If you’ve been thinking about booking a Brazilian waxing appointment but aren’t quite sure what to expect, you’re in good company. It’s one of the most-asked-about services at Newport Nails, and first-time clients almost always have the same questions. Here are honest, straightforward answers to the ones we hear most often, so you can walk in feeling prepared and walk out feeling great.

What Exactly Is a Brazilian Wax?

A Brazilian wax removes hair from the entire bikini area, including the front, sides, and back. Unlike a standard bikini wax, which only cleans up the edges along the bikini line, a Brazilian takes everything off (or leaves a small strip if you prefer). You can always communicate your preference to your esthetician before the service begins.

 

How Long Does My Hair Need to Be?

This is one of the most common prep questions. Your hair needs to be at least ¼ inch long, or roughly the length of a grain of rice, for the wax to grip properly. If you’ve been shaving, plan to stop about two to three weeks before your appointment to let enough growth come in. Going in with hair that’s too short often means uneven results or extra passes that can irritate the skin.

Does a Brazilian Wax Hurt?

We won’t tell you it’s painless, but we will tell you it’s much more manageable than most first-timers expect, and it gets noticeably easier with each appointment. Since Brazilian waxing removes hair from the root, there is a brief moment of discomfort with each pull. However, the whole process moves quickly, and experienced estheticians work efficiently to minimize the number of passes needed.

A few things that help are avoiding caffeine on the day of your appointment, taking an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen about 30 minutes beforehand, and trying not to schedule your appointment right before or during your menstrual cycle, when skin tends to be more sensitive. Most clients find that by their second or third appointment, the discomfort is minimal.

What Should I Do To Prepare?

Clean, dry skin makes a difference. Shower before your appointment, but skip any heavy lotions or oils near the waxing area, as these can prevent the wax from adhering properly. Avoid exfoliating within 48 hours of your appointment to prevent extra sensitivity.

Wear comfortable, loose-fitting underwear or bottoms to your appointment. Tight clothing right after a Brazilian can cause irritation, so the looser the better for the rest of the day.

What Happens Right After the Appointment?

You can expect some mild redness and sensitivity in the hours immediately following your Brazilian waxing service. This is completely normal and typically fades within a few hours. For the first 24 to 48 hours after your appointment, avoid hot showers, saunas, pools, direct sun exposure on the area, and tight clothing. Skip scented products near the treated skin for at least a day as well.

Starting a gentle exfoliation routine a few days after your appointment, and keeping it up two to three times a week between waxes, helps prevent ingrown hairs, which are the most common aftercare concern for new clients.

How Often Should I Come Back?

Most clients come in every four to six weeks for maintenance. With regular appointments, your hair tends to grow back finer and sparser over time, making each session a little easier than the last. Many of our clients who started with Brazilian waxing have since added eyebrow waxing, leg waxing, or arm waxing to their routine visits. Once you experience the results of professional waxing, it’s hard to go back.

At Newport Nails, our estheticians are experienced, professional, and focused on making your first Brazilian wax a comfortable experience. We’ll answer any questions before we begin and walk you through aftercare before you leave. To book your appointment, contact us online or visit us at The Landing or one of our other convenient Newport Beach locations today.

There’s a reason lash extensions have taken over every beauty conversation. The results speak for themselves. There’s no mascara, no curler, and no struggling to get your liner straight while one eye is still half-asleep. Instead, you just enjoy full, defined lashes from the moment you open your eyes. If you’ve been thinking about trying lash extensions, here’s everything you need to know before you book your first appointment.

What Are Eyelash Extensions?

Eyelash extensions are individual synthetic fibers that are bonded one by one to your natural lashes using a semi-permanent adhesive. The result is fuller, longer lashes that look and move naturally without mascara, an eyelash curler, or any morning effort required.

Unlike strip lashes, which sit on the eyelid and are removed at the end of the day, lash extensions are attached directly to your natural lashes and last for weeks. They come in a range of lengths, curls, and thicknesses, which means the look can be tailored entirely to your preference, from a soft, barely-there enhancement to a full, dramatic effect.

 

What Happens During the Appointment?

The application process is more relaxing than most people expect. You’ll lie back with your eyes closed for the duration of the appointment while your technician works through each lash individually. A gentle under-eye pad is placed beneath your lower lashes to protect them during the process, and most clients find the experience so comfortable that they fall asleep.

A full set typically takes between one and two hours, depending on the style and the number of lashes being applied. Careful, methodical application is what separates a set that looks seamless and lasts well from one that doesn’t, so precision and attention to detail are critical. Choosing an experienced technician at a reputable nail salon and spa makes all the difference.

How Long Do Lash Extensions Last?

Eyelash extensions shed naturally along with your natural lash cycle, which means you’ll gradually notice them thinning over three to four weeks. Most clients come in for a fill every two to three weeks to replace the lashes that have shed and keep the set looking full and fresh.

How long your extensions last between fills depends on a few factors, including how carefully you follow aftercare instructions, how oily your skin tends to be, and how active your lifestyle is. Clients who are consistent with aftercare generally get more mileage out of each set.

What To Do Before Your Appointment

A little preparation goes a long way toward a better result and a longer-lasting set.

Arrive with clean, makeup-free eyes. Remove any eye makeup, mascara, and eye cream before your appointment, as residue on the lashes can interfere with the adhesive bond. If you wear contact lenses, remove them beforehand and bring your glasses to wear home.

Avoid caffeine if you can. This might sound like an unusual tip, but caffeine can cause subtle eye fluttering that makes the technician’s work more difficult. A calm, relaxed eye during application leads to better placement and a cleaner result.

Skip the eye cream and facial oils the day of your appointment. Oily residue around the eye area weakens the adhesive, so keeping the area clean and product-free before you come in helps the extensions bond properly from the start.

How To Care for Your Extensions

The first 24 to 48 hours after your appointment are the most critical. During this window, keep your lashes dry and avoid steam, saunas, swimming, and anything that creates significant heat or humidity around the eye area. This gives the adhesive time to fully cure and set.

After that initial period, the most important aftercare habits are gentle cleansing and avoiding oil-based products around the eyes. Oil breaks down the adhesive over time, so switching to an oil-free makeup remover and avoiding heavy eye creams near the lash line will significantly extend the life of your set. Brush your lashes gently with a clean spoolie each morning to keep them looking neat, and resist the urge to rub your eyes or pull at the extensions. This is the fastest way to shorten their lifespan and potentially damage your natural lashes.

Book Your First Set at Newport Nails

If you’ve been curious about lash extensions, there’s no better place to experience them for the first time than with the trained technicians at Newport Nails. Our nail salons in Newport Beach offer lash extension services across four convenient locations, including Newport Hills, with a team dedicated to making sure you love your results. Contact us or stop by to book your appointment today.

One of the most common questions clients ask after their first spa facial treatment is how long until they should book their next appointment. Unlike a gel manicure with a clear two-to-three-week refresh timeline, facial frequency depends on multiple factors, including skin type, specific concerns, age, and budget. Here’s how to determine the right schedule for maintaining healthy, glowing skin.

The Standard Recommendation: Monthly Facials

Most skincare professionals recommend a facial treatment every four to six weeks. This timing aligns with the skin’s natural cell turnover cycle, which takes approximately 28 days in younger skin and slows to 40-60 days as skin ages. Regular monthly facials support this renewal process by removing dead cells, clearing congested pores, and delivering targeted treatments that home skincare routines can’t replicate.

 

Adjusting Frequency for Specific Skin Concerns

While monthly appointments work well for maintenance, certain skin conditions benefit from more frequent professional attention, at least initially.

Acne-prone skin often responds well to bi-weekly facials during active breakout periods. Professional extractions, chemical peels, and targeted treatments can accelerate clearing while preventing scarring. Once the skin stabilizes, spacing appointments to monthly or every six weeks maintains results.

Hyperpigmentation and sun damage may require a series of more frequent treatments, sometimes weekly or bi-weekly, particularly when using stronger chemical peels or advanced treatments. After the initial intensive phase, maintenance facials every 4-6 weeks preserve progress.

Aging skin benefits from consistent monthly treatments that deliver hydration, stimulate collagen production, and address fine lines before they deepen. Some anti-aging protocols may involve more frequent visits during specific treatment series, followed by regular monthly maintenance.

Sensitive or reactive skin may need gentler facials spaced 6-8 weeks apart to avoid overstimulation. The key is finding treatments that support the skin barrier without triggering inflammation.

Signs You’re Overdue for a Facial

Several indicators suggest it’s time to schedule a spa facial treatment, even if it hasn’t been a full month since the last appointment:

• Dull, lackluster complexion despite regular home care.
• Increased breakouts or congestion.
• Rough texture that exfoliation at home isn’t improving.
• Dry, flaky patches that moisturizers aren’t resolving.
• Visible blackheads or clogged pores.

If you notice any of these persistent problems, book your next spa facial treatment as soon as desired.

Building Your Complete Beauty Routine

Many Newport Nails clients combine facial treatments with other regular beauty servicesfor a full day of self-care and pampering. Just as lash extensions require touch-ups every 2-3 weeks and eyebrow waxing needs attention every 3-4 weeks, facials fit into a broader maintenance schedule that keeps every aspect of your look fresh.

The advantage of working with a full-service salon is the ability to coordinate multiple appointments efficiently. A monthly visit can combine a facial with a fresh gel manicure or eyebrow waxing appointment, maximizing both time and results.

Schedule Your Next Facial at Newport Nails

Newport Nails offers customized facial treatments designed for individual skin types and concerns at all four of our Newport Beach locations. Our experienced estheticians work with you to develop a treatment schedule that delivers optimal results within your personal budget and timeline. To book your next facial or discuss a personalized skincare plan, contact us today and schedule your consultation at Bayside or any of our convenient Newport Beach locations.

If you’ve been considering lash extensions but feel uncertain about what the process actually involves, you’re not alone. First-time clients often arrive with questions about how long the appointment takes, whether the application feels uncomfortable, how the extensions will look, and what maintenance they’ll require. Understanding what happens during your first eyelash extension appointment helps you prepare, feel comfortable, and know what to expect from start to finish. Here’s exactly what happens during your first lash extensions appointment and what you should know before you arrive.

Before You Arrive: Preparation Makes a Difference

Your appointment will go more smoothly if you arrive with clean lashes free of makeup, mascara, and oils. If you wear eye makeup daily, plan to remove it thoroughly before your appointment, as residual mascara or eyeliner interferes with adhesive bonding and can compromise how long your extensions last.

Contact lens wearers should remove lenses before the appointment and bring glasses to wear afterward. Your eyes remain closed throughout the application process, and wearing contacts during this time can cause discomfort. You’ll also want to avoid wearing contacts for several hours after application while the adhesive fully cures.

Come prepared to relax for 90 minutes to two hours. First appointments typically take longer than fills because we’re starting from scratch and taking time to discuss your desired look, assess your natural lashes, and ensure you’re comfortable with the process. Rushing through the application compromises quality, so we schedule adequate time to do the work properly.

 

Consultation: Choosing Your Look

Your appointment begins with a consultation about the look you want to achieve. Eyelash extensions come in various lengths, curls, and thicknesses, and the combinations create dramatically different effects. Some clients want natural enhancement that simply makes their lashes look fuller and longer without appearing obviously artificial. Others prefer dramatic volume with significant length and curl that creates a bold, glamorous impact.

We’ll discuss your natural lash condition. Length, thickness, and density all affect what’s achievable and what will look proportional to your eyes. Realistic expectations matter here. If you have naturally short, sparse lashes, we’ll explain what’s possible while ensuring extensions remain comfortable and don’t damage your natural lashes.

The consultation also covers lifestyle considerations. If you swim frequently, work in high-heat environments, or have specific maintenance concerns, we factor these into our recommendations. Different adhesives, extension styles, and application techniques suit different lifestyles.

The Application Process: What It Feels Like

Once we’ve established your desired look, you’ll recline in a comfortable treatment chair, similar to what you’d experience during a spa facial treatment. We position gel pads under your lower lashes to protect your skin and provide a clean working surface.

Your eyes remain closed throughout the application. Most clients find the process deeply relaxing; in fact, many fall asleep during appointments. You shouldn’t feel pain, though you might experience slight sensations as we isolate individual natural lashes and attach extensions. If you feel any discomfort, let us know immediately so we can adjust.

The application involves isolating individual natural lashes using precision tweezers, dipping extension lashes in medical-grade adhesive, and carefully attaching each extension to a natural lash slightly above the lash line. We never attach extensions directly to the skin. Each eye typically receives 60 to 120 individual extensions, depending on your natural lash density and the fullness you’re seeking.

The process requires concentration and precision, which is why appointments take significant time. We’re working millimeters from your eyes with tiny lashes and strong adhesive, so rushing compromises both safety and results.

Immediately After: The First Few Hours Matter

When the application is complete, we’ll provide a mirror so you can see the results before you leave. Your lashes will look fuller, longer, and more defined immediately, though the full effect becomes even more apparent once any slight redness around your eyes subsides within a few hours.

The first 24 to 48 hours after application are critical for proper bonding. During this time, avoid getting your lashes wet — no showers directly on your face, swimming, or steam rooms. Oil-based products anywhere near your eyes can break down the adhesive, so skip your regular eye makeup remover and facial oils until you can switch to lash-safe alternatives.

You might experience slight sensitivity or feel more aware of your lashes initially. This is normal and typically subsides within a day as you adjust to having extensions. Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes, which can dislodge extensions before they’ve fully bonded.

Ongoing Care and Maintenance

Proper maintenance determines how long your lash extensions last and how good they continue to look. Daily gentle cleansing with lash-safe cleanser removes oils and debris that can weaken adhesive bonds. Brushing lashes with a clean spoolie keeps them organized and prevents tangling.

Most clients return for fills every two to three weeks as natural lashes shed and take extensions with them. Regular fills maintain fullness and keep your lashes looking fresh, rather than waiting until they’re sparse and requiring a complete new set.

Starting Your Lash Journey

First-time eyelash extensions appointments set the foundation for long-term lash success. At Newport Nails, our lash specialists ensure your first experience is comfortable, educational, and delivers results that make you excited to maintain your extensions long-term. We take time to answer questions, explain aftercare thoroughly, and create a customized look that enhances your natural beauty. Schedule your first appointment at Westcliff Plaza or one of our other convenient Newport Beach locations to discover how lash extensions can simplify your beauty routine while making you feel effortlessly put-together every day.

Permanent makeup has transformed how people approach their daily beauty routines, offering a long-lasting solution for those tired of applying makeup every morning. Whether you’re considering enhancing your eyebrows, defining your eyes, or perfecting your lips, understanding what to expect helps ensure you’re fully prepared. Here’s everything you need to know before your first permanent makeup appointment.

Understanding What Permanent Makeup Actually Is

Permanent makeup, also known as micropigmentation or cosmetic tattooing, involves implanting pigment into the skin’s dermal layer to create the appearance of makeup. Unlike traditional tattoos, permanent makeup sits in the upper skin layers, which is why it fades over time rather than lasting forever. These enhancements typically last between one and three years before requiring touch-ups.

The pigments are specially formulated for facial application and can be custom-mixed to match your natural coloring perfectly. Your technician selects shades that complement your skin tone, hair color, and desired look.

Popular Permanent Makeup Options

Before your appointment, decide which areas you want enhanced. Permanent eyebrows remain the most popular choice, perfect for those with sparse or asymmetrical brows. The technician creates hair-like strokes or soft shading that mimics natural brow hair.

Permanent eyeliner is ideal if you struggle with applying liner or have allergies to traditional eye makeup. The pigment is applied along the lash line, creating definition that makes your lashes appear fuller. You can choose from subtle lash line enhancement to more dramatic styles.

Permanent lip liner defines and enhances your natural lip shape, correcting asymmetry and creating fuller-looking lips. Some clients opt for full lip color, though lip liner alone provides beautiful definition without constant reapplication.

Preparing for Your Appointment

Proper preparation significantly impacts your results and comfort. Avoid blood-thinning medications and supplements like aspirin, ibuprofen, vitamin E, and fish oil for at least a week before your appointment, as these can increase bleeding and affect pigment retention.

Skip alcohol and caffeine for 24 hours beforehand. Both thin your blood and increase sensitivity. If you’re getting eyeliner or eyebrow work, avoid lash extensions or brow tinting for two weeks prior. For lip procedures, stay away from fillers or treatments for at least two weeks.

Come with a clean face that’s free of makeup, at least in the treatment area. For eyebrows, don’t pluck, wax, or thread for a week before, as your technician needs to see your natural brow pattern.

What Happens During Your Consultation

Your first visit should begin with a thorough consultation where you discuss your goals, concerns, and desired outcome. Your technician will assess your natural features, discuss realistic expectations, and explain the entire process.

You’ll choose your color and design during the consultation. Your technician will map out the shape directly on your skin using a removable pencil, allowing you to see the final result before any pigment is applied. This is the time to make changes — better now than after the fact.

Ask questions about your technician’s training, certification, and experience. View before-and-after photos of their work, and make sure you feel completely comfortable before proceeding.

Understanding the Recovery Process

The healing process is crucial to your final results. Immediately after your appointment, the treated area will appear darker and more intense than the final result. This is normal, and the color will soften significantly over the next few weeks as your skin heals.

Most procedures involve minimal discomfort, with topical numbing cream applied throughout. You might experience slight swelling, tenderness, or redness for a few days. The treated area will go through a scabbing or flaking phase, so make sure to resist picking at it, as this can affect how the pigment sets.

Permanent Makeup Services in Newport Beach

Permanent makeup offers incredible convenience and can significantly boost your confidence by enhancing your natural features. However, it’s a commitment that requires careful consideration and proper research. Choose an experienced, certified technician who understands facial anatomy and has a proven track record of beautiful, natural-looking results.

Newport Nails offers professional permanent makeup services, including eyebrows, permanent eyeliner, and permanent lip liner in a comfortable, welcoming environment. Our experienced technicians take the time to understand your vision and create results you’ll love. Contact us today to schedule your consultation at The Landing or any of our convenient Newport Beach locations.