Studio and Bookings

What makes Nail Plate Studio different?

Nail Plate Studio is the first of its kind to offer hourly pricing. Want to skip color and enjoy a longer massage? No problem. Do you need an extra clear coat because you are hard on your hands? No problem. All services at Nail Plate Studio are waterless for a more hygienic and environmentally friendly service. We also believe in no soak gel removals. This means a faster service but longer lasting nails.

What kind of products do you use?

For polish, we only carry Dazzle Dry. It is the cleanest long wear nail lacquer available. As an added bonus, it lasts 10-14 days for most clients and dries in 5 minutes!

For gel colors, we carry a variety of American, Canadian and Japanese brands including Akzentz, Kokoist,Vetro, Presto, Orly, and OPI. We also carry Luminary and Orly Builder In A Bottle.

What are the benefits of a no soak off gel manicure?

All gel manicures include an overlay. This allows the technician to safely file away the color, leaving a protective layer of gel on your nail. Some refer to this service as BIAB, structured mani, or even nail plumping. Your natural nails maintain their strength and integrity allowing you to grow long, beautiful nails! Don’t forget the cuticle oil!

What is the difference between sculpted extensions and Apres GelX?

Both are great options to give you longer nails. GelX is better for noncommittal nail extensions. Not all nails work with GelX. Sculpted extensions are harder and not meant to be removed frequently. Sculpted nail extensions are more customized and look more natural.

Do you cut cuticles?

Yes and no. The proximal nail fold is frequently referred to as cuticle which generally should not be removed. Cuticle is actually the dead skin on the nail plate which must be removed. While no aggressive trimming techniques are performed at Nail Plate Studio, we do offer advanced nail prep which gently exfoliates this tissue. Proper and consistent nail care will shrink this tissue without harsh cutting.

Do you soak cuticles during the service?

All services at NPS are waterless meaning no soaks for hands or feet. There is zero benefit to soaking nails in water prior to a service. Soaking your hands or feet usually results in over aggressive eponychium removal and less durable services. Your nails are like sponges that absorb water and expand when wet. They shrink like sponges do when drying and can cause lifting or chipping with gel services. Any reputable gel company suggests a waterless manicure with their product. I do carry a cuticle softener if needed. Regular cuticle oil use means healthier nails!

How do I book an appointment?

All appointments must be booked online with a credit card to hold the appointment. No appointments will be booked via email, DM, or phone. Following your appointment request, you will receive an email from “Square Contracts” detailing my service policies. You have 48 hours to sign. Appointment requests will be declined without a signature.

Why was my appointment declined?

Please double check that you have signed the NPS service agreement sent via Square Contracts.

There may have been a time conflict and we were unable to reach you or you have previously no showed or are a frequent late client.

Are you available at this time?

Appointments must be booked online. Please use the “Book Now” button or visit my Square appointment site. Appointments can be requested up to 3 weeks ahead. If you do not see your desired time, unfortunately it means another client has that spot. Unfortunately, I usually do not have same day/last minute appointments. Any last minute availabilities will be posted to Nail Plate Studio’s Instagram.

How much time should I book?

Feel free to reach out with any timing questions. Please refer to the service timing page to guide you. We do not rush services at Nail Plate Studio. If the appropriate amount of time is not booked, the service must be modified to fit in the existing time slot.

Do you remove ingrown toenails?

Yes and no. Most ingrown nails are really just curved nails that have been in tight shoes for too long. Nail Plate Studio offers nail braces to correct these nails and alleviate any discomfort.

Please note any nails or skin with signs of fungus or infection will be turned away.

I already have a full set on. Can you add any art on top?

Nail Plate Studio suggests a removal and fresh manicure. While we can add art to an existing manicure, we cannot guarantee any service in this scenario.

What is your cancellation and lateness policy?

Nail Plate Studio offers a generous 6 hour cancellation policy. Cancellations can be made via your booking confirmation, text, or email. Any cancellations made after this period will be charged 100% of the service price.

Please be on time for your appointment! No time extensions can be granted in the event of lateness. Services will be modified to fit in the remaining time slot. When making an appointment, you are purchasing the time from Nail Plate Studio. If you arrive 15 minutes late to a 1 hour service, you have 45 minutes left to complete your service and are responsible for the full cost. Any lateness of 20 minutes of more will result in a cancelled appointment and you will be considered a no show.

Please plan accordingly. NYC always has traffic, construction, and public transport delays. This is not an excuse.

How do I take care of my fresh mani?

Oil, oil and more oil! Look for a thin cuticle oil like jojoba oil, almond oil or even argan oil. Nails dry out very easily with frequent hand washing or sanitizer use. It is important to replenish the moisture to ensure your nails stay strong AND flexible. Regular cuticle oil use will mean longer lasting manis, more efficient services, and healthier nails!

Avoid hot baths, saunas and steam rooms for the first 12 hours after your manicure. Avoid putting pressure on your nails as repeated pressure can cause lifting. Also try to avoid using your nails as tools (opening cans or boxes). This can cause premature lifting. NEVER pick or rip off your gels. This will rip off nail layers leading to weak, thin nails.

General Nail Questions

Do gels damage nails?

Nope! This is a myth, people damage nails by ripping off their gel manicure or by aggressively prepping the nail. This is why NPS offers a no soak gel mani.

Is acetone to use?

Absolutely! This is another myth. Acetone is naturally produced by the human body so it is rare for anyone to be allergic and it is one of the safe ways to remove nail products. Yes, your skin will look white upon contact. This is normal and just a sign of dehydration which is good for the service. This is why we apply oil and lotion after the service.

Are nail lamps safe to use?

Yes! Do not be fooled by salons that foolishly claim they use LED lamps so not to worry. BOTH LED and UV nail lamps emit UV rays. LED lamps are actually stronger which is why the cure time is shorter. One gel session is equivalent to spending an extra few minutes in the sun.