Frequently Asked Questions
Short, honest answers about services, booking, care and the studio.
The manicure
What is a Ukrainian / European gel manicure?
At my studio, a Ukrainian / European manicure is a gel manicure that combines removal of existing product, precise nail preparation and detailed care of the cuticles and surrounding skin with light strengthening, leveling of the natural nails, and a gel finish cured under an LED nail lamp. The result is a smooth, natural-looking manicure with lasting wear, typically 3–4 weeks depending on nail growth and daily use.
How is your Ukrainian / European gel manicure different from a one-hour salon manicure?
High-volume salons often work to tight schedules to see more clients each day. My priority is quality: a flawless, natural-looking finish, comfortable, lasting wear, and a long-term relationship with each client. The appointment time and price reflect the attention, care, and professional experience involved in every step.
What’s the difference between your gel manicure and what people call a “Russian manicure”?
“Russian manicure” is a popular name for a technique that’s known by many names around the world: dry manicure, e-file manicure, combination manicure, or Ukrainian/European manicure. The technique itself doesn’t belong to any one country. It’s a method that nail artists across Eastern Europe have developed and refined over many years.
What is the difference between a gel finish and regular nail polish?
Regular nail polish air-dries, usually has a shorter wear time, and is removed with nail polish remover. A gel finish is cured under a compatible LED nail lamp and generally offers longer wear and greater resistance to chipping. The removal method depends on the gel product: soak-off gel can be removed with an appropriate acetone-based method, while hard gel requires filing.
What is the difference between soft gel and hard gel?
At my studio, I use soft gel for short natural nails. This service includes light strengthening and leveling, gel color, and a top coat. Hard gel creates a firmer supporting structure and allows more control over nail architecture. It can reinforce short nails or support medium and longer lengths, creating a durable result suited to the chosen length. We can choose the most suitable product during your appointment based on the condition of your natural nails and the result you want.
Does hard gel automatically mean nail extensions?
No. Hard gel can reinforce short, medium, or long natural nails by adding strength and supporting their shape and structure. A hard gel overlay follows your existing natural nail length and does not automatically include extensions. Adding length beyond your natural nail is a separate service that we discuss individually.
How do I choose my nail length when booking: Short, Medium, or Long?
Use the part of your nail that extends beyond your fingertip as a guide:
• Short: nails end at the fingertip or extend just slightly beyond it.
• Medium: the part extending beyond the fingertip is approximately half the length of the pink part of your nail.
• Long: the part extending beyond the fingertip is more than half the length of the pink part of your nail.
My booking menu includes photo examples to help you compare lengths and choose the appropriate service.
Booking and additional services
Is gel removal included in my appointment?
Yes. When you book a gel manicure at any nail length, removal of your existing coating is included in the service price, whether it was applied by me or another nail artist. If you only want your gel removed without a new gel application, please book the gel removal service.
Are French tips and nail art included in the gel manicure price?
No. French tips and nail art are separate design add-ons with an additional charge. They require extra time, so please select them as additional services when booking your gel manicure. If you book only a gel manicure, there may not be enough time to add French tips or nail art during your appointment, and I may need to decline the request. Booking your design in advance allows me to reserve the time needed.
What should I do if one or more nails need repair?
Nail repair is available as an additional service. You can select it when booking on my website to reserve the extra time needed.
Do you offer BIAB, Gel-X, acrylic, or dip powder?
No. I work only with soft gel and hard gel.
What is the difference between your pedicure options?
The full Gel Pedicure includes nail and cuticle care, foot care, and gel polish on the toes. Gel Pedicure Toes Only focuses on the toenails and does not include the full foot-care portion. Regular Pedicure includes foot care with a classic polish finish.
How should I prepare for my first or next appointment?
Confirm your appointment and double-check that you have selected all the services you need, including any design or nail repair. Bring reference photos of your desired result if you have them. If you don’t, we can discuss your preferences and choose an option that suits you. If you are unsure which service or add-ons to choose, contact me before your visit and I will help.
Wear, comfort, and care
How long will my gel manicure last, and when should I book my next appointment?
The approximate wear time is 10 days to 2 weeks for soft gel and 3–4 weeks for hard gel. Actual wear time depends on the initial condition of your nails, their length, and daily use. After assessing your nails, I can adjust the interval between visits and give you a more personalized estimate of how long your manicure can last.
Will gel damage my natural nails?
Careful preparation, professional products used according to the manufacturer’s instructions, gentle application, and proper removal help reduce the risk of damage to your natural nails. It is also important to follow the recommended interval between appointments and not wear the coating longer than advised. As your nails grow, the balance of the gel structure changes, which can increase stress on the natural nail and the risk of lifting or breakage. Treat your nails gently between visits: do not pick or peel off the coating or use your nails as tools. Wear gloves when cleaning, handling household chemicals, or doing prolonged wet work. If you notice lifting, please book a prompt appointment and come in to have it assessed and addressed.
My nails are thin or sensitive. Can I still book a gel manicure?
If your nails are thin or sensitive and this is your first visit, I recommend booking a Regular Manicure first. During the appointment, I will assess the condition of your natural nails, and together we will decide whether a gel manicure is suitable for you.
Should detailed cuticle work hurt?
No. If your cuticles are very thin or sensitive, I will adapt the technique to keep you comfortable.
How should I care for my nails between visits?
Moisturize your cuticles with cuticle oil and your hands with hand cream. This helps keep your skin looking well-groomed between visits. Treat your nails gently: do not pick at or peel off the coating, and do not use your nails as tools. Wear gloves when cleaning, handling household chemicals, or doing prolonged wet work to limit contact with irritants and water. Moisture can collect beneath lifted product. If you notice lifting or a chip, please book a prompt appointment to have the coating checked and repaired if needed.
How is gel removed?
The removal method depends on the product on your nails. I remove soft gel using a soak-off system. For hard gel, I use an e-file to remove the gel down to a thin layer of soak-off base. I then remove that remaining base layer using the soak-off method.
What should I do if I am allergic to gel nail products?
If you know you react to gel nail products, please see a dermatologist for an assessment and personalized recommendations. If I notice signs of a possible allergic reaction on your skin or nails during your visit, I will let you know and ask you to see a dermatologist for assessment.
Hygiene
How are reusable tools processed between clients?
Hygiene and careful instrument processing are a priority in my studio. After each client, reusable metal tools are cleaned with soap and water, rinsed, dried, and fully immersed in properly diluted BARBICIDE for 10 minutes. They are then rinsed again, thoroughly dried, sealed in pouches designed for steam sterilization, and sterilized in an Enbio PRO, a Class B medical steam autoclave from Swiss company Enbio Group AG. Steam sterilization is designed to destroy microorganisms, including bacterial spores. I keep records of sterilization cycles. Processed instruments are stored in sealed pouches in a clean, dry, covered area until use, following the pouch manufacturer’s storage instructions.
Are files and buffers used on more than one client?
All nail files and buffers are single-use and are discarded after each appointment.
Visiting the studio
Where is the studio, and where can I park?
My studio is at 13101 W Washington Blvd, Suite 112, Los Angeles, CA 90066, near Marina del Rey, inside the eOffices building. Metered street parking (2-hour maximum) is right in front of the building. Alla Road and Lyceum Avenue have free street parking with street-cleaning restrictions, so please check the signs. Please do not park in the eOffices assigned parking behind the building. The studio is wheelchair accessible.
How do I change or cancel an appointment?
To change or cancel your appointment, follow the instructions in your booking confirmation. Please review the Cancellation Policy.
What is your complimentary repair policy?
• If your gel coating chips or lifts within 7 days of your appointment without impact or other mechanical damage, I offer a complimentary repair of the affected nail or nails. Please contact me within this 7-day period to arrange your repair.
• For damage caused by impact or other mechanical stress, please book a paid Nail Repair service on my website.