Is this a nail salon?
Precision Nails has provided professional nail care for nearly 25 years. If our salon doesn’t look like a typical nail salon, then we have achieved our goal of creating an elegant, comfortable and clean environment for clients to enjoy.
How long has this salon been here?
In October 2013, Precision Nails relocated from its previous location in The Crossroads Carmel to a larger, more accessible space directly across from The Barnyard.
Do you need a license to do nails professionally?
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.
How much are your manicures, pedicures, etc.?
Both our brochure and website include service descriptions and pricing. Because the names of our services may be unfamiliar, we suggest that you review this information to select the service(s) that best meet your needs.
What days/hours do you work?
We provide services by appointment only. 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.
Do you take walk-ins?
No, we do not. 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.
What’s a Preferred Client? How do I get a standing appointment?
Preferred Clients have standing appointments in one-, two-, three- 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.
Do you have a waiting list?
Precision Nails does have a waiting list; let us know what service(s) you want and when, and we’ll contact you if time becomes available. Preferred Clients and existing clients have priority on the waiting list.
How many stations/manicurists do you have?
Precision Nails emphasizes the quality of its services, not the quantity of clients served. Thus, our salon accommodates only two clients at a time in private, individual rooms.
Can my hands and feet be done at the same time? Can my friend(s) and I get our nails done at the same time?
When we have two licensed manicurists available, your hands and feet can be done at the same time. When we have two licensed manicurists and both rooms available, you and your friend can have appointments at the same time. However, given that most of our schedule is already filled with standing appointments, simultaneous appointments are not very likely.
Do you give a group/multi-service discount?
Our services are priced as listed in our brochure and on this website.
Can you recommend another salon?
We’d be happy to recommend other nail salons that meet our standards for quality and cleanliness. Because we don’t know of any in our area, we suggest that you choose carefully.
Do you do men?
Absolutely! We value our male clients for their no-nonsense approach to nail care. Good grooming is gender neutral, just like our services. That’s why our Hand Detail and Foot Detail services treat and pamper, but do not include polish application. Likewise, our Hand Express and Foot Express services focus on the basics. Regardless of gender, there’s nothing attractive about ragged nails, overgrown cuticles and rough, dry skin.
Do you accept tips?
Precision Nails compensates its employees on an hourly basis, as required by federal and state laws. If you choose to provide a tip, please include it with your payment to facilitate tax reporting. We appreciate your generosity, as do our local, state and federal governments.
Do you do artificial nails? Can someone fix my broken nail/give me a fill?
Yes, we specialize in gel enhancements. Precision Nails provides 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.
What is gel?
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.
Do you offer gel polish?
Yes, we give our enhancement clients the option of adding gel polish to their service. Like most UV gels, our gel polish cures in 2 minutes to a dry, shiny finish. Unlike soakable gel products, however, it resists solvents and must be filed off. For more color choices and easier removal, we recommend traditional polish over gel enhancements.
What kind of artificial nails are the best?
Nail enhancement products share similar chemistry; they all belong to the acrylic family of chemicals. Nail adhesives and resins (used in silk and fiberglass wraps) contain cyanoacrylates; liquid and powder systems consist of methacrylates; and gels combine acrylates and methacrylates. Acrylics cure through a reaction known as polymerization in which single molecules, or monomers, link together to form multiple molecule chains, or polymers. Polymerization begins when an initiator molecule absorbs energy from heat or light. Liquid and powder systems utilize body heat to cure, whereas gels require UV light. Nail adhesives and resins polymerize in a unique way: they react to moisture. The strength and flexibility of a nail enhancement depends upon its molecular structure. Adhesives and resins form simple polymer chains; gels and liquid and powder systems contain cross-linkers that form complex, three-dimensional structures. Thus, they’re stronger, more durable and more resistant to solvents such as acetone and water.
Do enhancements damage natural nails?
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. If moisture becomes trapped between the natural nail and the enhancement, a bacterial infection can result. This is why regular maintenance is so important. The removal of any enhancement must be done gently; some products can be soaked off with solvents like acetone while others must be filed.
What about diamond/solar/crystal/porcelain nails?
As a consumer, you are entitled to know about the products applied to your nails. Salons that falsely advertise any artificial nails as “better than acrylics” reveal how ignorant and gullible they expect consumers to be. For example, consider this description of “diamond nails” advertised by a salon: “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.” The powder is not “diamond;” 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 layer of gel over liquid and powder acrylic. True gel nails consist entirely of acrylic oligomer gel (acrylates) cured with a UV 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.
Furthermore, you should be wary of any manicurist who claims that his/her acrylic product will not break. California banned manicurists from using methyl methacrylate (MMA), a particular type of liquid monomer also known as dental acrylic, after numerous complaints of allergic reactions, nerve damage and permanent nail deformities. MMA has a very strong odor and the cured product is exceedingly hard and difficult to file, which is why many salons use drills/electric files. To protect consumers, California’s Board of Barbering and Cosmetology (BBC) prohibits false advertising, the misrepresentation of beauty services and the use of MMA. Consumers should report any negative experiences directly through its Consumer Complaint Process.
Do the UV lights used for gel nails cause skin cancer?
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.
Why don’t you use drills?
California’s Board of Barbering and Cosmetology does not regulate the use of drills/electric files by manicurists, nor does it require that beauty schools train students in their use. The lack of regulation and education has damaged both clients and the nail industry. The primary purpose of a drill/electric file is to replace hand filing, but it cannot do so entirely. Besides, application of a more flexible product reduces the need for much filing, while saving time, product and effort. In short, we don’t need drills.
Are nail products safe?
Absolutely . . . unless you ingest them, rub them into your eyes or otherwise use them inappropriately. Quality nail product ingredients have been around for decades and have not proven harmful if handled properly.
Why don’t you use (brand name) products?
Our exclusive services demand the most effective products available, from the safest and greenest polish remover (pure acetone) to professional quality tools (Mehaz and PediPro). If we don’t use a particular product, there’s a valid reason.
What’s a good polish color?
Precision Nails stocks more than 120 colors from Essie, a professional brand also available for purchase. Whether you prefer a subtle sheer pink or a bold blue frost, our staff will gladly help you choose just the right color.
Why does polish last longer on toenails and artificial nails?
The more rigid the surface, the longer the polish will last.
Can I bring my own tools to the salon?
Please leave your tools at home. In this salon, we use professional stainless steel tools that have been autoclave sterilized to protect your safety. We make our favorite tools available for purchase so you can use them at home.
What are nails made of?
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.
How can I make my nails grow faster?
While many factors affect nail growth, the average nail plate grows about 1/8″ per month; toenails grow more slowly. Nail growth increases during the summer, adolescence and pregnancy. In general, men’s nails grow faster than women’s do. Contrary to popular belief, nails will not grow faster or stronger by consuming calcium or gelatin. Your nails will lose strength and flexibility with overuse of nail hardeners, excessive filing and overexposure to water. What you do with and to your nails on a daily basis can damage even the nicest nails, so treat them with kindness and respect.
How do I care for my nails at home?
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.
Do you cut cuticles?
We do not cut the live tissue surrounding your nail plate.
Why don’t you have spa pedicure chairs or soak feet in water?
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 enjoy warm towels, responsible callus reduction, gentle exfoliation, warm moisturizing paraffin and soothing extended massage to the knees. For more information about the benefits of waterless pedicures, read this.
Do you shave calluses?
No, we do not. Manicurists can smooth calluses to beautify the feet, but should never remove them completely. 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. Shaving or cutting calluses is a potentially dangerous medical procedure and should only be performed by a podiatrist.
Why do I have calluses? How do I care for them?
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. Most people can manage their calluses at home in three easy steps:
- Soften your skin by soaking in warm water or applying a skin softening product, like Be Silky Callus Spray.
- Gently reduce calluses with an abrasive tool, like the Pedi ProTool stainless steel file with disposable abrasives, to quickly and safely remove excess dry skin.
- Apply an intensive moisturizer like Heel and Elbows Cream.
Why is foot care important?
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.
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