Frequently Asked Questions

Bare, natural nails looking for a clean and minimal look should treat themselves to a Basic Manicure (no polish). It’s low maintenance, return as needed. Nails are cleaned and shaped, any dead cuticle skin is removed and the surrounding skin exfoliated.

Those looking for short-term decoration on your natural nails, such as for a special occasion or a vacation, choose a Gel Manicure. This is pure gel. Many people are familiar with Shellac, which is a hybrid of regular polish and gel. Pure gel is more durable and slightly thicker but a Gel Manicure and gel polish refers to colored gel that is applied to your nails after prep and shaping. It hardens under UV/LED light to an instantly dry and glossy finish that flexes with your natural nail. Depending on various factors such as your nail growth, lifestyle, etc., this can last anywhere from 2-4 weeks and at your next appointment, the old color will be removed and reapplied. This maintenance service is a Gel Manicure with Return Removal.  

If you’re looking to add strength to your natural nails and you’re willing to maintain that strength with regular fills, choose a Builder Gel Manicure. Builder gel adds a layer of structured support on top of your natural nail before your gel color goes on. It’s great for supporting thin, flexible, or damaged nails or helping nails grow longer without breaking. Maintenance appointments every 2-4 weeks are recommended to maintain the strength and integrity of your nails. If it has been 2-4 weeks, please select a Builder Gel Fill. Going longer than 4 weeks shifts the weight distribution of product further toward the edge of your nail, making lifting and breaks more likely and requiring additional product on the new nail growth. If it has been more than 4 weeks since your last appointment, please select a Builder Gel Rebalance.

If you’re looking to add both length and strength to your nails, and you plan to maintain them for a shorter time than Builder Gel, choose a Gel Extension Manicure. Full-cover soft gel extensions are applied over your natural nails and adhered with gel that cures under UV/LED light. You get the strength of gel and the length of an extension in a lightweight, natural-looking set. This service is maintained one of two ways: Gel Extension Refresh involves using a builder gel to fill the natural nail growth and maintain the set. This can be done if you return within 2-3 weeks. If it has been more than 3 weeks or you want to change up the length or shape, a Gel Extension + Return Removal is recommended due to the new growth causing changes to your nail’s balance and durability.

I offer gel services only. One is not inherently better than another; each serve a different purpose. Gel gives the wearer natural-looking, lightweight, and flexible nails using products that contain no nail polish solvents (little to no odor during application) and harden under UV/LED light to a thin, glossy finish. While acrylic is known for its strength, gel flexes with the nail, making it more resistant to impact. Furthermore, multiple consistencies of gel are available depending on the nail’s flexibility needs. 

Right now, I do not have the space or equipment to accommodate pedicures. Instead, I am focused on creating a relaxing space for you to focus on giving your hands the self-care they deserve.

Clients under 16 years old wishing to receive any gel service require a parent or guardian’s written consent and an adult present during the service. This is because a growing teen’s nail plates are softer and more susceptible to permanent damage.

As long as your guest does not interfere with my ability to perform your service or your ability to enjoy it, you are welcome to have 1 additional person accompany you inside the studio.

If you need to bring your children, please ensure they can be occupied for the duration of your appointment with minimal interruption.

Oregon law only permits service animals in a salon, which does not include emotional support animals under the ADA. Please let me know ahead of time so I can prepare space for your companion.

Products like dip, acrylic, and hard gel can require both additional time and/or products to remove. Even when it’s gel, I need to get a clear look at the state of your natural nails to ensure good retention on your new manicure by removing lifting of old product and spotting any signs of damage. This type of full removal is a longer service than a removal between sets. It is usually at least 30 minutes and can be as long as 1 hour.

I offer many HEMA-free options. Please let me know if you have any allergies or concerns.

Any link connecting UV/LED lamps and cancer remains inconclusive based on the available data. Data compiled from the International Journal of Dermatology’s 2025 scoping review across seventeen studies include emitted spectra and measured irradiances from commercial lamps where doses of UV emission vary across different lamps yet remain low, with “predominantly UVA emissions that complied with safety guidelines when correctly used.” While case reports of squamous cell carcinoma and actinic keratosis were restricted to the hands of patients with extensive UV exposure, “Current evidence is insufficient to support the mandatory implementation of protective measures such as gloves or sunscreen during UV nail lamp exposure. More importantly, a direct causal link between UV nail lamps and carcinoma development has not been conclusively established.”

While the data does not demonstrate a clear need for protective measures, regular lamp exposure is considered an “acceptably low” risk. I also provide sunscreen if you feel you need additional protection.