Hi and welcome to Little Luxuries! Here are some answers to many commonly asked questions anyone may have when wanting to get their nails done. We hope and recommend that after reading through this you will have a better idea of what services you would like to book in the future! 🙂

SERVICES & BOOKING:

1.💎What is the difference between a manicure and a full set?

A manicure is a nail service done on your NATURAL NAILS.  Your cuticles are gently pushed back, the skin is trimmed if needed, then the nails are buffed smooth prior to regular or gel polish application.  A full set is an artificial nail enhancement that is done using artificial nail tips to extend the length of your nails.  Once the tips have been properly filed and shaped and the nail bed is prepped.  They are filled with either acrylic or hard gel over top to create strength and durability.

2.💎What services do you recommend for people who have short nail beds from biting/picking at their nails?

If you have short nail beds from either biting them or picking at them, we recommend starting out with either a structure gel manicure or a short acrylic full set.  Structure gel is layered on the natural nails thicker to create durability and strength.  The same goes for acrylic, when applied correctly short acrylic nails are too hard to bite through and would also make it harder for anyone to pick at them.

3.💎I don’t really get my nails done often, what would you recommend I get for my first time?

If you’ve never gotten your nails done, we would recommend starting off with a gel manicure first and if you were wanting your nails to be more durable and less flimsy, you could also try structure gel and work your way up towards an acrylic or hard gel full set in the future.

4.💎What is the difference between Gel-X, and an Acrylic/Hard Gel full set?

Gel-Extensions, also known as “Gel-X” are pre-shaped, full cover tips that are applied to your nail with a gel base, then polished like a normal full set.

Acrylic or Hard Gel Full Sets are artificial nail enhancements that are molded onto your nails using artificial nail tip extensions with either acrylic powder or hard/builder liquid gel.

5.💎How is Gel-X different from Acrylic? How Long Do they last? Can Gel-X be filled?

Gel-X are lightweight, thin, and flexible, unlike acrylic enhancements. They have a pre-made apex and are pre-shaped for quick application and consistency.  With proper care, Gel-X can last up to 3 weeks.  Gel-X can be filled up to one time, but it’s recommended to remove and re-apply a new set each time for the longest lasting results. 

6. 💎Do designs cost extra? How much are they and how long does it take?

Designs do cost extra depending on the intricacy of the design.  Pricing can be anywhere from $2.00 – $50+ per nail.  Rhinestones start at $0.50 each and specialty shapes are anywhere from $2-$10+ per stone.  Simple nail art like french or lines and dots would be around 15-20 minutes, for intricate nail art and rhinestone design placement the time takes anywhere between 30 min -1 hour or more. We always recommend clients to send us photos through email/DM.  This helps our front desk staff communicate better transparency on pricing and time estimates to ensure smooth booking sessions.

7.💎I have weak and thin nails, is there anything that you could recommend for me to get asides from acrylic or builder gel?

We recommend trying our structure gel manicures with the IBX nail treatment underneath.

8.💎What is IBX? How does it work? Can I get I get it done underneath artificial nails?

IBX is a professional natural nail treatment system that helps improve nail growth, strengthen the nail plate, and protect nails against gel polish damage.  IBX works in the upper layers of the nail plate, not on top of the nail plate like traditional nail enhancement products.  It is usually applied onto your nails before regular or gel polish application.  You wouldn’t see results right away but gradually over time. Our recommendation is to get IBX up to 3-6 sessions for the best results. You can get it done underneath artificial nails if you wanted to.  For IBX, instead of simply sitting on the surface of the nail like the other treatments, it’s designed to actually sink into the nail and cure under the nail’s surface as well. Since it’s below the surface of the nail, it can lasts between polish or gel removals or artificial nails.

9.💎What is a dry manicure?

A dry manicure is a natural nail service that is performed on the hands without excessive soaking of the fingers in a water bowl.  It is mainly done using a gentle cuticle softener liquid, cuticle diamond bits, cuticle nippers and buffing bits.

10.💎Can our salon treat ingrown toenails?

No, unfortunately nail technicians are not certified to treat or cut ingrown toenails.  We recommend seeing a medical professional such as a podiatrist to get ingrown toenails removed or treated.

11.💎 Do you offer manicure and pedicure services for men too?

Of course! We welcome everyone to our salon and do not discriminate anyone based on national origin, race, color, religion, disability, sex or familial status.

12.💎How do we book appointments for parties? 

It’s recommended that you call us to ensure thorough consultation and guarantees the appropriate amount of time that needs to be blocked for appointments.

13.💎Do you provide artificial nail services on children?

No, it is not recommended to do artificial nails on small children because their nail beds are delicate and would not be able withstand the abrasion from the process.

PRODUCTS:

1.💎What is the difference between structure gel and gel polish?

Structure gel is a thicker viscosity gel designed to improve damaged or fragile, delicate natural nails prior to color gel polish application.  If you have thin or brittle nails, structure will create thickness and strength to your nails opposed to regular gel polish.  Gel polish is thinner in consistency and bends with your natural nails when applied.

2.💎 What is the difference between structure gel and hard/builder liquid gel?

Structure gel is a soft gel meant for natural nails.  It can be soaked off using acetone and cotton or a gel remover.

Hard gel or builder gel is thicker gel that is meant for artificial nail enhancements.  It cannot be soaked off with acetone and must be gently drilled down to a thin layer for removal.  Our What the Gel Rapid Gel Remover does work on all artificial nail enhancements and can break down hard gel to be removed.

3.💎 Is dip powder the same as acrylic?

Essentially yes, dip and acrylic are the same product. However, it’s the process of how they are applied that makes them different.  Dip is the literal process of dipping your fingers into a jar of dip/acrylic powder after there has been a “gel base” or nail glue brushed onto your nail plate.  Once done, an activator liquid is brushed on to harden the dip prior to filing and top coating the nails.  Acrylic is on a full set, made up of polymer powder mixed with monomer liquid. It is then traditionally applied as an overlay using a kolinsky brush all over the nail.  Acrylic self levels and sets through classic air drying.

4.💎What is the difference between MMA and EMA? Do we use MMA in our salon?

Methyl Methacrylate (MMA) is an ingredient that was commonly used in early “acrylic” nail services. In the early 1970’s, the FDA received numerous complaints of personal injuries associated with the use of acrylic monomer formulated with MMA. The reports included serious nail damage or loss, contact dermatitis, soreness and infection due to breaks caused by the rigidly adhered MMA acrylic. By the end of the 1970’s, the FDA had taken action against several manufacturers that marketed MMA liquid monomers. Because it still is the cheaper alternative, some salons still use MMA products.  At Little Luxuries Nails our products are MMA Free and have EMA or Ethyl Methacrylate- which has been declared safe & approved for use in the beauty industry.

5.💎What is in our cuticle oil and why do we recommend it all the time?

• Cruelty free, vegan and 100% organic.  
• Made up of jojoba oil and Vitamin E and Vitamin B.
• Has anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-bacterial benefits.
• Non-comedogenic meaning their cellular makeup is similar to that of the skins’ natural sebum. 
• Helps the body recognize there is moisture on the surface of the skin so pores are less likely to get clogged preventing breakouts.
• Regulates your body from producing excess sebum.
• Alleviates skin irritation and helps with skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. 
• Helps improve skin tone and promotes healthy skin.
• Prevents dryness of the skin around nails and splits in cuticles (hang nails).

MISCELLANEOUS

6.💎What COVID-19 Safety Protocols do you have in place? 

At Littles Luxuries Nails and Little Luxuries Nail Lounge, we prioritize the safety of all our clients and staff. We sanitize all implements and stations with hospital-grade sterilization in between each guest, our staff also have in PPE at all times and we have guests wash their hands prior to starting their services.