpensive nail salons around, there’s no need to feel guilty about being prom-primed and pampered. Just because your hands and feet are treated like you’re a member of the royal family, doesn’t mean you need to spend like one. And, who knows? With the looks of a princess, you might get to meet prince charming too.