What is the difference between regular gel, builder gel, and gel extensions?

• A regular gel manicure uses soft gel that is applied in two coats and top-coated to last about 14 days when maintained properly. This service is suggested for clients who don’t mind coming in on a bi-weekly basis and are OK with getting their color soaked off each time.

• A builder gel overlay is also soft gel, however, the product is much thicker and as the name states, is used to build layers over your nail that add strength (adds, not creates), this service can be filled every 2-3 weeks and requires soak-offs around every 6 months or so to ensure the best longevity. The overlay does not include adding any length, the length of your natural nails is kept.

• GelX (gel extensions) is a full cover tip applied to the natural nail using a soft gel called “extend gel”, this service adds length, and tips are pre-shaped allowing for less file time. When maintained properly, GelX can last 4 weeks.

Why do you offer gel services and not acrylic?

For the health of myself and my clients, I transitioned to gel services to avoid inhaling the chemical fumes of acrylic and monomer in my small spaces. Gel services are just as durable and last as long.

Do you service children?

I service children 13 years and older. Children can be accompanied by 1 parent/guardian. While I service children, there is no children’s rate. All rates are the same.

What brands/products do you use?

• Gel Polish: OPI, Aprés, Chaun Legend Nails, The Gel Bottle, Gelish, DND and whatever you request ;)

• Gel Extensions: Aprés

• Pedicures: Footlogix

If ever there is a specific color by a brand that you’d like to see in the studio, please message me and I’ll get right on it for you.

Is there anything I need to do before my appointment?

• If you have an existing product on your nails that I did not add, please remove that and arrive with clean nails and toes. If I have serviced you last, come as you are! I’ll take care of any removals/repairs needed.

• If you are coming in for a pedicure, please refrain from shaving the day of your appointment. I know it’s hard not to, but getting a fresh pedicure with possible exfoliation is not healthy for freshly shaved legs as it may be too abrasive for the skin. Please don’t clip your toenails too short or round the nails with a file, they should never be below the top of your toe and rounded corners can cause ingrown toenails if not done properly.

Do you offer trade services?

• I do not offer services in trade for another service. Pricing structures and material costs differ between service providers or creators and I’ve found that trading is never fully equal. I believe in supporting others by putting profit into their business!

• I do, however, offer no or low-cost services to charity causes and non-profit organizations on a select basis. Contact me at hello@amberdidmynails.com to discuss further.

What payment methods do you accept?

I accept the following payment methods:

• All major credit & debit cards via swipe, tap or insert.

• Cash (no change on hand).

• Zelle.

• I prefer not to transact over CashApp and Venmo.

What is your sanitation process?

1. After each service, used metal implements are placed into a labeled container to be cleaned. Single use implements such as buffers, nail files and orange wood sticks are disposed of in the garbage.

2. All implements that are to be cleaned are then taken to sink and using gloved hands are scrubbed with warm water and antibacterial soap and rinsed throughly before being submerged for 10 minutes into a hospital grade disinfection mix of barbicide and water.

3. After the required 10 minute contact time, implements are then removed using gloves and rinsed throughly before being set on a fresh paper towel to dry.

4. Once fully dry all implements are placed into the Mini E-209 sterilizer for 1 hour before being packaged into sterile bags and sealed until the next appointment.

Cross-contamination is avoided at all costs and multi-use implements are replaced quarterly to ensure peak performance. If you have any questions about this process, please do not hesitate to reach out to me directly.

How can I reach you if I have additional questions?

The quickest way to get a response is to send me a text, my cell number is in your confirmation email and your reminder text message. If it’s not urgent, shoot me an email at hello@amberdidmynails.com.