nail technician doing her client's nails in a nail salon

The Essential Etiquette Guide for Visiting Nail Salons in Newport Beach

/in /by

Visiting a nail salon in Newport Beach is an opportunity to relax, unwind, and treat yourself. However, whether it’s your first time in a nail salon or you’re a seasoned pro, it’s important to know the common etiquette for a mani-pedi appointment.

By following essential nail salon etiquette, you can ensure a pleasant and respectful experience for yourself and those around you. If you’re visiting a nail salon in Newport Beach, here are four key etiquette tips you should know before you go:

Arrive on Time

To start the appointment on the right foot, it’s important to arrive on time. This shows that you respect your technician’s time. It also ensures that there are no delays for you or those who have appointments after you.

If you arrive late, this can cause the staff unnecessary stress as they try to ensure they’re on time for their next appointment. This can also lead to them rushing your mani-pedi, which may result in a less-than-ideal experience for you.

Maintain Personal Hygiene

Another way to be considerate of those around you at the nail salon is to ensure that you have good personal hygiene before you arrive. This can include showering beforehand if you’re receiving a spa pedicure, and generally making sure that your hands and feet are clean and free from dirt.

Having clean hands and nails allows the technician to focus on their technique and deliver the best results possible. It also makes it easier for them to remain on time for their next appointment and ensures a pleasant and hygienic environment for you, your technician, and everyone in the nail salon.

Communicate Your Preferences

Communication is crucial for ensuring that you receive the nail services you’re looking for. Before your appointment, take time to browse the nail salon’s gallery and decide on what you want. Be prepared to clearly and politely communicate this to your technician.

While it’s helpful to know what you want, you should also be receptive to your technician’s professional advice and recommendations. Be willing to discuss your options in a polite and respectful manner. 

If something doesn’t feel right during your appointment, don’t be afraid to speak up. Your technician wants you to feel comfortable and satisfied with your mani-pedi, so feel free to politely voice any concerns or ask for adjustments if necessary.

Be Patient with Your Technician

Nail salons in Newport Beach offer an artistic service, and art takes time. When sitting for your mani-pedi, it’s important to be patient and understanding about the time it takes to complete your service. If you’ve requested intricate nail designs or additional treatments, be mindful that these will add time to your appointment. 

Rushing your nail salon technician will only compromise the quality of the results and cause discomfort and stress for everyone. If you’re concerned about time or have somewhere to be, communicate this politely to your technician beforehand so they can be mindful of time and recommend services that accommodate your schedule.

If you’re searching for a premier nail salon in Newport Beach that prioritizes cleanliness and comfort, Newport Nails is the No. 1 choice. We offer spa manicure and pedicure services as well as a range of spa treatments that ensure you enjoy a luxurious day of pampering, no matter what form of self-care you’re searching for. We’ll help you sit back, relax, and achieve your nail bar dreams, so contact us online or visit us at The Landing or one of our other convenient locations today and let us know how we can service you.

 

How To Ensure Your Nails Stay Stunning After a Mani-Pedi

/in /by

Anyone who has received a mani-pedi before knows the struggle of going about your day without messing up your new nails. From smudging the wet paint before it fully dries to chipping a nail as you try to open a package, maintaining your new spa pedicure or manicure can be a struggle.

However, with a few simple steps, you can ensure that your nails stay stunning long after your nail salon visit. Here are four essential tips for keeping your mani-pedi looking flawless after your appointment.

Allow Your Nails to Dry Fully

One of the crucial mistakes we all make after a mani-pedi is rushing out of the salon before our polish has fully dried. It can be tempting to hurry out of the salon and continue on with your day, but this increases the risk of smudging or otherwise ruining your new mani-pedi prematurely.

To avoid this, try to sit in the salon under the fan or LED light for as long as possible before leaving. Once you do leave, take extra care with your hands or feet and avoid handling objects as much as possible. Have someone else drive, avoid typing, and otherwise try to keep your hands as inactive as possible.

If you don’t have the time or patience to wait for your manicure to fully dry, try opting for a gel manicure, acrylic nails, or dip powder nails, as these are cured using UV or LED light. This means that they won’t stay wet after you leave, and they can last up to several weeks without chipping.

Avoid Getting Your Nails Wet

If possible, avoid getting your nails wet for several hours after your mani-pedi. Although your nails may feel dry to the touch after less than an hour, it can take up to three or four hours for your nail polish to dry all the way through. As such, exposing your manicure to water can affect its longevity.

Of course, it’s not always possible to avoid washing our hands or otherwise getting our hands wet for several hours. If you do need to wet your nails, make sure to dry them very thoroughly afterward. Leaving water on your nails can weaken the polish and cause it to chip quickly. When drying, however, make sure that you towel your nails gently to avoid smudging the polish.

Use Cuticle Cream

After a mani-pedi, it’s crucial to take care of your nails and your cuticles. Cuticles protect your nails from infection and help them grow healthy and strong. Using cuticle cream or oil nourishes and moisturizes your cuticles, preventing them from drying out and becoming brittle.

Moisturizing your cuticles reduces the chances of your polish chipping at the edges. We recommend applying cuticle cream at least once a day, or more often if you feel your cuticles are dry. Remember to gently push back your cuticles before applying the cream, as this helps the product penetrate better and moisturize your nails more effectively.

Avoid Closed-Toed Shoes

There’s a reason why nail salons in Newport Beach provide flip-flops after your spa pedicure. If you received a mani-pedi or spa pedicure, it’s important to avoid wearing closed-toed shoes for the first 12 hours after your appointment.

Closed-toed shoes can cause friction on the nails, leading to smudging or chipping. It’s best to wear sandals or flip-flops for the remainder of the day after your appointment, but if you must wear closed shoes, opt for thin socks or stockings to reduce friction.

Keeping your nails looking stunning after a mani-pedi requires patience and a bit of TLC. By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your nails stay flawless for days or even weeks to come. If you’re searching for a nail salon in Newport Beach that can provide a beautiful and long-lasting spa pedicure or manicure, Newport Nails is the premier choice. Contact us online or visit us at The Landing or one of our other convenient locations today, and let us know how we can service your mani-pedi needs.

Ring in Fall in Style With These 3 Stunning Fall Nail Trends

/in /by

As the weather changes and the leaves turn, we’re all looking to transition our wardrobes and beauty routines to the fall/winter season. Whether you have holiday parties to attend, family to meet with, or just want to look your best for work, a new fallal manicure is the perfect way to get into the cold-weather mood and wrap yourself in more sophisticated and rich shades. If the latest TikTok trends aren’t speaking to you or you’re just looking for some fresh inspiration, check out these spa manicure trends for fall that will help you ring in the fall season in style.

1. Burgundy

Burgundy, maroon, oxblood, wine, cherry mocha, pinot noir, poisoned apple; whatever you call it, it’s perfect for fall. These rich red hues are always in high demand for nail salons in Newport Beach during the fall season, and there’s no end to the variety of nuanced shades you can achieve.

Burgundy is a timeless and elegant color you can wear year-round and year after year, but it’s especially perfect for fall. It perfectly complements the changing fall foliage, fireplaces, and warm drinks prevalent during this time of year while remaining sophisticated and classic. It pairs well with any outfit, and it can be done simply or with daring nail art styles. Whether you want modern and edgy or timeless and simple, your nail salon can give you the perfect burgundy fall manicure.

2. Dark Chocolate

Just like a warm cup of hot cocoa on a chilly fall day, dark chocolate is the perfect pick for your spa manicure this season. The deep brown shade exudes warmth and coziness, providing a sophisticated, modern alternative to black.

It also looks great on all skin tones, depending on the undertone chosen. Deep chocolate browns can range from cool-toned grey browns to warm chocolatey browns, so there’s a hue to complement anyone of any complexion. If you’re not sure which shade of dark brown would suit you best, your nail technician can advise you on the most flattering shade for your mani-pedi.

3. Burnt Orange

No fall nail trend list would be complete without the mention of burnt orange. This warm and earthy shade is reminiscent of falling leaves and PSLs. What screams fall TikTok trend more than pumpkin spice latte nails?

Burnt orange is also perfect for both Halloween and Thanksgiving, so you can feel festive while still staying on-trend. For the minimalist, choose an opaque cream polish on short, rounded nails. For something more fun and trendy, your nail salon can get creative by mixing hues of burnt orange with abstract designs or metallic finishes on Gel X extensions or acrylics.

Whether you’re in the mood for a dark and sultry style or PSL vibes, Newport Nails is the premier nail salon in Westcliff Plaza, Newport Beach for spa manicure and pedicure nail trends. We also offer a full range of nail and spa services that span everything from waxing and eyelash extensions to manicures and spa pedicures, so you can be fully relaxed and ready for those cozy fall nights. Contact us online or visit us at Westcliff Plaza or one of our other convenient locations today, and let us know how we can help get you in the fall mood.

4 Reasons Gel Manicures Are a Preferred Choice

/in /by

Gel manicures are by far one of the most popular types of nail treatments today. Every nail salon in Bayside, Newport Beach is inundated with requests for gel manicures and pedicures thanks to their numerous aesthetic and practical benefits. If you’re still not sold on why gel manicures are the top choice for mani-pedi treatments, here are four reasons why gel is the preferred choice when getting a spa manicure.

1. Easy & Mess-Free

One of the biggest reasons why gel manicures have become a preferred choice is because of how easy they are to apply and remove. Traditional nail polish can be quite messy to apply, with the potential for smudging or getting onto your skin. Acrylics, while cleaner, need to be professionally applied and removed using specialized tools and techniques, which can take a significant amount of time. 

Gel manicures, on the other hand, are just as quick and easy to apply as typical nail polish, but without the potential for smudging. They’re also effortless to remove. You don’t need to book a professional appointment if you’re in a rush or scrub at your nails with harsh acetone; you can use a special soak-off solution to quickly loosen the gel polish, making it easy to gently lift off without damaging your natural nails.

2. Long-Lasting

One of the most significant advantages of a gel manicure over regular nail polish is its long-lasting formula. Whereas typical nail polish starts to chip and peel after just a couple of days, gel polish can last several weeks without damage.

This is because the gel polish is cured under a UV or LED light. The specialized formula combined with the curing process creates a hard, durable layer that is less prone to chipping or lifting. You can carry out your typical everyday activities like typing or washing dishes without worrying about ruining your manicure. It’s also ideal for special occasions such as weddings or vacations, when you want your manicure to stay reliably flawless for a week or more.

3. Improves Nail Appearance

Gel polish looks great on everyone, but it’s especially beneficial for those with damaged, deformed, or discolored nails. Regular nail polish doesn’t always adhere properly to nails that have been damaged or deformed by trauma, and it sometimes doesn’t provide enough coverage to mask discoloration. 

Gel polish, on the other hand, is opaque and can be applied in multiple layers to create a smooth, even surface that hides any imperfections. This makes gel manicures an especially popular choice for people with brittle, weak, or damaged nails as well as deformed or discolored nails.

4. Dries in Seconds

If you don’t have time to wait around, or if you’re prone to smudging your manicure before it’s fully dry, gel manicures are beloved for their quick-drying property. Traditional nail polish can take up to an hour or more to dry completely, which can leave you vulnerable to smudging or smearing your new manicure, especially if you have things to do after your appointment at the nail salon. Gel polish, on the other hand, hardens instantly under the UV or LED light, which means you can leave the salon with perfectly dried nails in just a few seconds, worry-free.

If you want to try out the latest gel spa manicure innovations, Newport Nails has knowledgeable and certified technicians who can make all of your mani-pedi visions come to life. Contact us online or visit us at Bayside, Newport Beach or one of our other convenient locations today for a 5-star nail salon experience you’ll love.

Brazilian Waxing 101: Everything You Need To Know Before Your Appointment

/in /by

Brazilian waxing can be an intimidating experience, especially if you’ve never received one before. From the vulnerability to the potential pain, it’s a daunting prospect for newcomers, but with these simple tips, you can ensure that your waxing appointment is a smooth and comfortable experience.

Shower Beforehand

First and foremost, it’s important to shower before your appointment and clean the area thoroughly. This is not only for hygiene purposes but also to make the experience more comfortable for you and your esthetician. A clean surface will also allow the wax to adhere to the hair better, resulting in a more effective and less painful waxing session.

Don’t Shave for Two Weeks

After scheduling your waxing, make sure not to shave the area for as long as possible before the appointment, ideally 10-14 days. This is because the hair needs to be at least one-quarter of an inch long for the wax to grip onto and remove the hair properly. Shaving too close to your appointment and having hair that is too short can result in stray hairs and a less-than-perfectly-smooth finish, requiring a second appointment.

Prep the Night Before

Exfoliating the area the night before your Brazilian waxing appointment can help to remove any dead skin cells and free any ingrown hairs present, making it easier for the wax to grab onto the hair. We also recommend taking a warm bath or shower the night before your appointment to help soften the hair and open up the pores, making it easier for the wax to remove the hair from the root.

Don’t Overthink It

It’s natural to feel nervous or anxious before your first Brazilian waxing appointment, especially if you’ve heard horror stories from friends or seen exaggerated scenes in movies. However, it’s important to remember that everyone’s pain tolerance and waxing experience is different.

Experienced estheticians know how to make the experience as comfortable as possible for their clients, so choosing a premier Brazilian waxing salon can help reduce discomfort during the process. Prepping for your appointment using the tips in this guide can also help reduce any pain or discomfort. Try not to overthink it, and come to your appointment as relaxed as you can. Remember, the anticipation is almost always worse than the actual waxing experience.

Take Deep Breaths

During your Brazilian waxing appointment, it’s important to try and relax your muscles as much as possible. Tensing up your muscles can make the experience more painful, so try to take deep breaths and focus on controlling your breathing. Focusing on something else, such as a calming image or even something on your phone, can also help distract you and reduce the tension you’ve built up.

While a Brazilian wax may seem intimidating at first, the right preparation can make it a comfortable and effective hair removal method with long-lasting results. If you’re searching for a Brazilian waxing center near you with trained estheticians who will make you feel comfortable and confident, Newport Nails is Newport Beach’s premier choice. 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 body waxing needs.

3 Green Flags Every Good Nail Salon Should Have

/in /by

Anyone who regularly gets their nails done knows that a good nail salon is more than just a place to get a manicure or pedicure; it’s a place where you can relax and enjoy some pampering, with full peace of mind that you’ll have a pleasant experience. 

But when choosing a nail salon in Newport Beach, how do you know if it’s up to par? When considering your next nail salon, keep in mind these three green flags that every good nail salon should have.

1. Cleanliness

One of the most important things to look for in a good nail salon is cleanliness. This may seem obvious, but unfortunately, not all nail salons take cleanliness seriously enough. Given the nature of a nail salon’s work, a lack of cleanliness can lead to the spread of bacteria and infections. As such, it’s important to find a nail salon in Newport Beach that has clean and well-maintained surfaces, floors, and tools.

When you enter the nail salon, the floors and counters should be visibly clean with no obvious stains, dust, or dirt. They should also have proper sanitation measures in place, including properly sterilized metal tools and brand-new disposable tools. If your nail salon in Newport Beach has these measures in place, it’s a sign that they take cleanliness seriously and prioritize the health and safety of their customers.

2. Comfort

Another green flag when searching for a nail salon is a consistently comfortable and relaxing atmosphere. Getting your nails done should be a treat, not a painful or uncomfortable experience. Therefore, it’s important that the salon’s technicians have good communication and are receptive to your feedback if you experience any discomfort.

There should never be any pain involved in a spa manicure or pedicure treatment. If you do experience pain, your technician should immediately adjust their technique to avoid any sensitive areas. A good nail salon in Newport Beach will have skilled and friendly technicians who make you feel at ease at every turn and take the time to understand and accommodate your preferences.

3. Safe and Clearly Labeled Chemicals

In recent years, there has been a growing concern over the use of harsh and potentially harmful chemicals in nail products. A good nail salon should always prioritize the use of safe and high-quality products, and they should always be transparent about the products they’re using during your treatment

When visiting the nail salon, make sure to ask about the ingredients in the products they use. A reputable salon should be able to provide you with a comprehensive list of the products their salon uses and their ingredients. They should also only use products that are clearly labeled and approved by regulating bodies such as the FDA. This not only ensures your safety but also speaks to the nail salon’s professionalism and transparency.

If you’re searching for a premier nail salon in Newport Beach that prioritizes cleanliness and comfort, Newport Nails is the No. 1 choice. We offer spa manicure and pedicure services as well as a range of spa treatments that ensure you enjoy a luxurious day of pampering, no matter what form of self-care you’re searching for. We’ll help you sit back, relax, and achieve your nail bar dreams, so contact us online or visit us at Bayside or one of our other convenient locations today and let us know how we can service you.

How To Choose the Best Nail Bar Near You

/in /by

Whether you’re looking for a Gel-X nail salon, silk wrap nail salon, or the best place to get a mani-pedi, it’s important to find a trusted and high-quality nail bar that can do it all. But with so many options for spa manicures and pedicures in Newport Beach, how can you know which one to choose?

While it’s important to find a nail technician that you get along with and that suits your personal style, there are several ways that you can pick out the best nail bar to try before you even step foot in the salon. If you’re in need of a spa session soon, here are five key steps to choosing the best nail bar near you.

Review Their Hygiene Policies

Arguably the most important feature of any nail bar is its cleanliness. When you’re dealing with fingers and toes, it’s crucial that your nail bar has strict hygiene policies in place to avoid the spread of fungus or disease.

Any reputable nail bar should use brand new disposable tools like nail files, pumice stones, toe separators, and nail buffers for each and every client. These porous materials can’t be completely sterilized, so new ones are required for each spa pedicure to ensure cleanliness. All reusable metal tools, such as nail clippers and cuticle trimmers, should be sterilized between each use using hospital-grade equipment such as autoclaves.

If you don’t see, firsthand, your nail technician opening a new pack of nail files and tools when getting started on your spa pedicure, be sure to ask them to use new tools. You can also ask your nail bar about their hygiene policies before your visit to ensure that they’re the right Gel-X nail salon for you.

Consider What Products They Offer

Ensuring proper techniques and best practices is crucial for choosing a high-quality nail bar, but it’s important to consider the products they use as well. Using cheap, off-brand nail polish can result in reduced wear time as well as unnecessary damage to or dehydration of the nail.

When you visit the nail bar, look for reputable polish brands like OPI, Essie, and Zoya. For specialized manicure techniques, keep an eye out for name-brand products like Gel-X, Powder Perfection, SNS dip powder, and CND Shellac. If you want a Gel-X nail salon, make sure they’re actually using Gel-X products!

 

 

Ask About Their Appointment Policy

Sometimes you have a last-minute nail emergency before a big event, while other times you want to enjoy a day of pampering without worrying about a wait. That’s why versatility is important in a high-quality nail bar. 

Ask your nail salon whether they accept both walk-ins and advance appointments. Although most generally do, some nail bars only accept walk-ins, while others only accept advance appointments. For the best of both worlds, no matter the circumstance, make sure that your preferred nail salon allows both!

Check Out Their Past Work

When it comes to a mani-pedi, sometimes it’s best to let the art speak for itself. When considering a nail bar in your area, look their website and view their gallery for examples of their past work. You can also check out third-party sites like Yelp to Google to view unfiltered examples of their work posted by real customers — alongside their authentic thoughts on the service they received.

This can also help you gauge whether they prioritize customer satisfaction. All reputable nail bars should offer some type of service guarantee, so if you aren’t happy with the service you received, the technicians will re-perform the job to your liking. To verify whether your preferred nail salon offers this, call ahead and inquire about their policies.

Whether you need to stop by quickly after work or want to indulge in a day of self-care and pampering, Newport Nails has more than a dozen customizable mani-pedi and spa treatment options that will suit anyone’s needs. We’ll help you sit back, relax, and achieve your nail bar dreams, 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.

Gel-X Nails Are Everywhere — Here’s What You Need To Know

/in /by

Gel-X is one of the most popular manicure styles available today. Providing the appearance of acrylics with less damage and easier removal, these Instagram- and Tik-Tok-famous nail extensions are becoming a go-to for people needing to accommodate a wide variety of lifestyles and aesthetics. But what exactly are Gel-X nails? Keep reading — here’s everything you need to know about Gel-X nails and why they’re suddenly everywhere you scroll.

What Are Gel-X Nails?

Gel-X nails are nail extensions that combine the flexibility of soft gel polish with the length and longevity of acrylics. Gel-X is a soft extension, meaning that it remains flexible after application and is not stiff, rigid, or plastic-y like acrylics, press-on nails, and other extension methods.

In fact, Gel-X nails are created using the same soft gel polish that you would use for a typical gel manicure. This means that they offer the same benefits — such as easy at-home removal and several weeks of longevity — with the additional benefit of artificially lengthened nails.

How Are Gel-X Nails Applied?

When you visit a Gel-X nail salon, they’ll be able to complete your manicure in just a few easy steps. First, they’ll prep your nails the way they normally would for a manicure and apply a layer of pH bonder. This bonder dehydrates your nail plate, removing any oil or residue that could affect the application or reduce the longevity of your manicure.

Then, they’ll apply the acid-free gel primer, which helps the Gel-X nail better adhere to your nature nail. Once the primer has been applied, they’ll add the soft gel adhesive onto your natural nail, allowing it to cure for 30 seconds in an LED lamp. 

Once these steps have been completed, it’s time to secure the extensions. A small amount of soft gel will be applied to the underside of the Gel-X tip, which will then be applied onto the natural nail at a 45-degree angle. Once the extension tip is applied and secured into place, your nails will be cured in an LED lamp once more, and you’re ready to go.

How Long Does a Gel-X Manicure Last?

Once your Gel-X manicure is completed, you can enjoy your new nail extensions for up to four weeks without any chipping or raised edges. This makes it ideal for vacations, special events, or any other occasion where you need your nails to look their absolute best for more than a day.

If you use regular nail polish to color your Gel-X extensions — rather than gel polish — you can repaint your nails as often as you’d like. You can also come back into your local Gel-X nail salon for a fill, where your technician will cut and shape your extensions as they grow out.

What Are the Benefits of Gel X Nails?

There are so many manicure options on the market, all with their own unique benefits, so what makes Gel-X the best choice?

Gel-X manicures are considered a safe alternative to acrylic nails when applied by a trained and certified technician. The materials used in the extensions are free from harmful chemicals and won’t damage the natural nail, so you can enjoy the same elongated nail look as acrylics with worry and potential damage to your body.

Gel-X nails also offer the greatest longevity and durability with the least maintenance. They provide the look of long, healthy nails in the way acrylics do, but with a flexible texture that gives them a much more natural look and feel. They’re thin and lightweight, and they can be easily cut and shaped at home or by a Gel-X nail salon for a one-of-a-kind look. Whether you want something over-the-top and show-stopping or natural yet enhanced, Gel-X nails can suit everyone’s taste and style.

If you want to try out the latest innovation in spa manicure nail extensions, Newport Nails has knowledgeable and certified technicians that can make all of your mani-pedi visions come to life. Contact us online or visit us at The Landing or one of our other convenient locations today for a 5-star Gel-X nail salon experience you’ll love.

The Essential Guide to Gel-X Manicures

/in /by

Gel-X nail extensions are rapidly becoming one of the most popular spa manicure styles requested — and for good reason. Gel-X offers the same elongated appearance as acrylics but with a more natural feel and fewer chemicals. It also lasts longer than press-on nails, making it an ideal option for many.

Before you look for a Gel-X nail salon near you, it’s important to understand what Gel-X extensions are, how they differ from other common spa manicure styles, and whether they’re right for you. To help you make your choice, here’s our essential guide to Gel-X manicures.

What Are Gel-X Extensions?

Gel-X is a type of nail extension that offers natural-looking, longer nails without having to wait for your natural nails to grow out. Since the extensions are made out of gel polish, Gel-X has the flexibility of a natural nail with the length of a press-on or acrylic nail.

Gel-X extensions are made out of a layer of dried gel polish which is applied directly on top of your natural nail. It’s then cut and shaped to give you the size and shape you desire. Although it’s applied directly onto your natural nail, Gel-X can create a longer final product due to clear tips that are blended seamlessly with your natural nails.

During your gel manicure, your technician will first apply a pH bonder and nail primer. They’ll then apply one coat of thick, clear gel which is cured under an LED lamp to harden the material and secure the tip. To further secure the extension, more of the gel polish will be applied to the inside of the tip and cured again. Due to this unique process, Gel-X manicures are as thin as your real nails, resulting in a much more natural final look than acrylics or press-ons. 

How Long Does Gel-X Last?

One of the benefits of a gel manicure is its longevity and durability. Gel-X nails, when installed correctly, can last up to 3-4 weeks without any lifting or chipping. After this time, you may notice growth at the base of your nail where your extensions have grown out, which is an indicator it’s time to get your gel manicure removed or redone.

Caring for your gel manicure properly can help extend the life of your extensions even further. A good rule of thumb is to trim the nails no more than once every 2 weeks. Additionally, regular filing and cuticle oil application can help keep the nails strong and prevent them from peeling prematurely.

How Is Gel-X Removed?

If you notice your nails growing out or if you’re just ready for something new, Gel-X can be quickly and easily removed at home. Since the extensions are made of the same materials as a regular gel manicure, they can be removed in the same manner.

Use a file to break the top barrier of polish, then soak the tips of your nails in acetone for 15-20 minutes. After your nails have been soaked for the allotted time, the extensions will begin to dissolve. You should then be able to gently scrape the polish off, revealing your bare, natural nail. If you feel the need to harshly tug at the nail or if the peeling process becomes painful, soak your nails with acetone once more to ensure that the polish has fully dissolved. Ripping off your nails without proper soaking can damage your natural nails and make them more brittle.

Is Gel-X Safe?

Gel-X manicures are considered a safe alternative to acrylic nails when applied by a trained and certified technician. The materials used in the extensions are free from harmful chemicals and won’t damage the natural nail. However, it’s important to regularly maintain and properly remove your gel manicure to ensure there’s no nail damage. Peeling or ripping at your gel manicure without proper removal can lead to nail bed damage over time.

If you want to try out the latest innovation in spa manicure nail extensions, Newport Nails has knowledgeable and certified technicians that can make all of your mani-pedi visions come to life. Contact us online or visit us at Westcliff Plaza or one of our other convenient locations today for a 5-star Gel-X nail salon experience you’ll love.

Acrylic Nails & More: Exploring 3 Popular Types of Manicures

/in /by

A high-quality spa manicure can undeniably improve the look of your nails, making them look clean, beautiful, and well-maintained. However, with so many recent developments in the world of nail design, it can be difficult to know which manicure style is right for your needs. From acrylic to gel to shellac nail polish, here are the key differences between our most popular spa manicure options and how to know which is right for you.

Acrylic Manicure

Acrylic nails are one of the most popular manicure styles available. They’re great for adding length and strength to your nails, creating a larger and more even canvas for intricate nail designs. 

Acrylic nails are created by first combining a powder polymer with a liquid monomer to create a paste. This paste is then bonded to the natural nail and formed into the desired shape using a brush. Once in the desired shape, acrylic nails harden into place, creating a durable canvas for nail polish that will last for up to six weeks. An acrylic manicure is unbeatable for longevity, making it one of the most popular options at nail bars.

Gel Manicure

Gel nails have rapidly increased in popularity in the past few years and have now become one of the most popular mani-pedi requests. Gel manicures offer greater durability and longevity than traditional manicures but without the potential nail bed damage and more dramatic look of an acrylic manicure.

During a gel manicure, you’ll receive the traditional spa manicure experience, but instead of traditional nail polish, your nails will be painted with a specialized gel polish. You’ll receive a base coat that primes your nails, and then the gel polish will be applied. Gel nail polish then needs to be cured under a UV light in order to harden and become durable. You’ll place your hand under the UV lamp for approximately 30 seconds after each coat of polish is painted on. Your technician will then apply a clear top coat, and you’ll finish curing your nails for one minute under the UV light before the process is complete.

Gel manicures, although more time-consuming than other forms of spa manicures, offer greater durability without any chemical odor, chips, smudges, or damage to the nail bed. Gel manicures generally last up to two weeks before chipping, making them a popular choice for those who need — or want — their nails to look pristine for longer.

Shellac Nail Polish Manicure

Shellac nail polish is a hybrid of gel and regular nail polish. Patented by the company CND (Creative Nail Design), shellac polish adds strength and durability to your manicure while retaining a more natural look.

Shellac polish is painted on your natural nails similarly to gel polish. After your base coat, your technician will apply one thin layer of shellac polish followed by one layer of regular nail polish. The polish will then be cured using a UV or LED light.

As the name suggests, shellac polish offers a high-shine finish that makes your nails look glossy and vibrant. Paired with its enhanced durability, this makes shellac polish ideal for special occasions. However, unlike gel polish, shellac polish can be easily removed with acetone at home just like traditional polish, despite its durable benefits.

How To Choose the Right Manicure Style for You

Deciding which spa manicure style is right for you depends on several factors, including longevity, durability, appearance, and cost. Acrylics generally require the most time and effort, and they can therefore be more expensive. However, they also last for the longest period of time (4-6 weeks) and are the best canvas for intricate nail designs.

Gel manicures and shellac manicures are comparable in durability, with both lasting approximately 2-4 weeks. However, due to the additional time required for prep work and curing, gel manicures are often the more expensive of the two spa manicure styles. However, a gel manicure can protect your nail bed better than shellac, making it a preferred option for many.

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