I have been to many women’s prisons as a consultant and seeking employment once. The events you list occur regularly in my experience. Pedicures, holiday decorations, and such.
It was awhile back, 1974 or so. I was in Frontera at the invitation of a co-worker who had transferred there. Women were sunbathing with their tops off. I was 25 and trying not to stare. I worked in a CYA facility with young men from 18-14. I asked about the rule. “If the officer supervising doesn’t like it, they can tell them to cover up. No body ever does.” I saw a very large butch inmate, with her “girl toy” on her arm in pigtails, bossing her around and telling her what she was going to do to her body parts when they got back to the living unit. Women french kissed in front of us. probably for my benefit, but was told it was not a violation. Now this may reflect upon the warden at the time, but women traditionally have more latitude than men in prison. Especially in general population.
All that being said, the inmate and staff behaviors come to quick and are often “out there.” It is in the long run, hollywood.