Lustig suggests more natural shapes, like oval or “squoval,” look the most classy and upscale, but there's a shape for every personal style. Acrylics are available in lots of different shapes. If you're not used to long nails, some things-like typing, playing the guitar, or doing the dishes-might prove a bit of a challenge. Since they’re usually longer than your regular nails, they might be best for a fancy occasion, though many women rock them every day. Not that I’ve ever done that.Īcrylics: Acrylics are the nail extensions you might think of when you think “fancy nails.” If you ask for these, the tech will file down your nails and then glue on nail-tip extensions. Just remember that picking at them is a bad idea.
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You can get your polish removed at a salon for a small fee (some salons will even waive the fee if you get new polish, Lustig suggests). It’s best to soak your nails in acetone, but it’s a bit of a process. Gel is more expensive (generally $10-20 more), and is cured under a UV light so there’s no long drying process. I can usually go two weeks or even a bit longer before people would notice any flaws. Gel: Gel polish lasts longer than regular nail polish. Removal is just the same as if you did your own nails at home-a cotton ball and some nail polish remover. After the tech finishes your nails, you will go sit at a table to let your nails dry under some fans (kind of like a hand version of those old-timey hair salon dryers). This will be chip-free for five to seven days if you are both lucky and careful. Lacquer: This is just regular nail polish. If you’re not sure, you can always ask what’s included in the various tiers of service and what their respective prices are.
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Some salons also offer an “express manicure/pedicure” that’s somewhere in between, maybe without the massage.
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This is great if you’re on a budget, if your hands/feet already look good, or if you just don’t like the feeling of the full mani/pedi experience. Asking for a “polish change” (if you already have nail polish) or “just the polish” should cost you a little less than a full mani or pedi-in some cases, half the price. Polish change: You don’t have to get a manicure or a pedicure to get your nails done. Both of these include some TLC: clipping cuticles, moisturizing skin, usually a massage with a manicure and a footbath with a pedicure. pedicure: A manicure is for your hands a pedicure is for your feet. “Hi-I-was-wondering-if-you-can-do-a-French-gel-manicure-today-and-how-much-is-it?” The nail tech will almost always have follow-up questions because there are so many tiny differences.
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Often the most daunting part of the experience with a new-to-you nail salon is the first phone call.