Frequently Asked Questions

Precision Nails has provided professional nail care for more than 27 years. In October 2013, we relocated to our larger, more accessible space directly across from The Barnyard. If our salon doesn’t look like a typical nail salon, then we have achieved our goal of creating a uniquely elegant, comfortable and clean environment for our clients.

We work by appointment only Tuesday through Friday and do not take walk-ins. Our schedule revolves around our Preferred Clients who reserve their standing appointments more than a year in advance (see below). To reserve an appointment, please contact us through email or voicemail (831.620.0454). Any appointment reserved for a new client must be prepaid, or secured with a Precision Nails Gift Card.

Preferred Clients have standing appointments in one-, two- or four-week intervals, depending on the service(s). Precision Nails offers standing appointments by invitation only. Preferred Clients enjoy scheduling priority and other valuable benefits. To be considered, a client must be punctual and be able to keep a regular schedule with few exceptions.

Precision Nails emphasizes the quality of its services, not the quantity of clients served. Our spacious salon accommodates only two clients at a time. When we have two licensed manicurists available, your hands and feet can be done at the same time. As for you and a friend receiving services together, simultaneous appointments are not very likely given that most of our schedule has been reserved with standing appointments.

Spa pedicure chairs waste water, time and money and we’d much rather spend our resources caring for your feet. Our innovative waterless spa pedicure service (Foot Detail) produces excellent results without the health risks associated with pedicure spas. Our clients relax in leather recliners and experience warm towels, responsible callus reduction, gentle exfoliation, warm moisturizing paraffin and soothing extended massage to the knees.

We specialize in hard gel enhancements, but provide nail repair and maintenance services to existing clients only. We cannot assume responsibility for the work and/or products of other nail salons or manicurists.

No, we neither remove nor apply gel polish products. For more color choices and easier removal, we recommend traditional polish over gel enhancements. Like all artificial nail products, gel belongs to the acrylic family of chemicals. Unlike traditional acrylics or wraps, gel consists of pre-formed chains of monomers (oligomers) that cure when exposed to UV light. We offer only gel enhancements because they:

• beautify and protect your natural nails
• are virtually odor-free
• adhere well without acid primer;
• do not require excessive filing;
• and have a durable, shiny finish that resists solvents.

While the durability of gel is comparable to that of traditional acrylic, gel enhancements may not be suitable for you. In fact, when contemplating any enhancements, factors to consider include the health of your natural nails, your lifestyle, activities and resources. It’s much easier to adapt your nails to your circumstances than the other way around. Natural nail services may be more appropriate.

When used as directed, UV nail lamps are safe. After months of negative and unsubstantiated press, the three leading chemists working in the nail industry, Doug Schoon, Paul Bryson and Jim McConnell, released the first scientific study also support the safety of these lamps.

When applied and maintained properly, enhancements should not negatively affect natural nails, but the potential for damage exists. Clients wearing enhancements must be willing to care for their nails on a regular basis, usually every two weeks. We caution clients against wearing their nails at an unreasonable length, using them as tools and/or doing any nail repairs on themselves. The removal of any enhancement must be done gently; some products can be soaked off with acetone while others must be filed.

Absolutely! We welcome anyone who appreciates our no-nonsense approach to nail care.

Precision Nails compensates its employees on an hourly basis, as required by federal and state laws. If you choose to provide a tip to your manicurist, please include it with your payment to facilitate tax reporting. We appreciate your generosity, as do our local, state and federal governments.

The nail is a transparent plate composed primarily of the hardened protein keratin. The nail plate generates from the matrix, the most important part of the nail’s structure. Located at the base of each nail, the matrix produces the keratin cells that form the nail plate. As these cells mature, they move from the matrix toward the end of the nail, or free edge. Any damage to the matrix may permanently affect its ability to generate the nail plate. The shape and strength of a nail is determined primarily by the shape of its matrix. For example, a flat and wide matrix produces a flat and wide nail. Moreover, the length of the matrix determines the thickness of the nail; the longer the matrix, the thicker and stronger the nail.

Between salon visits, you can do your part to improve the health and beauty of your nails:

• Be aware of any damaging habits. Do you bite your nails or pick your cuticles? In addition to being distasteful, these activities can cause permanent damage to your nails and skin. When a nail needs to be shortened or smoothed, use a fine-grit nail file. Carefully remove hangnails with cuticle nippers, not your teeth.
• Be kind to your nails; do not use them as tools. In fact, your nails are not the proper tool for most jobs. Nails should not replace staple removers, razor blades, letter openers or screwdrivers.
• Avoid prolonged exposure to water; wear gloves when washing dishes, using cleaning products, gardening, crafting, etc. Nails are particularly vulnerable when wet.
• Remove polish with acetone; do not peel it off. While peeling may be more fun, using pure acetone is a gentler and more efficient way to remove polish.
• Wear adequate sunscreen to protect your skin from the damaging effects of the sun.

According to the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), ailments of the foot are among the most common, and most neglected, health problems. Seventy-five percent of Americans will experience foot problems; and women have about four times as many foot problems as men have. Your feet may be the first part of your body to show symptoms of arthritis, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and other serious medical conditions. The APMA offers practical suggestions for the care of your feet:

• wear properly-fitted, protective footwear;
• avoid going barefoot;
• use ice (cold) to treat an injury and reduce swelling and pain;
• and seek medical treatment at the first sign of injury or infection.

If your feet require medical treatment, Precision Nails recommends that you consult with a licensed podiatrist, a physician who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of foot disorders resulting from injury or disease.