Q. Every time I have gotten my nails done, it hurt. Aren't they supposed to?
A. NO! When you receive a nail service, it is NOT supposed to hurt. If something hurts when you are getting your nails done, tell your technician immediately. (S)he should rectify the situation, not laugh it off.
Q. Acrylics destroy your nails, right?
A. They shouldn't. Wearers of MMA will very likely have destroyed nails when the MMA is removed, because of the harsh preparation of the natural nail needed to allow the MMA to adhere. EMA-based acrylic does not need deep etching to adhere to the natural nail. Your nails may be quite flexible when EMA is removed, due to increased moisture content, but this should clear up in a day or two.
Q. Why are you so expensive?
A. I'm not. I am in the average range for pricing when compared to other sanitary, EMA-using, licensed nail technicians. I am not counting discount salons in my comparison, as they are not my competition. They are significantly lower in price for reasons discussed on my MMA and Sanitation pages.
Q. What is a Pink and White Backfill?
A. When you have pink and white enhancements, every other appointment (usually) you should get a backfill. When your nails grow out, there will be an area to fill in the back, by the cuticle, just like on any other enhancements. However, on pink and white enhancements, there will also be noticeable growth where the white acrylic is laid. A backfill fills in both the pink area by the cuticle, and the white area at the free-edge of your nail. The picture on the left shows the two areas that are filled in during a backfill. The area of growth at the free edge is very noticeable. The picture to the right is an example of the completed backfill look.
Q. Do you do Solar Nails?
A. Well, let me define Solar Nails first by what they ACTUALLY are. SolarNail is a liquid and powder (acrylic monomer and polymer) product by Creative Nail Design (CND). It is actually fairly old, and CND has come out with many more advanced products since then. In this definition, NO, I do NOT do Solar Nails. In recent years, many discount salons have taken the term "Solar Nails" to mean simply "Pink and Whites". In this definition, yes, I do "Solar Nails", they just shouldn't be called that. They should be called "Pink and Whites" or "Permanent French" or some other, less confusing moniker. .
Q. I thought you did gels?
A. I did. I no longer do gels (as a lengthening/enhancement service. I do offer soak-off gel polish... this is a different service, described below). I personally specialize in acrylic nail enhancements, and I like to hone my craft to perfection in one area. I did not like the way gels held up on my clients, and prefer to have clients that are happy with their results.
Important note to those who think they have gels currently: You may or may not actually have gel enhancements. MANY discount salons in the Denver area (and around the country from what I have heard from fellow nail technicians) are doing regular liquid and powder enhancements, applying a gel TOP COAT, and then stating that they are gels! DO NOT BE FOOLED! MOST gels are a product that has a honey-like consistency, applied to the nails and then cured under an ultraviolet light between applications. They also should be odorless. If the person doing your nails dips their brush in a liquid, and then a powder, applies this to your nails and it hardens naturally, more likely than not they are NOT DOING GELS.
Q. Do you offer Shellac? ...also... What's this "soak-off gel polish" stuff you're talking about?
A. I do offer Shellac at Endless Ink Tattoo & Spa. I also have experience using eco nail systems' (by Star Nail International) So Quick UV Soak Off Gel, and Gelish. These products are applied thin like polish, and cured in an ultraviolet lamp. You leave the salon with TOTALLY dry nails. No more smudging while putting on your seat belt! Come back in two weeks with nails that look almost the same as when you left... except longer! This service is also great for toenails.
Q. What are the pros and cons of the soak-off gel polish?
A. There are so many pros, and not too many cons, of the soak-off gel polish service! First and foremost, chipping is virtually eliminated! When I do my own nails with regular polish, I chip within a day. Most clients can go a little longer than that, depending on their lifestyle, but not much. With the SOG polish, I can go over TWO WEEKS without chipping. My nails have grown longer than they have ever been naturally because it acts like a light, protective coating. Also, the color is completely dry when you leave the salon. Completely, like dig in your purse or pockets and fasten your seatbelt without worry, dry. This makes it also great for pedicures in the winter... you can put your boots right back on! As for cons... well, there is the fact that you have to soak the color off in order to change the color. However, it is only a 5-10 minute process, and can be done at home (with some instruction) for those who wish to do it themselves before they come in. The SOG polish should NOT ruin your natural nails! Only a very light buff is needed at application time, NOT heavy filing!
More questions soon!
Amy Lunde-Provines - NailzByAmy - Phone: 303-246-1367