How long does a gel manicure last?

Gel polish should last up to 21 days wear dependent on your lifestyle, the condition of your natural nail and any medications that you may be taking. By following the aftercare advice you will find that your nails will stay in the best possible condition following your appointment.

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What is the difference between gel, dip powder and acrylic?

• Gel polish comes in many colours, is applied direct from the bottle in thin layers and cured under a LED/UV lamp.

• Dip Powder is a process of applying a base gel, dipping the nail into powder and repeated until the correct thickness and shape is achieved. This gives a hard and durable coating to the natural nail, can be used for extensions, but cannot be infilled.

• Acrylic is applied by using a liquid (monomer) and powder (polymer). A brush is dipped into the monomer, dipped into the polymer and a wet bead of product placed on the nail and sculpted to the correct shape and thickness required. Acrylic can be used as an overlay giving a hard coating to the natural nail, sculpted using forms if you have broken a nail and also extensions using tips. Acrylic also comes in different colours, or clear can be applied and a gel polish can be added after to give colour and design. Acrylic can be infilled and infills are recommended every 2-3 weeks.

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Can I have acrylic on my toenails?

Yes you can! Acrylic can be built and sculpted to give you the perfect shape toenail. This is especially good if you have a poorly formed  toenail.

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Does acrylic damage your nails?

Acrylic shouldn't ruin your nails, however poor application and removal of acrylic can.

At SCL Beauty you are in safe hands! Only the highest quality products are applied by a fully trained, accredited therapist. The removal of acrylic is by soaking in acetone or remover, not by filing off to the nail plate which can damage to the natural nail.

By having regular infills and following the aftercare advice you can limit the risk of any damage.

 

Is 'gel powder' really just acrylic?

In a nutshell - Yes!

'Gel Powder' is in fact an oxymoron, how can a gel be a powder?! Don't be confused and think you are having a 'new concept' and potentially being charged more for it!

In recent years acrylic has had a bad reputation for being harmful to your nails.'Gel powder nails' was then introduced as a new marketing trick to make clients think that they were receiving a 'kinder' product for their nails!

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I've heard a lot of stories recently regarding nail allergies, is gel and acrylic safe to have?

All products used by SCL Beauty are professional and comply with all EU and UK regulations. All gel products are low or HEMA free and monomer is MMA free. This provides clients the reassurance that they are only receiving the highest quality products and professional service. Although we cannot guarantee against nail allergies, the products we apply limit this risk.

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I bite my nails, can I still have extensions?

If you are nail biter there are various treatments that you can have. Please let your therapist know in advance and they will be more than happy to talk over with you the best treatment for you.

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Do nails breathe?

No! Your nail plate is made up of non-living tissue called keratin (just like our hair). 

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I've had an allergy before, can I still have extensions?

Firstly, you must seek advice from a dermatologist and discover what you are allergic to. Unfortunately, if you have developed an allergic reaction to methacrylates which are contained in many nail products, you will have a life long allergy to them and you will not be able to have any form of acrylic and gel products on your nails.