Frequently asked questions
Choosing between builder gel and extensions, preparing for a brow or lash visit, and how the studio keeps every tool sterile.
Nails
Builder gel, extensions and removals
What is a structured builder gel (BIAB) manicure, and how is it different from gel polish or dip powder?
Gel polish adds colour and shine, while dip powder relies on cyanoacrylate glue and rigid acrylic powder that often cracks and needs a full acetone soak every visit. Builder gel (BIAB) is a flexible Japanese gel sculpted over your natural nail with a subtle supporting apex. It moves with your nail instead of snapping, prevents peeling, and is rebalanced every three to four weeks without stripping back to the bare nail plate.
Do you offer acrylics or dip powder, and can you remove product from another salon?
To keep the air clean and protect natural nails, the studio does not apply liquid-and-powder acrylics or dip powder. It does safely remove outside acrylic, hard gel or dip powder when you move to builder gel or Gel-X. Mention it when you get in touch so 25 minutes of removal time ($25) is booked and the product is soaked and lifted gently, never rushed.
Do you carry HEMA-free or hypoallergenic gels for sensitive guests?
Yes. Sensitivity to high-HEMA gels is taken seriously, and the studio stocks fully HEMA-free and TPO-free European and Japanese bases, builder gels and colours. Note any known sensitivity in the contact form so your artist prepares a HEMA-free tray.
What happens if a nail chips or lifts right after my appointment?
All gel manicures and Gel-X sets carry a complimentary seven-day wear guarantee. If a nail chips or lifts within seven days of your appointment, call or message the studio and a quick repair is arranged at no charge.
Have a question that is not answered here? Send it to the studio and it will be answered by reply. Ask the studio.
Brows and lashes
Before and after a lift or lamination
How should I prepare for brow lamination or a keratin lash lift?
For brow lamination, pause prescription retinoids, retinol, AHA/BHA acids and exfoliants around the brow bone for five to seven days beforehand. For a lash lift, arrive free of eye make-up, waterproof mascara residue and oil-based eye creams, and wear glasses if you normally wear contact lenses.
How long should I keep lashes or brows dry after a lift or lamination?
Keep them away from water, steam rooms, saunas, sweaty workouts and oil cleansers for the first 24 hours while the bonds set. After that, wash, swim and wear make-up as normal, and brush through daily with the conditioning spoolie you take home.
Hygiene and policies
Sterilisation, late arrivals and cancellations
How do you sterilise tools and keep pedicures hygienic?
Stainless-steel tools are scrubbed in an ultrasonic enzymatic bath, sealed in individual indicator pouches and processed in a hospital-grade steam autoclave. Every file, buffer and orangewood stick is single-use. Pedicure basins are pipeless, with no internal jets, and are scrubbed and disinfected for the full contact time between every guest.
What is your late arrival and cancellation policy?
Detailed cuticle work and nail art rely on every minute of your booked time, so please give at least 24 hours' notice to reschedule or cancel. Arrivals more than 12 minutes late may mean simplifying nail art to solid colour, or rescheduling, so the next guest still starts on time.
Ready for stronger nails or softer brows?
Tell the studio which treatment, nail length or art you have in mind. Every appointment is arranged personally, with the price confirmed before your visit.