Are you planning a visit to a nail salon but have some burning questions? Whether you’re a first-timer or a regular client, this comprehensive guide will answer the most common questions about nail salon services, procedures, and etiquette.
Let’s dive into the top 15 frequently asked questions that will help you make the most of your nail salon experience.
1. What Type of Nail Glue Do Professional Salons Use?
Professional nail salons typically use industrial-strength cyanoacrylate adhesives specifically formulated for nail applications. These professional-grade adhesives are different from regular retail nail glues because they:
- Provide stronger bonding capabilities
- Dry faster (usually within seconds)
- Last longer (up to 2-3 weeks)
- Are FDA-approved for cosmetic use
- Come in various viscosities for different applications
Popular brands used in professional settings include:
- IBD Brush-On Nail Glue
- Young Nails Professional Nail Glue
- NSI Nail Glue
- LashGrip Professional Adhesive
2. Will Nail Salons Work on Nails with Fungus?
While some salons might agree to work on nails with fungus if you tell them in advance, most professional salons will politely decline. This isn’t just about following rules – fungal infections are contagious and can spread to other clients through tools and equipment.
The safest approach is to see a doctor first, get proper treatment, and wait until your infection clears before getting nail services. This protects both you and other clients, and ensures you’ll get the best results from your nail service once your nails are healthy again.
How about getting other salon services that don’t involve the infected nail while you’re undergoing treatment? Once your doctor gives you the all-clear, you can safely go back to enjoying your regular nail care routine.
3. Can You Bring Your Own Nail Polish to the Salon?
Yes, most nail salons allow clients to bring their own nail polish. However, there are some important considerations:
Pros of bringing your own polish:
- You get exactly the color you want
- You can touch up your manicure at home
- Ideal for those with specific brand preferences
- Good for people with allergies to certain formulations
Things to keep in mind:
- Make sure the polish isn’t too old or thick
- The salon might charge the same price despite using your polish
- Some salons may not allow it for hygiene reasons
- Always ask ahead when booking your appointment
4. Do Nail Salons Remove Ingrown Toenails?
No, nail salons cannot and should not remove ingrown toenails. Think of it like this: just as you’d see a doctor to remove a deep splinter, you need medical care for an ingrown toenail. While nail technicians can spot the problem and trim your nails to prevent future issues, they aren’t licensed to perform any medical procedures.
If you notice pain, redness, or swelling around your nail, skip the salon and see a podiatrist (foot doctor) instead. They have the right training and tools to fix the problem safely. In the meantime, nail salons can help prevent future ingrown toenails by cutting your nails straight across and not too short.
Remember, trying to fix an ingrown toenail yourself or at a salon can lead to infections and bigger problems. It’s worth seeing a medical professional to get proper treatment.
5. Can a Nail Salon Fix a Broken Natural Nail?
Yes! If you’ve broken a nail, don’t worry – your nail salon can definitely help fix it. Breaking a nail can be frustrating, but nail technicians have several tricks up their sleeves to repair it.
The most common fix is using a silk or fiberglass wrap, which works like a tiny bandage for your nail. Your technician will apply a thin piece of silk or fiberglass material over the break and seal it with special nail glue and resin. Another popular option is applying a small acrylic overlay or UV gel patch, which acts like a protective shield over the broken area.
Which method works best depends on your nail’s condition – where the break is, how bad it is, and what you usually like to do with your nails. For example, if you’re someone who likes to keep your nails natural, a silk wrap might be your best bet. But if you often get gel manicures, a UV gel patch could be more suitable.
Best of all, these fixes can help your natural nail grow out without further damage, and most repairs can last until the broken part grows out completely.
6. What Payment Methods Do Nail Salons Accept?
Most modern nail salons offer various payment options:
Common payment methods:
- Cash
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- Mobile payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay)
- Digital wallets
- Gift cards
Important payment considerations:
- Some salons may have card minimums
- Cash tips are often preferred
- Check if there are any card processing fees
- Ask about payment methods when booking
7. How Often Should I Get a Professional Manicure?
The timing of your next manicure really depends on what type of service you get and your personal lifestyle.
- For classic regular polish, you’ll probably want to visit every 1-2 weeks since regular polish can chip and fade faster.
- If you’re a gel manicure fan, you can stretch it to 2-3 weeks before you start seeing noticeable nail growth at the base.
- For those who love acrylics, plan on getting fill-ins every 2-3 weeks to keep them looking fresh, though you’ll need a completely new set about every 6-8 weeks.
Your natural nail growth and daily activities play a big role too – if you work with your hands a lot or do lots of dishes without gloves, you might need more frequent visits.
Keep in mind that your budget and schedule matter too. While it’s ideal to maintain a regular schedule, you can adjust the timing to what works best for you. Just try not to wait too long between appointments, especially with enhancements like acrylics, as this could lead to lifting or damage.
Quick tip: If you notice any lifting, peeling, or damage before your next scheduled appointment, it’s best to get it checked out right away rather than waiting.
8. Is It Safe to Get Nail Services During Pregnancy?
Yes, you can safely enjoy nail services while pregnant, but it’s important to be a bit more careful.
- The main thing is choosing a well-ventilated salon – you want plenty of fresh air circulating to avoid breathing in too many chemical fumes. Try visiting during quieter hours when there are fewer people and fewer services happening at once.
- If you’re concerned about chemicals, consider using your own pregnancy-safe nail polishes or asking for non-toxic options. Many salons now offer “3-free” or “5-free” polishes that don’t contain harsh chemicals. During your first trimester, it’s best to skip artificial nails or strong chemical treatments just to be extra safe.
- Also, let your nail technician know you’re pregnant so they can avoid certain massage pressure points on your hands and feet. A gentle massage is fine, but deep pressure in certain areas should be avoided during pregnancy.
Remember, a relaxing manicure or pedicure can be a great way to pamper yourself during pregnancy – just take these simple precautions to keep you and your baby safe.
9. How Long Does a Full Set of Acrylics Last?
A full set of acrylic nails can last around 6-8 weeks, but you’ll need fill-ins every 2-3 weeks to keep them looking fresh.
Think of fill-ins like maintenance – they help cover the gap of new nail growth and keep your acrylics strong. How long they last really depends on how well you take care of them and your daily activities. If you’re gentle with your hands and maintain them properly, they could last even longer.
10. Should I Cut My Nails Before a Manicure?
No need to cut your nails before visiting the salon! It’s better to let the professionals handle this part.
They have the right tools and expertise to shape your nails evenly and prepare them properly for your service. Just come with clean nails and maybe remove old polish if you want to save time. The most helpful thing you can do is know what length and shape you’d like.
11. How Long Should I Wait Between Gel Manicures?
Your nails need breathing room between gel manicures. A good rule of thumb is to wait 1-2 weeks between applications.
If you notice your nails becoming thin, peeling, or extra sensitive, that’s your sign to take a longer break. Try switching to regular polish occasionally to give your nails some recovery time.
12. What’s the Difference Between Basic and Spa Manicures?
Think of a basic manicure as your everyday nail care – it’s like getting a quick refresh for your hands. During a basic manicure, your nail tech will shape your nails, clean up your cuticles, give you a short relaxing hand massage, and finish with the polish color of your choice. This service usually takes about 30-45 minutes and is perfect for regular maintenance or when you’re short on time.
A spa manicure, on the other hand, is your ticket to total hand pampering – like upgrading from coach to first class! Along with everything in a basic manicure, you’ll enjoy luxurious extras that make it special. Your hands might be treated to a gentle exfoliating scrub to remove dead skin, followed by a hydrating mask that makes them super soft. Many salons include a longer, more detailed massage that helps with circulation and relaxation. You might even get a warm paraffin wax treatment, which is great for dry hands and achy joints. Some places add hot towel wraps or special serums too.
Price-wise, expect to pay about $10-20 more for a spa manicure, but the extra relaxation time (usually 60-75 minutes) and added benefits for your skin make it worth trying, especially during dry winter months or for special occasions.
Quick tip: If your hands are particularly dry or you’ve been working them hard, treating yourself to a spa manicure every few visits can help maintain healthier skin and nails in the long run.
13. How Do I Prepare for a Nail Salon Visit?
Keep it simple: arrive with clean hands and feet, and don’t shave your legs right before a pedicure (it can lead to irritation).
Skip lotions that day, and know what service you want – bringing pictures helps! Avoid rushing or bringing small children if possible – this is your time to relax.
14. Are Nail Salon Tools Sanitary?
A good salon takes cleanliness seriously. Look for sealed tool packages, UV sterilizers, and clean workstations. Everything should either be sterilized in an autoclave (like a medical office) or disposed of after one use.
Don’t be shy about asking about their cleaning procedures – quality salons are proud to show their sanitation practices.
15. What Should I Do If I’m Not Happy with My Service?
Speak up politely while you’re still in the chair! Most problems can be fixed right away if you let your technician know.
Show them exactly what concerns you, and they should be happy to adjust it. If you notice issues later, return within 24-48 hours – most salons will fix recent work for free. Remember, good communication helps get you the results you want.
Lost for words at the nail salon? Check out how to communicate clearly with your nail tech here.