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Nails FAQ

Winter Nails

Answers to a few frequently asked questions about the nail services that I offer:

  • What is PolyGel?
  • What kind of nails do you do?
  • Do you do Shellac?
  • Do you use an electric file or drill?
  • Do you cut nails or cuticles?
  • Do you use plastic nail tips?
  • Does having enhancements hurt?
  • Does removing acrylic nails hurt?
  • How is Hard Gel or PolyGel removed?
  • Will having enhancements damage my natural nails?
  • Do you use products containing MMA?
  • How do I tell if a nail technician is qualified?
  • Do you travel?
  • Can I pay by EFTPOS or Credit Card?

What is PolyGel?

PolyGel is a hybrid between acrylic and hard gel. It has the strength of acrylic with the flexibility of hard gel, along with the added bonus of it being really lightweight. Artistic Putty (PolyGel) is 23% lighter than acrylic, and 16% lighter than hard gel, with no sacrifice to durability, so it feels a lot less bulky than traditional acrylic enhancements. PolyGel can be applied as an overlay, or sculpted over tips or forms, and is backfilled to maintain it, just like acrylic or hard gel. For a comparison between hard gel, PolyGel and acrylic, read this article.

What kind of nails do you do?

I do gel polish manicures and pedicures using Artistic Colour Gloss. Extensions and single nail repairs are done using Artistic Rock Hard LED Gel or Artistic Putty (PolyGel).
Unfortunately, I don’t offer any kind of nail dipping service (similar to SNS or any other brand) where colour is applied onto the nail in powder form.

Do you do Shellac?

Shellac is a brand of hybrid gel polish used for doing manicures and pedicures and is not a type of manicure service. I use Artistic Colour Gloss gel polish, which lasts longer than hybrid gel polishes.

Do you use an electric file or drill?

No, I don’t. I was taught to buff and file all nails and nail enhancements using a standard hand-held file or buffer. This may take a little longer than using an e-file, but I find it gives me more control over how much I am filing or buffing off, thereby reducing the risk of damaging your natural nail. If you have really thin, paper-like nails, it could be because your nail technician is buffing or filing away too much of your natural nail during prep or removal of your enhancements.

Do you cut nails or cuticles?

No, I don’t cut nails or cuticles. Nails are filed down to the desired length using a nail file (this includes toenails), as this reduces any risk of live skin being accidentally nicked or cut with clippers or other form of cutting tool. Legally, nail technicians are not allowed to cut or remove any living tissue, as this is classed as minor surgery. This includes cuticles and any skin around your nails. Having someone cut your cuticles, or any skin around your nails, increases your risk of being exposed to bacteria and possibly ending up with an infection.

Do you use plastic nail tips?

I prefer not to use tips as these create a weak spot in the nail enhancement. During my training I was taught how to use tips as well as how to sculpt the entire nail enhancement using forms (a form is a type of removable sticker), which creates a stronger nail enhancement and reduces the risk of splitting or breaking. If you prefer to have tips put under your enhancements, I can still do this for you.

Does having enhancements hurt?

No, nail enhancements should never hurt! If they do and you’ve had tips applied under them, it’s probably because the tips have been incorrectly sized and are too large or too small for your natural nail shape. This will cause unnecessary pressure on your natural nail, as the glued on tip will be forcing the natural nail into a different shape.

Does removing acrylic nails hurt?

No, having your acrylic nails removed should never hurt. Acrylic should only ever be soaked off and never ripped off or popped off. If the nail technician you have been going to is ripping off or popping off your acrylics, it’s possible that she (or he) has not been properly trained.

How is Hard Gel or PolyGel removed?

Artistic Rock Hard LED Gel and Artistic Putty (PolyGel) are both non-soak-off products, meaning that they have to be very carefully filed down, leaving a thin protective layer over the natural nail, which will eventually grow out.

French nails
Will having enhancements damage my natural nails?

No. The only time enhancements (gel polish, hard gel, PolyGel, or acrylic) will damage the natural nail is if the nail is incorrectly prepped, or the product is incorrectly removed. Gel polish and Acrylic has to be soaked off and not popped off or peeled off. When the product is removed properly, the acrylic or gel polish becomes soft and the bond holding it onto the nail loosens, allowing it to separate without damaging your natural nails. If your nail technician is ripping or popping off your acrylics, they will be taking off a few layers of your natural nail with the acrylic, which will lead to nail damage. If your nails are soft and damaged from mistreatment elsewhere, I can help repair the damage with IBX Treatment. Read more about IBX Treatment in this article.

Do you use products containing MMA?

No, I don’t. MMA (methyl methacrylate) use is restricted in New Zealand and is illegal in most states in the United States. Artistic Nail Design products contain EMA (ethyl methacrylate), which is much safer than MMA.
Read this article How cheaper salons keep their prices down for more information on MMA and EMA.

How do I tell if a nail technician is qualified?

Ask where they trained and request to see their certificates. A qualified nail technician won’t have a problem showing their certificates to you, and most proudly display them on the walls in their salon.

Do you travel?

Unfortunately, I do not provide a mobile service for nails, all nail services are done in my salon based in Mangawhai Village (near the domain). However, I do provide a mobile service for make-up only (see Make-up FAQ).

Can I pay by EFTPOS or Credit Card?

I do have an EFTPOS facility available, so yes, you may pay with a debit card or credit card.

Did you know you can book your appointments up to Did you know you can book your appointments up to three months in advance? 

Don't miss out, book your next appointment today, if you haven't already, and you're welcome to book more appointments in advance.  The online booking system gives you, the client, the flexibility to manage your own appointments. You can reschedule (or cancel) up to 24 hours before your appointment start time.

πŸ“ Mangawhai Heads
πŸ“– By appointment only
🧴 Strict hygiene routine
πŸŽ“ Fully qualified nail tech with over 10 years experience 
🌹 Tranquil location 
πŸ‘©β€πŸ’» Book your next appointment online: https://www.fresha.com/a/rambling-rose-nails-and-make-up-mangawhai-thelma-road-north-i1d1r1d4/booking?menu=true&dppub=true&employeeId=450913&pId=142955

 #nailsbyappointment #mangawhainailtech #ramblingrosenails
Gel polish manicure with nail art ($73 for this se Gel polish manicure with nail art ($73 for this set).

I don't charge any extra for different colours on different nails - some salons do - but nail art is charged at $2 per nail above the plain colour gel polish manicure price of $65.

By appointment only - use the link in the bio, on the website, or provided below to book.

πŸ“ Mangawhai Heads
πŸ“– By appointment only
🧴 Strict hygiene routine
πŸŽ“ Fully qualified nail tech with over 10 years experience 
🌹 Tranquil location 
πŸ‘©β€πŸ’» Book your next appointment online: https://www.fresha.com/a/rambling-rose-nails-and-make-up-mangawhai-thelma-road-north-i1d1r1d4/booking?menu=true&dppub=true&employeeId=450913&pId=142955

 #polkadotnailart #blackorangewhitenails #gonedotty
Not sure what you should be doing at home to prolo Not sure what you should be doing at home to prolong your manicure? 

Have a read through this article on the website with great tips, and instructions on how to remove your gel polish safely at home (if you can't get in to a salon) without damaging your nails:  https://www.ramblingrose.co.nz/maintaining-your-manicure/

 #manicuremaintenance #manicureaftercare #removinggelpolish
Winter nails don't need to be boring! Brighten up Winter nails don't need to be boring!
Brighten up your nails with a little nail art.

πŸ“ Mangawhai Heads
πŸ“– By appointment only
🧴 Strict hygiene routine
πŸŽ“ Fully qualified nail tech with over 10 years experience 
🌹 Tranquil location 
πŸ‘©β€πŸ’» Book your next appointment online: https://www.fresha.com/a/rambling-rose-nails-and-make-up-mangawhai-thelma-road-north-i1d1r1d4/booking?menu=true&dppub=true&employeeId=450913&pId=142955

 #ombrenails #ombremanicure #mangawhainailtech #nailsbyappointment #ramblingrosenails
Plain colour gel polish pedicure = $65, and you ge Plain colour gel polish pedicure = $65, and you get a relaxing foot massage at the end.

πŸ“ Mangawhai Heads
πŸ“– By appointment only
🧴 Strict hygiene routine
πŸŽ“ Fully qualified nail tech with over 10 years experience 
🌹 Tranquil location 
πŸ‘©β€πŸ’» Book your next appointment online:  https://www.fresha.com/a/rambling-rose-nails-and-make-up-mangawhai-thelma-road-north-i1d1r1d4/booking?menu=true&dppub=true&employeeId=450913&pId=142955

 #gelpolishpedicure #gelpolishpedi #footmassage
The colour of your nail polish will look different The colour of your nail polish will look different in natural lighting vs artificial lighting. 

This deep purple shimmer looks purple in sunlight, but almost black under a table lamp.

 #purplenails #deeppurplenails #starnailart
As it should. πŸ“ Mangawhai Heads πŸ“– By appoin As it should.

πŸ“ Mangawhai Heads
πŸ“– By appointment only
🧴 Strict hygiene routine
πŸŽ“ Fully Qualified with over 10 years experience (nail tech & make-up qualifications) 
🌹 Tranquil location 
πŸ‘©β€πŸ’» Book your next appointment online:  https://www.fresha.com/a/rambling-rose-nails-and-make-up-mangawhai-thelma-road-north-i1d1r1d4/booking?menu=true&dppub=true&employeeId=450913&pId=142955

 #whatissaidinthesalonstaysinthesalon #salonconfidentiality #ClientConfidentiality #clientconfidentiality
Nail art is charged at $2 per nail, and you can ha Nail art is charged at $2 per nail, and you can have as much art as you like.

This set (a gel polish manicure with nail art = $85) includes the use of pigments, glitter and stamping.

Book online:  https://www.fresha.com/a/rambling-rose-nails-and-make-up-mangawhai-thelma-road-north-i1d1r1d4/booking?menu=true&dppub=true&employeeId=450913&pId=142955

πŸ“ Mangawhai Heads
πŸ“– By appointment only
🧴 Strict hygiene routine
πŸŽ“ Fully Qualified with over 10 years experience (nail tech & make-up qualifications) 
🌹 Tranquil location

 #Matariki2025 #GalaxyNails #galaxynails #starnails #starnailart
IBX is a two-part natural nail strengthening syste IBX is a two-part natural nail strengthening system made to toughen, repair and protect the natural nail. IBX is HEMA Free.

IBX is the first treatment of its kind - it works INSIDE the nail plate and not on top. IBX penetrates into the upper layers of the nail and cross-links inside the nail plate to create an Interpenetrating Polymer Network (IPN), similar to the structure of a cargo net.

-  Under Gel Polish IBX will protect, repair and toughen the natural nail.
-  IBX REPAIR is used to repair severe nail damage to set the stage for growth.
-  IBX toughens the upper layers of the nail plate allowing nail growth.
- With multiple treatments fills up deep grooves resulting in a smoother nail plate.
- Natural nail colour and appearance is improved.

If you struggle to grow your natural nails, book in for IBX Treatment along with the manicure of your choice (IBX is an add-on service): https://www.fresha.com/a/rambling-rose-nails-and-make-up-mangawhai-thelma-road-north-i1d1r1d4/booking?menu=true&dppub=true&employeeId=450913&pId=142955

πŸ“ Mangawhai Heads
πŸ“– By appointment only
🧴 Strict hygiene routine
πŸŽ“ Fully qualified nail tech with over 10 years experience 
🌹 Tranquil location

 #repairyournails #WeakNails #weaknails #strengthenyournails
Mānawatia a Matariki to all those celebrating ton Mānawatia a Matariki to all those celebrating tonight and this weekend.

 #māorinewyear #Matariki #Matariki2025 #matariki2025

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