FAQ: The What, Where, When and Why of Nail Art
We noticed that many people who are new to nail art have a lot of the same questions, so here is a list of common questions about nail art and our answers! If you have any other questions please leave a comment, and don’t forget to subscribe to our email list to be the first to hear about the hottest nail art salons and styles!
Why nail art? Or why should I do nail art?
We talk about this a little bit in our bio, and although the reason is different for everyone, I think that the overarching sentiment is that it brings us joy (insert Marie Kondo here). Art is very emotional and I don’t think nail art is an exception. Every time I look down at my nails I feel a sense of pride, I’m proud to be making self-care a habit and proud of the beautiful work the artist was able to create. In a way it is also similar to why people get tattoos, they enjoy the art form and they want to use it to express themselves. Nail art is not permanent, so you can change it to reflect your state of mind month by month. The range of subjects the people have turned into nail art is outrageous. I’m sure after you try it for the first time you’ll be hooked.
What is nail art paint/powder?
Nail art is most commonly done in two mediums, acrylic or gel.
Acrylic is where you see techs dipping a brush into liquid and then into a powder to form a dough like clump. Acrylic comes in many different colors and is most commonly used to make extensions because it dries in a couple of seconds after the two substances are combined.
Hard gel can also be used to make extensions, and it is very similar to acrylic both chemically and physically. However, hard gel is a liquid, and stays liquid until it is cured under UV light.
Why technicians chose one or the other is usually personal preference. Why you, as the client, might have a preference is usually dependent on the removal process. Hard gel has a tighter chemical structure and can only be filed off, while acrylics can be soaked off with acetone.
You might be saying, I’ve had gel and it’s been soaked off!
This is soft gel, which is applied the same way as hard gel, but is engineered to have a weaker molecular structure that is penetrable by acetone. If you don’t want extensions, your tech will most likely use soft gel. They will then top coat the soft gel with hard gel, which is why during removal they file each nail a little first before they soak off. If your tech does not put a hard top coat over your soft gel, your nail might feel weak or the design will deteriorate, so keep a look out for this important last step.
Now you might be thinking, but what is dip powder then? As you might have suspected (if you have had a dip manicure before and know the process), dip powder is just a different way of applying acrylic. Dip is usually used for applying acrylic when you don’t need extensions. You can do nail art with dip powder, but to be honest it looks like a hassle compared to just doing it the regular way. Also there have been some health and safety concerns with dip, as some salons will dip directly into the jar of powder. This means that they use the same jar for everyone and your finger could come into contact with germs that were on another client’s hands. If you want to try dip make sure they are pouring it on or using a separate bowl.
How Long will Nail Art Last?
The amount of time that a set will last is dependent on your type of nail, what products were used, and how it was applied. If applied correctly (on certain nail types) hard gels and acrylics can be basically immortal. We’ve seen evidence of a design lasting five weeks without damage. Soft gel designs that are topped with hard gel last, on average, three weeks before chipping and lifting occur. I’ve heard some people say that they could grow out their gel manicure to oblivion, attributing this to the expert application. Even at the best salon I’ve been to, my gel polish has lifted, so I think this is much more dependent on your nail type. Finally, manicures done with regular lacquer last 3.5 seconds before being totally not worth it.
How Much does nail art cost?
The short answer is $65 and up. The long answer is this it depends on where you go and what you ask for. If you know how much you want to spend you can just tell them to keep it at that price. If you know what design you want, show it to them before hand and ask them how much it will cost, then negotiate from there. If you are in a rich area *cough Manhattan* it’ll cost more because… economics. You don’t have to break the bank to get nail art. Just be clear and specific before you start your session.
How long does it take to get nail art?
I would block out at least two hours of your time for a nail art manicure. It could take less, my shortest appointment was an hour and a half, but better to be safe than sorry. If you know you are getting something complicated, like a raised shape or pattern, be prepared to sit for three plus hours.
Can nail art be done with CND shellac?
Shellac is the brand CND’s line of UV soft gel, so yes, it can totally be used for nail art! However, to my knowledge, Shellac on comes in bottles and not in pots. That may be why you don’t see it salons that use potted colors. Gels that come in pots or little jars give the techs more freedom and control.
Can nail art be done with gelish?
Gelish is a soft gel brand that is common in nail art salons, so yes, it can totally be used for nail art! Gelish sells their colors in pots and also has their own line of nail art brushes.
Can nail art be done with SNS?
SNS is a nail supply brand that is best known for their dipping powders. As we discussed in “What is nail art paint/powder,” nail art can be done with dipping powders, but it is a bit cumbersome compared to the traditional mixing method.
What are nail art stickers?
Nail art stickers can either be small stickers meant to be a component of a nail design, or they can be a substitute for nail polish. Most drugstore nail stickers that cover the whole nail just stick on. Other more advanced systems like water decals have more steps for a smoother application.
What are nail art stencils/stamping?
Nail art stencils or stamping plates are as they sound, they’re stencils for nail polish. Some stencils allow you to apply polish directly over the stencil on to the nail. Others will have you apply polish to the stencil separately and then transferred over to the nail with a stamping device.
Is nail art classy?
Man this question cracks me up. It’s like asking ‘Is this dress classy?’ Depends on you definition of classy. I will say, though, that nail art can look more professional than a lot of the designs that go viral. Dali was going to a trade show last year and wanted to get nail art (obviously), but also needed to keep it low key. She decided to go with a nude color and simple silver tape accent. I thought it was the perfect balance between being professional and not boring. If you need inspiration, take a look at our Instagram, we post a range of designs and I’m sure you’ll find one you want to try!
Where can I get nail art? or how do I know if a salon has nail art?
If you in or near New York City you should check our studio list to find the salon closest to you! If you are not, there are better chances of you finding a nail art salons in populated areas. We usually start by looking up the salons that are closest to us and then cross checking their Instagram and Yelp. It’s kind of a hassle, which is why we started making our list, but it’s worth it if you want a quality experience.