There’s nothing like a clean, glossy manicure to take your appearance from drab to fab, from sloppy to put-together. From a traditional coat of polish to acrylic tips and beyond, we explore a few options for taking your nail look up a notch.
Au Naturel
At MAK Nail Bar & Organic Spa in Wyomissing, they specialize in keeping it simple and natural, but that doesn’t mean your mani can’t be a work of art. Here, the model experienced MAK’s Tropical Paradise Manicure, a service that typically takes 40 minutes and costs $32.
Natural Manicure Pros:
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- Natural nail polish, like the Zoya brand used in this mani, is free of formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, DBP, toluene and camphor.
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- Natural polish is easily removed.
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- You can do it at home yourself if you want.No professional help is necessary!
Natural Manicure Cons:
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- Polish has a lengthy drying time.
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- The manicure has a life of one week or less.
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- Polish can chip easily.
MAK Nail Bar & Organic Spa | 704 Woodland Rd., Wyomissing | 610.750.7538 | maknailbar.com
Faking It: Going Acrylic
Head to Tina’s Salon and Day Spa, famous for their nail services, for a full or refill set of acrylic nails. Set aside up to an hour and $45 (possibly more) for a full set, and 30-45 minutes and $28 for refills. Like the color? This one is by Morgan Taylor.
Acrylic Nail Pros:
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- Your nails are all one length and imperfectionsin natural nails can be repaired.
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- Polish adheres to acrylic very well.
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- Nails will be strong and durable.
Acrylic Nail Cons:
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- You will need to keep up your nails with an appointment every two weeks.
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- If you break a nail, you will need to see a professional to have it repaired.
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- Some people are allergic to the product used.
Tina’s Salon and Day Spa | 404 Penn Avenue, West Reading | 610.374.5591 | gototinas.com
Perfectly Flexible
If you’re looking for the perfection of an acrylic manicure but don’t like the idea of using harsh chemicals, Brisa Gel nails may be for you. Getting a full set is a time commitment at two hours, starting at $50 at United Artists Salon & Spa. Refills take 1 hour and 15 minutes, possibly a little more, and start at $30.
Brisa Gel Pros:
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- Gives a natural feel and look with strength and flexibility.
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- Provides immediate increased length that you can wear with or without polish.
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- The process is odorless and hypoallergenic.
Brisa Gel Cons:
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- You have to commit to a refill process.
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- Manicure cannot be soaked off.
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- It’s a time and financial investment.
United Artists Salon & Spa | 299 Penn Avenue, West Reading | 610.376.8481 | unitedartistssalon.com
A Dip Will Do
Powder nail dipping isn’t new, but it’s gaining in popularity, and you can find the service at Iron Roots Salon in West Lawn. The powders are offered in a variety of pigments and shades. Plan on investing about 45 minutes for the unique process andspending $35-40 per visit.
Powder Dip Pros:
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- Long-lasting and durable manicure.
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- A good alternative if gel polish does not work for you.
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- Completely odorless, and the finished product offers nails as strong as acrylics
Powder Dip Cons:
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- Colors of powders themselves may be morelimited than polish.
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- Soak-off time can be lengthy.
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- Must be done by a professional.
Iron Roots Salon | 3311 Penn Avenue, West Lawn | 484.509.4531 | ironrootssalon.com
