I launched Precision Nails in 1992 to pay for graduate school.

I work with clients Tuesday through Thursday by appointment only, so no walk-ins. To reserve an appointment, please click here. Note that any appointment reserved for a new client must be prepaid.

Eliminating tips makes pricing more transparent and simplifies accounting.

Yes, everyone wears a mask until further notice.

Every summer, I offer standing appointments to clients interested in a consistent schedule for the following calendar year. Clients with standing appointments receive scheduling priority and other valuable benefits.

The waterless services innovated by Precision Nails produce excellent results without the health risks and wasted resources associated with pedicure spas.

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

No, I do not apply or remove gel polish products. For more color choices and easier removal, I recommend traditional polish over hard 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/LED light. Virtually odor-free, gel enhancements beautify and protect your natural nails, do not require excessive filing and have a durable, shiny finish that resists solvents. While the durability of hard gel compares to traditional acrylic, gel enhancements may not be suitable for you. Natural nail services may be more appropriate.

When used as directed, nail light units are safe. In response to negative and unsubstantiated press, three leading chemists, Doug Schoon, Paul Bryson and Jim McConnell, released the first scientific study demonstrating their safety.

When applied and maintained properly, enhancements should not negatively affect natural nails, but the potential for damage exists. Clients must have their enhancements maintained on a regular basis, usually every two weeks depending on wear and rate of growth.

Advertising any enhancement service as “better than acrylics” misleads clients. For example, this description of “diamond nails:” “They are strong and durable like acrylic, except with less odor. They are applied by brushing a resin glue on to the nails and then dipping the nail in to diamond powder.” There's no such thing as diamond powder; it's acrylic. Instead of acrylic liquid (ethyl methacrylate), this dip procedure uses an adhesive (cyanoacrylate) with acrylic powder (ethyl and methyl methacrylates).

Other falsely advertised services include:
• Gel – a final layer of gel over liquid and powder acrylic. True gel nails consist entirely of acrylic oligomer gel (acrylates) cured with a UV/LED light; there's no powder.
• Solar – a misleading name for any French-style (pink and white) nails, it also exploits a brand trademark.
• Crystal – a fancy name for clear tips covered with acrylic monomer liquid and clear polymer powder.
• Porcelain – clay heated to 1200°F cannot possibly be used for nails, yet this ridiculous name persists.

I do not cut the live tissue surrounding your nail plate.

No, nor should you. A potentially dangerous medical procedure, shaving or cutting calluses should only be performed by a podiatrist. Using blade-like instruments (razors, shavers, graters, etc.) violates the regulations of California's Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, going beyond our scope of practice.

Calluses form when continual friction or pressure forces the skin to produce more keratin, making the skin harder and thicker. At best, calluses can be unattractive and annoying; at their worst, calluses can fissure, resulting in deep, painful cracks that may become infected.

Please leave your tools at home. I use professional stainless-steel tools that have been autoclave sterilized to protect your safety.

California's Board of Barbering and Cosmetology requires that any business providing beauty services (the “establishment”) and all service providers display valid licenses. Consumers can easily verify establishment licenses and individual licenses online.

Nails don't have a gender. I welcome anyone who appreciates my no-nonsense approach to nail care.

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:
• Eliminate damaging habits. Biting your nails or picking your cuticles 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. 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 sunscreen. 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 or 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;
• seek medical treatment at the first sign of injury or infection.

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