Artificial Nails FaQs:

What are "Bio Gel", "Crystal Gel", "Brisa gel", "Diamond Gel", "Solar gel", "Powder Gel" ...?
There are many terms used in the Nails business that have NO clear meaning at all.  They are
used for some marketing purpose.
We found that these terms add lots to the confusion for customers.  
Here some guidelines/facts:  
If it's a powder mixed with liquid it is NOT gel: "Powder gel" is NOT gel.
"Bio gel" is NOT necessary an eco-friendly product being used nor the product is from natural ingredients....We suspect that the term is used with hope to make belief that products used are
from Bio-sculpture Gel  (which is a brand name).  
"Crystal Nails", "Diamond nails" are used to show that the products got a very glossy finish.  This is
used commonly for marketing purpose to get higher cost.
"Solar nails", "Brisa gel" are other brands.  Some are more popular than others.
"Solar nails" is just another acrylic type.

Why does Spa L'Esplanade not using brand names gel?
We need products that are effective and at the same time economical, safe for our employees and
customers.  The gel we use is manufactured from labs in the US, following strict regulations
in terms of Health and safety.  It might as well where the brand names are sourced from.

I used "this brand, that brand" and found that it is very good?
We are sure that the brand names are also as good.  Some of the reasons we are not settled
on brand names are that they are not priced economically.  
The huge price difference remains on nice labels.  The quality of the products is not any better than
the products we are currently used.  
The savings are passing on to our customers while the quality of products is not affected.  

Why gel is specially promoted vs Acrylic at Spa L'Esplanade?
The top reason we spent time in perfecting gel process to the point where we are now,
is that gel product produces NO fume.  This health element together with the improvements
of the gel product over the years convince us that gel is a much better product.
When using gel products, it is not necessary to use primer.  Primer is used in the acrylic process
to enhance bonding but it is not good for your natural nail bed.  
Also when using gel, less filing on the natural nail is required.  The finish is nicer, glossier and last
longer.  

Do you still use Acrylic process?
Yes, for customers who insist on it.  But 99.5% of our nails customers use gel products.
We only ask our nails customers to give us one chance to show that gel is better.

Why is there a price difference when using Amy's service vs her staff?
The services done by Amy are impeccable.  Regarding building artificial nails, you will notice that your
fingers will look much nicer.  Amy designs the shape of your nails depending on the shape of your
nails bed as well as the look and size of your fingers.  The overall is not only more natural but classy
and elegant.  The master workmanship can be distinguished when the customer's nails are so thin
and very small which is a challenge to nails techs to achieve excellency.  Amy started with using
Acrylic and is a pioneer in launching "Porcelain" type which had become popular.  Currently, Amy
throws her support to gel products for many reasons stated above, however we do not support any
brand name products because of their way out-of-line pricing that disregard for the labor that
estheticians had to put into every set.  Our Gel products are sourced from labs in USA and are FDA
approved.  The savings from products procurement help us in keeping our prices reasonably low .

Is using electric filing tool damaging to your natural nail bed?
Any tool not used properly will cause damage.  Those who do nails but are not proficient in
using this tool do not have a chance to beat the competition.  This tool shaves off at least 40%
off time required in removals.   As a nail professional, proficient in using this tool is a must.
Similarly, if one is not proficient in driving a truck, does not mean that trucks should not be used.


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SPA L'ESPLANADE
Experience The Difference
171-181 Bank St. Ottawa, Ontario K2P 1W5
613-231-6660     
amy@spalesplanade.com                 Directions