What do I ask for at the nail salon?

[itdobeme]

I'd like to get nail art done but straight onto my natural nails (not acrylics). I've never had my nails done before. Is this something nail salons typically offer? And if so, what exactly do I ask for? And do I send them a picture of a design in advance?

I've attached photos from my local nail salon, can anyone tell if this is done straight onto natural nails?

I just don't want to look silly/cause any awkwardness! Thank you

Are your nails a decent length? If so, I would expect to have gel polish (which goes on like normal polish, but is cured under a UV lamp and should be removed in the salon), with nail art. Lasts about 3 weeks.
You should explain what sort of nail art you want when booking, so they know how long it will take/ tell you the price.

Those pictures look like natural nails w gel polish to me.

Yes it doesn’t need to be on acrylics, you can ask for a manicure with nail art (assuming that your natural nails have a little length on them). If you have something very specific in mind then I would pop in to chat to them with photos, to see if they could do it. Or if you are more open to designs then I would just turn up to the appointment with several photos and ask if they can do something along those lines.

Just make sure when you book the appt that you specify you’d like some nail art - as it can take a little bit longer than just gel polish and they may have allotted time appts.

my nail lady loves an internet picture to help!

Yes gel nails with nail art, you need to specify they offer the latter. You don't need acrylics

Thank you everyone, that's really helpful!

The first picture is BIAB (builder in a bottle) with gel polish on top. The second is just gel polish. You won't find many nail techs willing to do nail art with just regular polish these days (it's incredibly difficult) so you'll have to have gel polish on your natural nail. BIAB is better for your nails and can be infilled (so no removal necessary if you're wanting them redone as they grow out) so it's always better to go for BIAB with a gel polish design on top.

I'm a nail tech btw! I always appreciate when clients give me a heads up before the appt if they want nail art so I can allow enough time, but you don't need to send pics in advance (if they're a decent nail tech) just bring the pics with you