Our clients often come in with great questions about our services and products. We’ve listed a few of the more common questions with their answers below. If you don’t see an answer to your question, please call us at 256-885-0202 or send us a message.
Where are you located?
In the Nails – 3322 South Memorial Parkway, Building 200, Suite 217, Huntsville, AL 35801
We are conveniently located on South Parkway between the Airport Road and Drake Avenue Exits. While heading South on the Parkway, we are immediately past Hollywood 18 Movie Theater in the Century Office Center. Get Directions
What is the difference between a manicure and nail enhancements?
A manicure is a service performed on your natural nails and includes hand care such as a hand massage and paraffin dip. Nail enhancements are performed by adding an artificial product to your natural nails such as tips, gel or acrylic. With nail enhancements it is very important to have regular fill-ins to maintain the health and beauty of your nails.
What is the difference between gel and acrylic nails?
Gel is a thick liquid substance that can be applied to either the natural nail or nail tips. The gel product is activated and hardened by curing in a UV lamp. Gel is generally more flexible than acrylic and comes in a variety of colors with pink and white being the most commonly used. Acrylic is a powder and liquid, which when combined, hardens to a solid that can be applied to either natural or artificial nails. Acrylic is stronger than gel but lacks the flexibility of gel. Your nail technician can help you determine which product is best for your nails.
What does "pink and white" or "French" mean?
A pink and white or French is the application of white artificial product or polish to the free edge or extension portion of the nail. A pink nail product or polish is applied to the nail bed creating the look of a pink and white or French.
Do artificial nails hurt?
Artificial nail application should not hurt. If your nail technician is using a nail drill, or hand file, and files too deep into your nail bed, or into your cuticle area, it is possible to experience pain and discomfort. It is important to select a technician who is experienced and practices current sanitizing and disinfecting standards recommended by the Alabama Board of Cosmetology.
How often should I get a fill-in?
We recommend that you maintain your enhancements by getting them filled every two to three weeks. The longer you go between fills, the more apt you are to experience lifting and/or breakage which could cause nail mold.
Do artificial nails cause mold or fungus?
When an artificial application is made to the surface of the nail, the moisture evaporation process is blocked. Moisture then begins to build-up in the natural nail and is retained there causing the moisture content of the nail to increase. Think of what happens to your nails when you go swimming. They love to absorb and retain moisture like a sponge. This increased level of moisture content can provide a climate in which fungus and mold spores grow and multiply. However, taking care of your nail enhancements once you leave the salon is very important. Having regular fills and using a high quality cuticle oil to prevent fungus and mold can assure client’s freedom from fungus and mold.
Will tanning discolor my nail enhancements?
Some tanning products can cause yellowing, especially if you are wearing a pink and white or French enhancement. As long as your nail technician is using high quality nail products and applying a UV top coat, your nail should not discolor.
What is the cause of nail breakage or lifting?
Gardening, cleaning, moving and biting are the most common reasons. Next, comes washing dishes, traveling and bitter cold weather. Wearing proper gloves to protect your nails and hands can prevent breakage and lifting. Stress is also a huge culprit. Weather we realize it or not, stress causes us to chew and pick our nails. You pay good money for your enhancements, so treat them like the investment they are.
What is a Shellac Manicure?
A shellac manicure consists of a UV base coat, two coats of shellac color, and finishing UV top coat. All of which are painted straight out of nail laquer bottles. In fact, the creator of shellac, C.N.D. refers to the product as a “power polish” instead of gel. While each layer is cured in a UV lamp, there is no filing involved like with traditional gel products. The natural nail is dehydrated first with alcohol to ensure the polish will adhere and the layers of product are then enough to allow the natural nails to breathe. When done properly, the finished manicure stays set and glossy for two weeks. Since shellac is a hybrid polish, it does not offer the strength of traditional gel or acrylic. But in return, for the lightness of the product, the removal is easier.
Do you have platform pedicure massage chairs?
Yes we do. But unlike most spa-massage chairs, our chairs are pipeless. We utilize the Footsie Footbath Pedicure Chairs with disposable liners. A new liner is used for every pedicure, ensuring that there is no bacteria, or disease transferred from one client to another.
What if I have health concerns?
Some services and treatments may not be suitable if certain health conditions exist. Please alert our staff if you have diabetes, skin disorders, nail fungus or mold, if you are taking blood thinners, have recently had surgery or are pregnant. Please notify us at the time of booking and again before your service if you have any health concerns so that we may help you with alternative recommendations if needed.