Salon nail experts help please

[doubleshift]

I'm going to have my nails done at a new salon near me. But I am so confused about types of finish and what can be achieved.

I have good long natural nails so don't want extensions. I have had "gel" in the past and want something that lasts 2 weeks or so. The salon have 1000s of bottles on the wall and also lots of powders. The bottles are SNS

What do I need to ask for? Can various effects such as ombré be achieved with gel? Such as a French tip ombré? What are the tubs of powders they have?
I quite like the look of some glitter on one finger but what do I ask for.
What about nails with glitter tips.

So confused! Please can someone explain it in simple terms!! So that I know what to ask for

Hi @doubleshift. Not sure if you've already been to the salon now, but if not then let me see if I can help. 😊

The SNS bottles are "gel" which can be applied to your natural nails and are then cured under a UV lamp. This will give you the long-lasting colour you are after. It has to be removed at a salon and they will tell you it doesn't ruin your natural nails but if used repeatedly I generally find it does.

The powder is probably acrylic. This is used over tips to create "false nails" but you can also have it over your own nails to strengthen them and prevent them breaking. Again, it has to be professionally removed and will cause damage. Some places also offer a newer form of gel-like acrylic (I forget the name) which is a bit less damaging but generally costs more. Having this over your natural nails will give that "plump" effect that you don't get through nail colour alone.

Ombre effect is generally done using acrylic powder as they can use two different colours to create the effect. I find it looks better when my nails are longer and on the plus side, if the bottom is close to natural colour then the regrowth is not as obvious and I can last it out a bit longer between appointments.

French tip can be done in a variety of different ways and your salon will have their own preferred technique for this.

If you want glitter on one finger then just ask them to add this. 😊 You may also find it useful to save some photos on your phone to show the technician what you would like. They can then let you know the best way to create it. Bear in mind that some places will charge more for "nail art" and different salons will define this differently so it could be anything from having a bit of glitter on one nail that costs more to it only costing more of you have intricate designs added.

Hope you enjoy your shiny new nails!

Thanks that is very helpful. I came away with gel polish on my quite long and strong natural nails. Pleased with it albeit quite boring as far as nails go!