If you’re looking for nail extensions that will give you a flawless, long-lasting look, acrylic nails are a popular choice. This durable manicure style is one of the most common and classic requests at any nail salon in Newport Beach, but for those who may not have tried it before, there can be a lot of questions surrounding the process. Before your next nail salon appointment, here’s everything you need to know about getting acrylic nails.

What Are Acrylic Nails?

Acrylic nails are a type of fake nail created by mixing acrylic powder with a liquid monomer. This mixture forms a durable, plastic-like coating that hardens with exposure to air. The acrylic solution is applied over your natural nails to create a strong nail extension that can be shaped, filed, and customized to your preferred length and style.

What Are the Benefits of Acrylic Nails?

Acrylic nails offer numerous benefits that have made them a nail salon staple for more than 70 years. Firstly, they provide immediate length and strength to your natural nails. If you have brittle nails that break easily, acrylics offer an easy solution. Their durability is unmatched, making them ideal for people with active lifestyles or who work with their hands. If properly looked after, acrylic nails can last up to 3 weeks before requiring a fill.

Another benefit of acrylics is that they don’t require UV light to cure. Although they offer the same strength and durability as other nail extensions like Gel X and dip powder, they achieve this durability without potentially damaging UV exposure. This makes them a preferred choice for people with sensitive or damaged skin.

What Is the Process of Getting Acrylic Nails?

A typical acrylic nail appointment takes approximately 60-90 minutes, depending on your chosen design. The appointment begins with thorough nail preparation. Our technicians will push back your cuticles, buff the nail surface, and moisturize the surrounding skin. 

Your technician will then add nail tips or nail forms to add length to your natural nail, if desired. This is by far the most popular form of acrylic nails, but you can also add acrylics onto your natural nails with no added extensions. 

Once nail tips are applied, your technician will use a sanding band to gently rough up the surface of the nail bed. This makes the nail bed more porous and ensures that the acrylic adheres properly. Then, a clear primer is applied, followed by the clear acrylic solution. Once the acrylic is fully dry and hardened, it is manually filed down to your preferred length and shape. Finally, your nail salon technician will apply your preferred polish and nail art design for a flawless finish.

How Do You Remove Acrylic Nails?

Professional removal is always the best and safest option for acrylic nails. If you’ve ever gotten any other kind of nail extension treatment, such as a gel manicure or Gel X nails, the removal process is extremely similar.

Your nail salon technician will file down the acrylic surface using the sanding band. Next, each nail is wrapped in an acetone-soaked cotton pad and covered with foil. After about 10-15 minutes of soaking, during which time the acetone gradually dissolves the acrylic, your technician will gently remove any remaining product with a wooden pusher. They’ll then apply a nourishing treatment to restore moisture to your natural nails.

Whether you’re looking to try something new or stick to your tried and true manicure style, Newport Nails has several customizable mani-pedi options that will suit anyone’s needs. We’ll help you sit back, relax, and achieve an Instagram-ready look, so contact us online or visit us at Newport Hills or one of our other convenient locations today and let us know how we can service your mani-pedi needs.

Filling in the eyebrows is a crucial step in most people’s makeup routine, whether it’s helping even out their shape or adding more dimension back to the face after applying concealing products. However, for those with sparse, uneven, or hard-to-maintain eyebrows, daily eyebrow pencil application can get tedious, and many people opt for permanent eyebrows to make their morning routines easier and their results more predictable. If you’re considering permanent eyebrows, also known as eyebrow microblading, here’s everything you need to know to feel confident before your appointment.

It’s Not the Same as Tattooing

Despite their name, permanent eyebrows are not fully permanent. Rather, they’re a semi-permanent makeup technique that lasts 1-3 years. It’s achieved by depositing pigment into the upper layers of the skin using tiny needles. While this technique is similar to tattooing, traditional tattoo needles penetrate much deeper into the skin, creating a permanent result. The tool used for permanent eyebrows creates much more superficial and precise strokes that replicate individual hairs. The pigments used are also specifically designed to match natural eyebrow hair colors.

There May Be Some Discomfort — But Not Much

We often get two types of clients during permanent eyebrow appointments: those who don’t expect any discomfort and those who are concerned about significant pain. The reality is that while the process isn’t entirely painless, most clients find the discomfort to be very minimal and easily manageable.

Before the procedure, a topical numbing cream is applied around the area to minimize discomfort. The sensation that you’ll experience is similar to a slight scratching or tingling feeling, which some people describe as similar to light papercuts. The entire process takes one to two hours, but your technician can take breaks throughout to ensure that you feel comfortable.

Your Skin Type Can Affect Results

It’s important to know beforehand that factors like skin texture, pore size, and oil production can affect the results of your permanent eyebrows. For example, oily skin tends to blur the pigment more quickly, resulting in less crisp, hair-like strokes than those with dry or normal skin. People with very oily skin may also require touch-ups more frequently. If you’re concerned about your skin’s oiliness and how that may affect results, your technician can provide personalized advice and give you an idea of what you will achieve with your unique skin type.

Proper Aftercare is Crucial

In addition to skin type, the results and longevity of your permanent eyebrows will depend on your willingness to follow proper aftercare instructions. Immediately after the process, your eyebrows will appear very dark and defined. Over the following week, they will go through a healing process where the color will soften and become more natural. Performing proper aftercare during this period is crucial for achieving optimal results.

Firstly, avoid getting the area wet for the first few days after your appointment. Stay out of direct sunlight, avoid strenuous activity that may cause sweating, and avoid applying any skincare or makeup products around your eyebrows. Your technician may recommend an ointment to assist healing; apply a thin layer as often as directed. After 4-6 weeks, you’ll likely revisit your technician so they can assess the results after healing and make any tweaks to perfect the shape and color.

Permanent eyebrows are a great option for those looking to enhance and define their natural features without the hassle of daily eyebrow pencil application. Whether you want to treat yourself to permanent eyebrows, eyeliner, lip liner, or eyelash extensions, your local nail salon in Newport Beach can provide permanent makeup solutions that make your daily beauty routine easier and leave you feeling more confident day-to-day. To learn more or book an appointment, contact Newport Nails online or visit us at Bayside or one of our other convenient locations today, and let us know how we can service your permanent makeup needs.

If you’re preparing for your first waxing appointment, you’re probably excited yet nervous. How badly will waxing hurt? Will it be awkward? How should you prepare?

Whether you’re considering leg waxing, eyebrow waxing, face waxing, or even Brazilian waxing, proper preparation can make all the difference in ensuring a smooth and less painful experience. If you’re not sure how to prepare for your first waxing appointment, here are some pointers.

Grow Your Hair Out

First and perhaps most importantly, you’ll need to grow your hair out before your waxing appointment. The length of your hair directly impacts how effective the waxing is. While some first-time clients may be embarrassed about their body hair or think they need to show up with less hair to make the job easier, the reality is that your hair should be ¼ to ½-inch long. This ensures that the wax can properly grip the hair shaft for effective removal.

Most nail salons recommend that you avoid shaving for at least two weeks prior to your appointment to give the hair time to grow out to the optimal length. If the hair is too short for the wax to properly grip, your waxing session can be less effective, longer, and more painful as it may take multiple attempts to get rid of all of the hair.

Exfoliate

In addition to letting your hair grow out for about two weeks, it’s important to exfoliate the area you plan to have waxed during that time. Gentle exfoliation removes dead skin cells, which can help prevent ingrown hairs and make the waxing more effective. It can also make the process less painful, as it prepares the skin to release hair more easily.

Exfoliate the area the day before your appointment using a mild scrub or exfoliating glove. Make sure not to overly exfoliate and potentially irritate the skin, however. Be extra gentle around sensitive areas, especially if you’re planning on Brazilian waxing. Make sure not to exfoliate on the day of your appointment, also, as this can make your skin more sensitive.

Moisturize

Moisturizing also plays an important role in pre-waxing preparation. Keeping your skin hydrated helps maintain its elasticity, which can make hair remover more gentle and less painful.

Make sure that you’re moisturizing regularly in the days or even weeks leading up to your appointment. However, avoid applying moisturizer on the day of your wax, as this can create a barrier between the wax and the hair, leading to less effective hair removal.

Shower

A shower is highly recommended right before heading to your waxing appointment. A warm shower will help soften the hair and open up the follicles, which can make the waxing process easier and less painful. Be sure to use warm water and not hot water, however, as overly hot water can make your skin more sensitive.

Clean skin also ensures that any excess oils and sweat are removed, allowing the wax to better adhere to the hair. Additionally, especially if you’re Brazilian waxing, a shower will ensure cleanliness and hygiene for your technician.

Take a Pain Reliever

Finally, if you’re particularly concerned about the pain level, consider taking a pain reliever about 30 minutes before your appointment. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can help reduce pain and decrease inflammation during and after your waxing session. While waxing pain is typically quick — and, if you follow the other steps above, minimal — a pain reliever can help ease the initial sting and ensure you have a more comfortable experience.

At Newport Nails, our estheticians are highly trained, experienced, and friendly. We always place your comfort at the forefront, ensuring you have a pleasant experience from the moment you walk in the door. Whether you’re preparing for a special occasion or simply want to look and feel your best, we’ll leave you feeling confident with our leg waxing, eyebrow waxing, face waxing, and Brazilian waxing services. To book an appointment, contact us online or visit us at Westcliff Plaza or one of our other convenient locations today, and let us know how we can service your waxing needs.

For those who are tired of constantly filling in their eyebrows, struggling with eyeliner, or reapplying lip liner throughout the day, permanent makeup has emerged as an ideal solution. Also known as micropigmentation, permanent makeup has become increasingly popular among both men and women as a way to enhance and define their natural features without the hassle of daily makeup application or upkeep. If you’re intrigued by permanent makeup, here’s everything you need to know.

Permanent Eyebrows

Eyebrows play a major role in framing our face, and they can greatly impact our overall appearance. However, very few people are blessed with perfectly shaped and symmetrical eyebrows. This is where permanent eyebrows come in. Using a technique similar to tattooing, permanent eyebrows are created by implanting pigments into the skin to mimic the look of real hair. This not only gives the appearance of fuller and more defined brows but also eliminates the need for daily eyebrow pencil application.

The process of getting permanent eyebrows starts with a consultation with a trained and experienced permanent makeup artist. During this appointment, the artist will assess your natural eyebrow shape, color, and any areas that may need additional definition. You’ll discuss your desired outcome, and the artist can provide recommendations based on your face shape and features. Once the consultation is complete, the artist will then draw a template of the desired eyebrow shape onto your skin. 

From there, they will use a handheld tool, similar to a tattoo gun, to implant the pigment into the skin. The process can take anywhere from 1-2 hours and may require a touch-up appointment after a few weeks to ensure the color and shape are fully set. It’s important to note that permanent eyebrows will appear darker and bolder immediately after the appointment, but they will fade to be more natural-looking within a few weeks. The longevity of permanent eyebrows varies from person to person but typically lasts 1-3 years before a touch-up is needed.

Permanent Eyeliner

Another popular form of permanent makeup is permanent eyeliner. This is a great option for those who struggle with applying eyeliner every day or have allergies to traditional makeup products. Similar to permanent eyebrows, the process involves implanting pigments into the skin along the lash line, giving the illusion of fuller and more defined eyelashes. 

Before the procedure, a consultation will be conducted to discuss your desired look and assess the eye shape and color. The artist will then use a handheld tool to carefully implant the pigments along the upper or lower lash line. The process can take 1-2 hours and may also require a touch-up appointment to perfect the color and shape. 

The results of permanent eyeliner can last 1-3 years before a touch-up is needed. It’s important to note that the color may appear darker and more intense immediately after the procedure, but it will fade to a more natural look within a few weeks.

Permanent Lip Liner

Creating the perfect lip shape and definition can be a daily struggle — especially maintaining it over the course of the day — but with permanent lip liner, you can wake up with perfectly outlined and colored lips every day. This procedure uses the same techniques as permanent eyebrows and eyeliner, implanting pigments into the lip area to enhance and define the natural shape.

Just as with permanent eyebrows and eyeliner, your technician will perform a consultation to ensure they understand your desired look. After mapping out where you want the added definition to be, they will implant the pigment over the course of 1-2 hours. Like other forms of permanent makeup, it will appear more natural after a few weeks and will need touching up after 1-3 years.

Eyelash Extensions

While not technically permanent makeup, eyelash extensions are a great semi-permanent way to enhance your natural lashes and eliminate the need for daily mascara or false eyelash application. This process involves adhering individual eyelashes to your natural lashes to create a fuller and more dramatic look.

Before the procedure, a consultation will be done to discuss the desired length, curl, and thickness of the lashes. The artist will then carefully apply the extensions to your natural lashes using a special adhesive. The process can take 1-2 hours and will require touch-up appointments every few weeks for maintenance. Unlike other forms of permanent makeup, eyelash extensions will eventually shed with your natural lashes and will need to be replaced every few weeks. However, they can provide an instant and dramatic result for those looking for a fuller and more defined lash look.

Permanent makeup is a great option for those looking to enhance and define their natural features without the hassle of daily makeup application. Whether it’s for eyebrows, eyeliner, lip liner, or eyelash extensions, your local nail salon in Newport Beach can provide permanent makeup solutions that make your daily beauty routine easier and leave you feeling more confident day-to-day. To learn more or book an appointment, contact Newport Nails online or visit us at The Landing or one of our other convenient locations today, and let us know how we can service your permanent makeup needs.

Eyelash extensions have gained immense popularity in the past few years, becoming an essential part of many people’s beauty routines. However, they can also be a significant investment for some, so making them last as long as possible is beneficial for helping you get the most out of your money. If you notice your eyelash extensions aren’t lasting as long as you’d like, here are a few tips you can implement to ensure that they remain voluminous for weeks.

Avoid Exposure to Water

Water is the No. 1 enemy of eyelash extensions. When your extensions get wet, the glue holding them in place can weaken, causing them to fall out prematurely. That’s why it’s crucial that you avoid any contact with water for at least the first 24 hours after getting your extensions. This includes activities like washing your face, swimming, or even crying. 

Even after the first 24 hours, it’s best to keep your extensions as dry as possible. When washing your face or showering, try to avoid getting your lashes wet. If you must get your lashes wet, use a gentle touch and do not rub or scrub them. Instead, gently pat them dry with a clean towel. Remember to especially avoid hot water, as it can cause the glue to loosen more quickly than cold or temperate water.

Sleep On Your Back

Believe it or not, the way you sleep can also affect the longevity of your extensions. Sleeping on your side or stomach can cause your lashes to rub against your pillow, which can lead to premature fallout. To avoid this, try to sleep on your back with your head slightly elevated. 

Sleeping on your back will not only protect your lashes but also help with any potential swelling or redness you may experience after getting your extensions. If sleeping on your back is uncomfortable for you, there are special pillows available designed specifically for those who wear eyelash extensions. These pillows have a cutout for your lashes, allowing you to sleep comfortably while keeping your extensions safe.

Wash Gently

While it’s important to keep your extensions clean to avoid any bacterial or fungal growth, over-washing can also cause them to fall out. Too much water exposure, as mentioned before, can weaken the glue, so when washing your lashes, use a gentle cleanser and avoid any harsh rubbing or scrubbing motions. 

A good rule of thumb is to wash your lashes no more than 2-3 times per week using a foaming or oil-free cleanser. Make sure to rinse thoroughly and pat them dry gently. As an extra precaution, you can also use a lash extension sealant after washing to help strengthen the bond between the extensions and your natural lashes.

Don’t Use Mascara

One of the biggest temptations for those with eyelash extensions is to use mascara to further accentuate their eyes. However, it’s important to resist this temptation if you want your extensions to last as long as possible. 

Mascara can cause buildup and clumping on your extensions, which can damage them and cause them to fall out. If you absolutely can’t go without mascara, there are mascaras specifically made for use with lash extensions. These mascaras are oil-free and safer for eyelash extensions, but it’s still best to avoid them altogether if you can.

Brush Them Daily

Brushing your eyelash extensions daily is not only a great way to keep them looking perfectly separated and full, but it also helps prevent them from getting tangled or clumped together. Using a spoolie brush, gently brush your lashes in an upward motion from the base to the tip. This will help distribute natural oils and keep your lashes looking their best. For an extra boost, you can also use a lash serum to help nourish and strengthen your natural eyelashes, making them less likely to fall out and ultimately helping your extensions last longer.

With proper care and maintenance, you can help your eyelash extensions last for as long as possible, maximizing your investment. Next time you get your lashes done at your favorite nail salon in Newport Beach, remember these tips to enjoy long-lasting, beautiful lashes. If you’re searching for a premier nail salon where you can indulge in high-quality eyelash extensions, look no further than Newport Nails. Contact us online or visit us at Newport Hills or one of our other convenient locations today, and let us know how we can service your eyelash extension needs.