Appointment scheduling

We offer appointment scheduling through several platforms, square appointments is our go to for handling most of the appointments and making life a bit simpler. Since this is a private nail salon, we highly recommend appointments. Depending on the service times allowed for services vary, a typical Manicure can take 45 mins, Pedicure 60 mins, something from our branded collection an hour plus. Extensions can take sometimes 2 hours+ depending on design/shaping. Be mindful of this when setting appointments. Please arrive on time for your appointment, if you are running late please communicate that. Clients that are 20 minutes or later may be subject to the cancellation/no show policy. Also be aware, where I try to schedule time between clients for clean up etc. arriving early may result in you having to wait till your scheduled time. 

Differences in services 

 

Acrylic Nails

Acrylic nails made from a mixture of liquid monomer and powder polymer that is applied to the nature nail (overlay) or after a plastic tip is glued to the natural nail. Acrylic nails can also be formed using forms, to add length to the natural nail. Acrylic nails arew stronger, and more durable than natural nails. They harden on their own and do not use a UV light for curing. Acrylic nails can last 6-8 weeks, but require maintenance and need to be filled every 2-3 weeks varying with growth pattern. The Nail Barn uses Valentino (V) Beauty Arcylic system, and offers several natural shades to enhance the natural appereance of your nails. Acrylic nails are removed by filing the surface of the nail, soaking in the nails in acetone, and can take 15-30 minutes to remove. 

Dip Nails 

Dip Powder nails uses a base gel then the fingers are "dipped" with a dip powder polymer and a liquid activator in applied to harden the powder. Dip nails are durable and can be used over a nail tip. Dip nails do not require the use of a UV light to cure. Removal of dip is usually more difficult than gel to remove, and requires filling the surface and soaking the nails in acetone for at least 30 minutes. Dip nails can only be filled with the same color.  Dip can be used to strengthen a natural nail and gel polish can be applied on top for a strong lasting manicure. 'Sugarcoating" "Sweater nails" are done with a dip powder applied to a gel polish that then cured. The Nail Barn uses Artistic Dip system, and they product is poured over nails, clients fingers are never dipped into the dispense container. 

Structural Gel (soft or hard)

Soft Gel (Builder in a Bottle BIAB) is a gel like polish that strengthens the natural nail, it's a thicker consistency then regular gel polish and cures into a durable layer. It uses a primer and bonder similar to acrylic and dip nails and is recommended for weak, brittle nails or people who have trouble growing out their natural nail. It can be used with a nail tip and add length. Structural gels give a more natural appearance than acrylic nails. Gel is applied to nails in a "swishy" motion starting at the cucticle and dragged down the nail, the product is then flash cured using a UV light. BIAB can be filled using a clear or similar color and requires maintence every 2-3 weeks. BIAB can be removed easier then acrylic or dip nails, and normally takes about 15 mins. The Nail Barn uses LAVIS BIAB system, and OPI Rubber Base, OPI Clear Structure

Hard Gel is thicker than BIAB and comes in a tub, hard gel does not have the strong fumes like acrylic and can be used to form extensions or as an overlay to strengthen natural nails, it can last for 3-4 weeks with maintaintence. Hard gel nails can be filled and reshaped during service, they have to be filied off for removal. They are a great option for nail biters, or people with very weak nails. Hard Gel can also be used to make 3D shaped to add to nails, or for other nail art. The product is applied the same as soft gel and fast cured using a UV light. The Nail Barn uses IDB hard Gel and will be upgrading to Valentino Beauty Hard Gel before November. 

Gel X (soft Gels)

Gel-X is a nail extension in itself. Using pre-made gel nails (think press-ons) a bonder then clear layer of gel is applied to the natural nail with the extension on top and then cured. The nail is then painted. This is a great option for needing/wanting nails for a special event without the commitment of acrylics or structural gel. Because the process is faster this also allows more time for those nail art inspiration you keep looking at. Typically wear time is 2 weeks, Gel-X can be filled with a BIAB gel, they are removed easily soaking in acetone. The Nail Barn as variety of shapes/lengths of Gel-X tips from UNA and Apres. 

 Polish (Gel/ Regular) 

Gel Polish has a thicker constitency then regular polish, it has to be cured using a UV light. It can help ass strength to natural nails, it offers a chip-free finish for up to 2-3 weeks. The Nail Barn uses LAVIS healthy gel system, DND Gel, Top Collection, and OMG Notpolish. Removal takes a few minutes, the surface is filied and nails are soaked in acetone or a gel removal polish.  Regular polish may only last a week before chipping or fading. While the Nail Barn does not suggest it for a finished manicure service it is a great option to add color, or for pedicures. Regular polish does not require to use of a UV light, but dry times may vary and nails may not be fully dry for 30 mins after your appointment. We do use instant dry drops, and fast set top coat to aide in the drying process. The Nail Barn also offers several Regular additional polishes the aide with nail health.