FAQ'S AND GENERAL INFORMATION
How do I become a client at your salon?
I typically have a full client load and allow new clients to schedule in when an opening occurs. When I learn I have a new opening, I contact everyone on the wait list to let them know of the opening and give available days and times they can schedule for the first appointment. The first person to reply that can use a listed time and pays a $55 booking fee (applied to the first visit) will get in. In order to get on my wait list, just text 971-237-3935 with your full name, email address, person that referred you or how you found the salon and what you would like to have done (fill, full set, pedicure...)
I typically have a full client load and allow new clients to schedule in when an opening occurs. When I learn I have a new opening, I contact everyone on the wait list to let them know of the opening and give available days and times they can schedule for the first appointment. The first person to reply that can use a listed time and pays a $55 booking fee (applied to the first visit) will get in. In order to get on my wait list, just text 971-237-3935 with your full name, email address, person that referred you or how you found the salon and what you would like to have done (fill, full set, pedicure...)
What is so great about traditional hard gel?
- Traditional hard gel (not Gelish, Shellac, soft gel or gel polish) is a strong product that will strengthen and enhance your natural nails.
- It is a hard, durable non-porous product that will flex with your natural nail.
- You can extend the length of your natural nail and it will also help keep your nails from splitting.
- It is chemical resistant and will not stain or discolor.
- Because the color is in the gel, it will last until your next fill.
- If you choose to not maintain the product, you can always allow it to grow off the nail gradually instead of using harsh chemicals to remove.
- Gel does not need to be applied thick, so your nails will look very natural.
Young Nails / Star Nails / Application
What is the difference between Gel and Acrylic?
Acrylic is a powder and monomer mixture applied to the nail. It is a very hard product and will not easily lift or pull up from the nail plate and must be removed with an acetone soak that takes @ 45-minutes. If a primer with acid is used to apply this product, it can cause damage to your natural nail plate. If you impact your nails with Acrylic on them, it will most likely break the whole nail with the product. To seal this product and get the most wear, I encourage a gel top coat. A fill is necessary every 2-3 weeks. This product is porous and will absorb dyes and chemicals if not sealed with a hard gel.
Gel is a liquid comprised of monomers and polymers and is a rigid product that will break away from the nail if impacted, saving your natural nail in most cases. The product can be applied to look completely natural and will allow your natural nails to grow. Gel is required to cure in a UV light between each application of product and can be filed off or allowed to grow off the nail leaving little to no damage to your natural nail. It is long wearing and most people only need a fill every 2-3 weeks. This product is the only one that is non-porous and will not absorb dye or chemicals.
Acrylic is a powder and monomer mixture applied to the nail. It is a very hard product and will not easily lift or pull up from the nail plate and must be removed with an acetone soak that takes @ 45-minutes. If a primer with acid is used to apply this product, it can cause damage to your natural nail plate. If you impact your nails with Acrylic on them, it will most likely break the whole nail with the product. To seal this product and get the most wear, I encourage a gel top coat. A fill is necessary every 2-3 weeks. This product is porous and will absorb dyes and chemicals if not sealed with a hard gel.
Gel is a liquid comprised of monomers and polymers and is a rigid product that will break away from the nail if impacted, saving your natural nail in most cases. The product can be applied to look completely natural and will allow your natural nails to grow. Gel is required to cure in a UV light between each application of product and can be filed off or allowed to grow off the nail leaving little to no damage to your natural nail. It is long wearing and most people only need a fill every 2-3 weeks. This product is the only one that is non-porous and will not absorb dye or chemicals.
Antlers and bullet holes
What is the difference between Gel and Gelish or Shellac?
Gelish and Shellac are considered a soft gel and may be cured by UV or LED light. They are applied like nail polish over your natural nail and will last up to 2-weeks, this is a great option for a one-time application or for someone who isn't sure they want to commit to getting traditional hard gel or acrylic nails. Traditional hard gel is a UV (and sometimes LED) cured product that lasts 2 - 4 weeks before getting a fill. It can be applied over tips or by using a form to create an extension. There are many color options available in all gel products so your only limitation is your imagination.
Gelish and Shellac are considered a soft gel and may be cured by UV or LED light. They are applied like nail polish over your natural nail and will last up to 2-weeks, this is a great option for a one-time application or for someone who isn't sure they want to commit to getting traditional hard gel or acrylic nails. Traditional hard gel is a UV (and sometimes LED) cured product that lasts 2 - 4 weeks before getting a fill. It can be applied over tips or by using a form to create an extension. There are many color options available in all gel products so your only limitation is your imagination.
Healthy nails
Why don't you have Solar Nails on your price list?
Solar nails was introduced by Creative Nail Designs (CND) and includes an acrylic base with a gel overlay. Since the introduction, many salons will use the term Solar nails and will charge more for this service, when in fact they are using a basic acrylic product and topping it with a gel product. Traditionally the look of a solar nail is a french tip with white tips and pink base and is applied as an overlay without extensions or tips. Because there are so many similar products and the use of color gels is so prominent, I have opted to use the technical term for the application.
Solar nails was introduced by Creative Nail Designs (CND) and includes an acrylic base with a gel overlay. Since the introduction, many salons will use the term Solar nails and will charge more for this service, when in fact they are using a basic acrylic product and topping it with a gel product. Traditionally the look of a solar nail is a french tip with white tips and pink base and is applied as an overlay without extensions or tips. Because there are so many similar products and the use of color gels is so prominent, I have opted to use the technical term for the application.
How is my pedicure different?
- I do the filing on the dry feet before you soak so that your feet reach their optimal smoothness and absorb the oils and other treatments that are in your water.
- I make sure you have the safest possible experience by using disposable liners for each pedicure on top of a base that will heat and vibrate your bucket.
- I use top of the line skin care products from Cuccio that have low odor and will enhance anybody's skin.
- You get to sit in an amazing Chiropractic recommended massage chair that will relax all of your tension and tight spots in your back.
- You will get your choice of high end polishes and top coats for maximum lasting beauty.
- As always, you will get one-on-one personalized service and I will make sure you know what I am doing and why. We can have conversation, or you can just sink back in the chair and enjoy your pedicure bliss in peace.
What is IBX and what can IBX do for you?
polymer network (IPN). This patent pending formula locks itself within the nail plate–a permanent addition that will never need removal.
Think of IBX as a built-in insurance policy if you use Gel Polish as it simultaneously toughens the natural nail and protects against frequent and potentially damaging removal. Especially if you continuous wear Gelish or Shellac, IBX offers the level of strength and safety your natural nails deserve.
- MAKE YOUR OWN NAILS LONGER & MORE BEAUTIFUL
- A NAIL REVOLUTION THAT PERFECTS WHAT NATURE ALWAYS INTENDED
polymer network (IPN). This patent pending formula locks itself within the nail plate–a permanent addition that will never need removal.
Think of IBX as a built-in insurance policy if you use Gel Polish as it simultaneously toughens the natural nail and protects against frequent and potentially damaging removal. Especially if you continuous wear Gelish or Shellac, IBX offers the level of strength and safety your natural nails deserve.
What product do you use if I don't get the traditional hard gel?
Cuccio Colour Veneer™ - The next generation of LED / UV nail color! Major steps and advancements have been made within the nail
industry in the last few years, changing the way you may get your nails done forever! This game changer is a revolutionary LED / UV formula that is 100% polish free that gives you a solid high gloss finish for weeks (or until you choose to change the colour).
The new advanced formula creates an armor that protects your nails, allowing them to grow longer and stronger. Cuccio Colour Veneer™ uses patented “triple pigmentation technology” for true color coverage in just two-coats! The new formula is a hard, yet flexible formula so there is no chance of dulling due to micro-shattering.
Cuccio Colour Veneer™ applies in minutes and soaks off in 10-minutes or less! Cuccio Colour Veneer™ is available in 24 classic shades that are perfect for any age! From the most fashion forward, to conservative, you will find the shade that is right for your personality!
Cuccio Colour Veneer™ - The next generation of LED / UV nail color! Major steps and advancements have been made within the nail
industry in the last few years, changing the way you may get your nails done forever! This game changer is a revolutionary LED / UV formula that is 100% polish free that gives you a solid high gloss finish for weeks (or until you choose to change the colour).
The new advanced formula creates an armor that protects your nails, allowing them to grow longer and stronger. Cuccio Colour Veneer™ uses patented “triple pigmentation technology” for true color coverage in just two-coats! The new formula is a hard, yet flexible formula so there is no chance of dulling due to micro-shattering.
Cuccio Colour Veneer™ applies in minutes and soaks off in 10-minutes or less! Cuccio Colour Veneer™ is available in 24 classic shades that are perfect for any age! From the most fashion forward, to conservative, you will find the shade that is right for your personality!
Manicure station and pedicure chair
How to Choose a Salon that is Right for You?
So you are looking for a great salon. How do you know if you have found one? If you are anything like most women, you try every nail salon within a 10-mile radius of your house or work until you find the one that you feel does the best job for the cheapest price. Price is sometimes indicative of the quality and type of service you will receive at the Salon. Here are some ways you can know if you have walked into a questionable salon and technicians or a reputable salon with knowledgeable technicians:
Probably the most important thing you want to look for is cleanliness. If the salon doesn’t pass the eye test I would recommend that you don’t waste your time. The eye test being is the floor dirty? Is the bathroom clean? If you step foot into a nail salon and feel dirtier than before you walked in, then walk out. If they can’t keep their appearance clean, then who knows how well they treat their equipment, tools or implements. Did they wash the nail table and equipment between clients? Are their towels clean? Also, don’t be afraid to ask them how they disinfect their tools. The best way to disinfect salon tools and implements are:
1. Pre-Clean (Remove the visible dirt and debris from the tools and implements.)
2. Clean (Wash implements with soap or detergent and hot water, rinse implements and dry.)
3. Disinfect (Using a high level disinfectant mixed according to the manufacturer’s directions, disinfect tools/implements by completely submerging tools for 10 minutes. Remove tools and implements, rinse and dry thoroughly using clean towel/paper towel.)
4. It is OK for a salon to keep tools/implements in a disinfectant jar with high level disinfectant to use during the day as long as items have been cleaned prior to putting them back in the jar and have been submersed at least 10-minutes before use on the next client (disinfectant should be clear, not cloudy). If the disinfectant is cloudy, ask the technician to change it out and soak tools/implements at least 10-minutes before working on your nails.
5. Tools/Implements should be stored in clean containers or plastic bags until use on client. Technician’s hands should be clean or in fresh gloves prior to pulling out items from containers or plastic bags to prevent contamination.
Tools/Implements that should not be disinfected and should be disposed of after use are: single-use files, orange wood sticks, paper file bits or anything that is not metal or plastic that can be disinfected. Never let a nail technician use any of these items on you if you know it has been used on another client or if it appears to be dirty.
Items that can be disinfected: Metal pusher, scraper, nippers, clippers or anything that is metal or plastic.
Also, always make sure your technician is wearing fresh gloves or cleans their hands between clients and uses sanitizers often. “It is important for nail technicians to wear fresh gloves or clean hands between clients and sanitize often to prevent cross-contamination.
Beyond cleanliness there are other signs you should take note of to find out if you have found the right salon for you. Are the staff friendly, courteous and make you feel welcome? Do they smile often? Do they appear to enjoy what they are doing, or are they just trying to rush you out the door so they can get to the next paying client? Is the technician talking to you about what they are doing and how you can get the most out of your service as well as giving you information on making an educated decision on product and styles? If they do not listen to what you want, have a good selection of nail polish and different types of nail enhancement or nail design samples, it might indicate they just want to rush you through the service and don’t care what they put on your nails. If they are secretive about the brand of products they are using, you should be very concerned and not allow them to apply any product unless you can see what brand they are using and the ingredients it contains (there are also some salons out there that put other product into name brand product bottles (make sure you can trust the salon and the product they are using). A great salon should have friendly, courteous and happy staff available to take care of you. The nail technician should listen to your needs and make sure you are satisfied with the service you have received and should be willing to guarantee the service they do. They should have a large selection of nail polish, nail enhancement selection, and nail design choices as well as being open about the brand of the product being used on your nails.
There is more to “GOOD SERVICE” than just selecting a nail color or design. If you are unable to communicate well with your technician there is a strong chance that you will not be satisfied with your service. You should always be aware of what chemicals they are using and be able to read a clear and defined label on the product bottle. If you can’t read the label, or suspect the product is not what is in the jar, ask to see the container that they took the product from (in most cases, the salon will purchase large bulk containers and place the contents into a smaller bottles or jars). The bulk container should be marked clearly with the name and ingredients.
Finally, does your nail tech know what they are doing? Are they licensed and can you easily spot their credentials? It’s very important that the nail tech has a license and it is clearly displayed for you to view, if it is not on display for your technician, refuse service until they show you their credentials (this is an Oregon State requirement). A licensed nail technician has been trained to do the job safely and knows the state regulations and requirements. Did the technician ask you to fill out a “Nail Client Record” that includes information about your medical history? This is important to make sure that the service you receive does not conflict with any medical conditions or reactions to any medications or product allergies and is also an Oregon State Requirement. You may be tempted to go to one nail salon over another because of price, but what you save in price you may lose in quality and potential permanent damage to your nails up to and including the loss of your fingers and/or toes. The brand name product is expensive; therefore, the inexpensive nail service has to be realized by cheaper product and/or less time spent on the service, which can be painful, cause damage to your nails and is not guaranteed.
I hope that this information will help to make your next nail salon experience your best yet. A manicure and/or pedicure can be one of the most relaxing, enjoyable experiences you have on a regular basis. I want to make sure that it stays that way. Please let me know your thoughts, or even better, let me know of your good or bad salon experiences. If you are in the McMinnville, Oregon area, your best choice will of course be Nail Art Décor N More “I Care”. I look forward to meeting you soon.
So you are looking for a great salon. How do you know if you have found one? If you are anything like most women, you try every nail salon within a 10-mile radius of your house or work until you find the one that you feel does the best job for the cheapest price. Price is sometimes indicative of the quality and type of service you will receive at the Salon. Here are some ways you can know if you have walked into a questionable salon and technicians or a reputable salon with knowledgeable technicians:
Probably the most important thing you want to look for is cleanliness. If the salon doesn’t pass the eye test I would recommend that you don’t waste your time. The eye test being is the floor dirty? Is the bathroom clean? If you step foot into a nail salon and feel dirtier than before you walked in, then walk out. If they can’t keep their appearance clean, then who knows how well they treat their equipment, tools or implements. Did they wash the nail table and equipment between clients? Are their towels clean? Also, don’t be afraid to ask them how they disinfect their tools. The best way to disinfect salon tools and implements are:
1. Pre-Clean (Remove the visible dirt and debris from the tools and implements.)
2. Clean (Wash implements with soap or detergent and hot water, rinse implements and dry.)
3. Disinfect (Using a high level disinfectant mixed according to the manufacturer’s directions, disinfect tools/implements by completely submerging tools for 10 minutes. Remove tools and implements, rinse and dry thoroughly using clean towel/paper towel.)
4. It is OK for a salon to keep tools/implements in a disinfectant jar with high level disinfectant to use during the day as long as items have been cleaned prior to putting them back in the jar and have been submersed at least 10-minutes before use on the next client (disinfectant should be clear, not cloudy). If the disinfectant is cloudy, ask the technician to change it out and soak tools/implements at least 10-minutes before working on your nails.
5. Tools/Implements should be stored in clean containers or plastic bags until use on client. Technician’s hands should be clean or in fresh gloves prior to pulling out items from containers or plastic bags to prevent contamination.
Tools/Implements that should not be disinfected and should be disposed of after use are: single-use files, orange wood sticks, paper file bits or anything that is not metal or plastic that can be disinfected. Never let a nail technician use any of these items on you if you know it has been used on another client or if it appears to be dirty.
Items that can be disinfected: Metal pusher, scraper, nippers, clippers or anything that is metal or plastic.
Also, always make sure your technician is wearing fresh gloves or cleans their hands between clients and uses sanitizers often. “It is important for nail technicians to wear fresh gloves or clean hands between clients and sanitize often to prevent cross-contamination.
Beyond cleanliness there are other signs you should take note of to find out if you have found the right salon for you. Are the staff friendly, courteous and make you feel welcome? Do they smile often? Do they appear to enjoy what they are doing, or are they just trying to rush you out the door so they can get to the next paying client? Is the technician talking to you about what they are doing and how you can get the most out of your service as well as giving you information on making an educated decision on product and styles? If they do not listen to what you want, have a good selection of nail polish and different types of nail enhancement or nail design samples, it might indicate they just want to rush you through the service and don’t care what they put on your nails. If they are secretive about the brand of products they are using, you should be very concerned and not allow them to apply any product unless you can see what brand they are using and the ingredients it contains (there are also some salons out there that put other product into name brand product bottles (make sure you can trust the salon and the product they are using). A great salon should have friendly, courteous and happy staff available to take care of you. The nail technician should listen to your needs and make sure you are satisfied with the service you have received and should be willing to guarantee the service they do. They should have a large selection of nail polish, nail enhancement selection, and nail design choices as well as being open about the brand of the product being used on your nails.
There is more to “GOOD SERVICE” than just selecting a nail color or design. If you are unable to communicate well with your technician there is a strong chance that you will not be satisfied with your service. You should always be aware of what chemicals they are using and be able to read a clear and defined label on the product bottle. If you can’t read the label, or suspect the product is not what is in the jar, ask to see the container that they took the product from (in most cases, the salon will purchase large bulk containers and place the contents into a smaller bottles or jars). The bulk container should be marked clearly with the name and ingredients.
Finally, does your nail tech know what they are doing? Are they licensed and can you easily spot their credentials? It’s very important that the nail tech has a license and it is clearly displayed for you to view, if it is not on display for your technician, refuse service until they show you their credentials (this is an Oregon State requirement). A licensed nail technician has been trained to do the job safely and knows the state regulations and requirements. Did the technician ask you to fill out a “Nail Client Record” that includes information about your medical history? This is important to make sure that the service you receive does not conflict with any medical conditions or reactions to any medications or product allergies and is also an Oregon State Requirement. You may be tempted to go to one nail salon over another because of price, but what you save in price you may lose in quality and potential permanent damage to your nails up to and including the loss of your fingers and/or toes. The brand name product is expensive; therefore, the inexpensive nail service has to be realized by cheaper product and/or less time spent on the service, which can be painful, cause damage to your nails and is not guaranteed.
I hope that this information will help to make your next nail salon experience your best yet. A manicure and/or pedicure can be one of the most relaxing, enjoyable experiences you have on a regular basis. I want to make sure that it stays that way. Please let me know your thoughts, or even better, let me know of your good or bad salon experiences. If you are in the McMinnville, Oregon area, your best choice will of course be Nail Art Décor N More “I Care”. I look forward to meeting you soon.
How do I paint my nails, especially my non-dominant hand?
Tip: Cut down some paper towels into @2”x2” squares (this is better to use than cotton because it is lint free and yet still absorbs well)
1) Wipe your nails down with a 2”x2” paper towel square folded into ¼’s.
2) Choose your nail polish
Tip: If you have an old bottle of polish that is thick, you can add some nail polish thinner to make it a better consistency (2-3 thinner coats of polish are much better than 1-2 thick coats)
3) Roll the bottle between your fingers and hand to mix the polish (shaking it will add bubbles to the polish)
Tip: Start painting onto your dominant hand, I don’t know why, it just seems to be easier
4) Begin painting with a layer of base coat (I recommend OPI Nail Envy) to protect your nail bed from discoloration caused from colored polish.
Tip: Only wipe your brush off on the back side of the bottle; keep the load in the front of the brush where you need it. If there is too much polish on the brush, lightly tap it on the edge of the jar to allow a drop or two to fall off.
5) Start polishing the nail by starting in the middle about 2mm away from the back of the nail, push the brush back about 1 mm leaving a small space so the polish does not touch the nail, then draw it forward in one stroke, continue by starting in the same place and draw it down on either side of the nail to cover the full nail.
Tip: When doing your non-dominant hand, place both hands on the table and move your dominant hand to assist as much as possible (one example would be to hold the polish brush on a nail and use pull away from the brush with your dominant hand)
6) Do a second coat after completing all nails on both hands.
7) Use a small flat paintbrush with rounded top, dip it in acetone, dab off extra on a 2”x2” paper towel square and clean up any polish that may be on the skin or even up lines around the nail plate using the brush.
8) Apply a fast drying top coat (I recommend Seche Vite).
9) Add cuticle oil around the nail plate on the skin to moisturize the skin around the nail to add moisture back to that area.
Tip: If you are decorating your nails, complete polish including top coat. Wait 12-24 hours and then decorate with acrylic paint, this way you can wipe off any mistakes with a light amount of water on a 2”x2” paper towel square.
Tip: If wanting to create perfectly straight lines, use a liner brush that has very long bristles, load it by dragging it through a bubble of acrylic paint, practice on a sheet of paper to get the load you want, then apply by placing the brush with the tip where you want the line to start, put the rest of the brush down on the top of the nail and drag to where you want the line to end.
Best Tip: If this does not work for you, come and see me at Nail Art Décor N More, I would love to make your nails beautiful and artistic.
Written by: Tami Harrell of Nail Art Décor N More, McMinnville, OR
Tip: Cut down some paper towels into @2”x2” squares (this is better to use than cotton because it is lint free and yet still absorbs well)
1) Wipe your nails down with a 2”x2” paper towel square folded into ¼’s.
2) Choose your nail polish
Tip: If you have an old bottle of polish that is thick, you can add some nail polish thinner to make it a better consistency (2-3 thinner coats of polish are much better than 1-2 thick coats)
3) Roll the bottle between your fingers and hand to mix the polish (shaking it will add bubbles to the polish)
Tip: Start painting onto your dominant hand, I don’t know why, it just seems to be easier
4) Begin painting with a layer of base coat (I recommend OPI Nail Envy) to protect your nail bed from discoloration caused from colored polish.
Tip: Only wipe your brush off on the back side of the bottle; keep the load in the front of the brush where you need it. If there is too much polish on the brush, lightly tap it on the edge of the jar to allow a drop or two to fall off.
5) Start polishing the nail by starting in the middle about 2mm away from the back of the nail, push the brush back about 1 mm leaving a small space so the polish does not touch the nail, then draw it forward in one stroke, continue by starting in the same place and draw it down on either side of the nail to cover the full nail.
Tip: When doing your non-dominant hand, place both hands on the table and move your dominant hand to assist as much as possible (one example would be to hold the polish brush on a nail and use pull away from the brush with your dominant hand)
6) Do a second coat after completing all nails on both hands.
7) Use a small flat paintbrush with rounded top, dip it in acetone, dab off extra on a 2”x2” paper towel square and clean up any polish that may be on the skin or even up lines around the nail plate using the brush.
8) Apply a fast drying top coat (I recommend Seche Vite).
9) Add cuticle oil around the nail plate on the skin to moisturize the skin around the nail to add moisture back to that area.
Tip: If you are decorating your nails, complete polish including top coat. Wait 12-24 hours and then decorate with acrylic paint, this way you can wipe off any mistakes with a light amount of water on a 2”x2” paper towel square.
Tip: If wanting to create perfectly straight lines, use a liner brush that has very long bristles, load it by dragging it through a bubble of acrylic paint, practice on a sheet of paper to get the load you want, then apply by placing the brush with the tip where you want the line to start, put the rest of the brush down on the top of the nail and drag to where you want the line to end.
Best Tip: If this does not work for you, come and see me at Nail Art Décor N More, I would love to make your nails beautiful and artistic.
Written by: Tami Harrell of Nail Art Décor N More, McMinnville, OR
Helpful links:
How to stop biting your nails ~ http://ow.ly/IaWGA
Get to know your Nail Anatomy ~ http://ow.ly/In0WN
Hard Vs. Soft gel ~ http://ow.ly/IaTA5
Nail care ~ http://ow.ly/HYYiy
How to stop biting your nails ~ http://ow.ly/IaWGA
Get to know your Nail Anatomy ~ http://ow.ly/In0WN
Hard Vs. Soft gel ~ http://ow.ly/IaTA5
Nail care ~ http://ow.ly/HYYiy