FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Everything You Need to Know

Find quick answers to common questions about our nail care treatments, appointment bookings, and spa services in Minneapolis, MN.

Find the Right Nail Service for You

Not sure which nail service is the best fit? Compare our most popular options by wear time, maintenance, and the look you want to achieve—so you can choose with confidence.

Service	Best For	Wear Time	Removal / Maintenance
Regular Polish	Quick events, low commitment, easy at-home changes	5–7 Days	Non-acetone or regular polish remover
Gel Polish	Chip-free shine on natural nails with zero dry time	2–3 Weeks	Professional acetone soak-off
Builder Gel (BIAB)	Natural nail reinforcement, structure & natural growth	3–4 Weeks	Soak-off or 3–4 week rebalance fills
Gel-X Extensions	Instant length & trend shapes; lightweight, full coverage	3–4 Weeks	Full acetone soak-off (fresh set each time)
Hard Gel	Maximum durability overlay or sculpted long extensions	3–4 Weeks	Professional file-off only (3–4 wk fills)
Acrylic	Extra length, extreme shapes (coffin/stiletto), 3D art	2–3 Weeks	Acetone soak-off or 2–3 week fills

Helpful Info for Your Visit

Get answers to your queries and some care tips for your nails.

1. Appointment & Salon Policies

Do I need an appointment, or do you accept walk-ins?

We welcome both walk-ins and scheduled appointments. Booking ahead guarantees your preferred time and technician without any waiting.

How long does a gel manicure usually last?

A standard gel manicure lasts two to three weeks without chipping, depending on nail growth and daily natural wear.

How do you sanitize and clean your salon tools?

We use hospital-grade disinfectants and individual single-use file kits, sterilizing all reusable metal tools in an autoclave after every client.

What is the difference between acrylic and gel nails?

Acrylics use liquid and powder for added length and strength, while gel uses brushed coats cured under UV light for a lighter, natural feel.

2. Choosing Your Service

I want to grow my natural nails without extensions. What should I get?

Acrylics use liquid and powder for added length and strength, while gel uses brushed coats cured under UV light for a lighter, natural feel.

What is the difference between Builder Gel, Hard Gel, and Acrylic?

Builder Gel (BIAB): A flexible, soak-off gel perfect for reinforcing natural nails or short extensions.
Hard Gel: A non-porous, rigid enhancement sculpted over tips/forms. It provides strong durability, feels lighter than acrylic, and is non-soakable (requires professional file-off).
Acrylic: A classic liquid-and-powder system offering maximum rigidity and structural strength—ideal for dramatic lengths, coffin/stiletto shapes, and heavy 3D art.

Should I get Regular Polish or Gel Polish?

Regular Polish: Great for low-commitment color, events, or if you like changing shades weekly at home without UV/LED curing.
Gel Polish: Cured under LED light for instantly dry, chip-free wear with mirror shine lasting 2–3 weeks.

What are Gel-X extensions, and how are they different from Acrylic?

Gel-X is a full-cover soft gel tip system bonded over your whole natural nail with gel adhesive. They offer zero dust, no chemical odor, and consistent shape and length. Gel-X tips are soaked off completely every 3–4 weeks for a fresh set, unlike acrylics which receive backfill fills.

3. Wear Time & Nail Care

How often do I need a fill vs. a new set?

Acrylics: Fills recommended every 2 to 3 weeks to rebalance the apex and prevent lifting.
Builder Gel & Hard Gel: Rebalance fills recommended every 3 to 4 weeks.
Gel-X: Soaked off completely and replaced with a fresh set every 3 to 4 weeks.

What happens if I peel off my lifted gel or extensions at home?

Peeling or prying enhancements forcefully rips off the top keratin layers of your natural nail plate, leading to thinning, sensitivity, and premature lifting on future sets. Always schedule a gentle professional soak-off or rebalance.

How do I keep my nails looking fresh between appointments?

Apply cuticle oil twice daily to keep enhancements flexible and nourish natural nail growth.
Wear rubber gloves when doing dishes or handling household cleaning chemicals.
Use the pads of your fingers instead of nail tips for typing, opening cans, or peeling stickers.

4. Nail Art & Booking Guidelines

How do I know how much time to book for nail art?

Nail art is tiered by complexity and appointment duration:

Simple Art: Chrome glaze, classic French tips, minimal dots, or 1–2 accent nails.
Moderate Art: Multi-color French, blooming gel, aura gradients, or swirl line art across all fingers.
Intricate / 3D Art: Hand-painted character art, sculpted 3D textures, cat-eye effects with charms, or heavy rhinestone placement.

*Tip: Add the appropriate art tier during online booking or message an inspiration photo ahead of your visit.

Can I get nail art on regular polish?

Simple nail art (such as minimal dots or lines) can be done on regular polish, but intricate designs, chrome powders, cat-eye magnets, and 3D charms require LED-cured gel to properly adhere and last.