Frequently Asked Questions

SALON R5 FAQs

  • What Payments do you accept?

    We accept cash, card (Visa, Mastercard & American Express) and Venmo payments.

  • Is Sales Tax included in your prices?

    No, sales tax are not included in our listed prices. Sales tax will be added at check-out.

  • Are all employees licensed by the State of Iowa?

    Every technician at Salon R5 is licensed by the State of Iowa in their field.

    We currently have 3 Licensed Nail Technicians. 1 Licensed Esthetician and 1 Licensed Massage Therapist.

  • Do you accept walk-ins?

    If a customer comes in and we have an available technician, we will gladly serve that client.

    If the technician has a current, or upcoming appointment, we will make an appointment for the walk-in customer at a later date/time.

    If the technician is finishing an appointment, and has no appointments after, we can seat and service the client.

  • Do you use disposable items?

    Yes! We use disposable items that are discarded and NEVER reused on other clients.

  • What Precautions are taken to ensure Hygiene and Safety?

    At Salon R5, we take hygiene and cleanliness seriously. We follow Iowa State laws for salon cleanliness and readiness.

    After each client, we sanitize by thoroughly washing all implements with soap and water, dry, and then packaged for individual and finally, all packages are sterilized in an autoclave sterilizer.

    We clean and disinfect each nail station and pedicure chair/basin with EPA-Registered Hospital Grade Disinfectant after each client's service is complete. No disposable items are reused. They are discarded after each client.

Differences between each Enhancement | Service

  • What are Acrylic Nails?

    Acrylic nails are a type of artificial nail extension made by combining a liquid monomer with a powder polymer to create a durable and long-lasting layer over natural nails. The process involves applying the mixture to the nails, shaping it, and allowing it to harden.

    Acrylic nails can be customized in terms of length, shape, and color, making them popular for achieving desired nail aesthetics. They are known for their strength and durability, often lasting several weeks before needing maintenance.

    Acrylic nails are a popular choice for those seeking to enhance the appearance of their nails or to add length and strength to natural nails.

  • What is PolyGel?

    Polygel is a hybrid nail enhancement formula that combines the durability of acrylic nails and the elasticity application of gel nails.

    Polygel nails are a lightweight, flexible alternative to acrylic nails. The formula can be applied to the natural nail or on top of a nail form to create an extension.

    Similar to the maintenance of acrylic nails, Polygel nails typically don’t need to be fully removed and reapplied during each visit. Instead, they are simply filled in for maintenance (your nail technician will advise when it is time to fully remove your Polygel nails and come in for a fresh application). During a fill-in, the Polygel remains on the nail and is filed down. Next, more Polygel (a pea-sized amount) is added near the cuticle to fill in the area where the nail has grown over time.

  • What is Hard Gel?

    Hard gel is a nail enhancement product that can strengthen, extend, and shape nails. It is a thick, glossy, self-leveling gel that comes in a pot and looks similar to hair gel or sap:

    Hard gel is different from regular gel polish because it's harder and can cure under a UV light, allowing it to be sculpted and used to create nail extensions. It's also more durable than shellac and doesn't need to be soaked off with acetone, but instead needs to be filed off. Hard gel can be used to create a variety of looks, from natural to intricate designs, and can last for months without chipping, smudging, or breaking:

    Hard gel is also hypoallergenic, making it a good option for people with sensitive skin. It can be used with other gel polishes, and some say that adding a gel polish over hard gel looks great.

  • What is Dipping Powder?

    Dipping powder is a popular nail enhancement technique that involves applying a colored powder onto the nails. The process typically includes applying a base coat, dipping the nails into the colored powder, and sealing it with a top coat. Unlike traditional nail polish, dipping powder doesn't require UV light to dry and often results in a durable and long-lasting manicure.

    Additionally, dipping powder can provide added strength and thickness to the nails, making it a preferred option for those looking for both aesthetic and practical benefits.

  • What is a Manicure?

    A manicure is a cosmetic beauty treatment for the hands and nails. It typically involves shaping, filing, and buffing the nails, as well as pushing back and trimming the cuticles. Additionally, manicures often include applying nail polish or nail art designs to enhance the appearance of the nails. This pampering procedure not only leaves the hands and nails looking well-groomed and polished but also promotes relaxation and self-care.

  • What is a Pedicure?

    A pedicure is a beauty treatment focused on the feet and toenails. It involves soaking the feet in warm water, exfoliating dead skin, trimming and shaping the nails, and pushing back or removing the cuticles. Additionally, pedicures may include moisturizing the feet and calves, as well as applying nail polish or decorative designs to the toenails. This relaxing procedure not only enhances the appearance of the feet but also promotes foot health and overall well-being.

  • What is Regular Polish?

    Regular nail polish dries naturally when exposed to air, without the need for any special curing process. It is easy to apply and remove, making it a convenient choice for those who prefer to change their nail color frequently. May be dry to the touch up on leaving the salon, but truly requires 24-hrs to fully cure naturally, therefore, it can still be bumped & dinged if not careful.

  • What is Gel Polish?

    Gel polish is made up of acrylic monomers and oligomers that bond together when placed under UV light. This process is called curing, and in a matter of seconds, the once-liquid gel turns into a hard, chemical-resistant coating. Will require professional soak-off to maintain a healthy nail bed.

  • What is a European Manicure?

    The European manicure, also known as a dry manicure or an electric file manicure, involves using an electric drill and fine grit bits to file down the cuticles and shape the nails without water.

  • What is a Builder Gel?

    Builder gel is a gel product that has a thicker viscosity that is able to be used to lengthen the nails as well as build strength at the apex period. Builder gel is sort of like if you take a plastic dish and drop it on the floor, it'll bounce back versus an acrylic dish, if you drop it, it'll crack. Builder gel is good for people who are heavy lifters (meaning their nails lift easily on the side) because it's more flexible.

  • What is Gel-X?

    Gel-X is a full-coverage soft gel extension service. It gives you the best of both worlds in that the extensions are strong and long-lasting, but they can also be easily soaked off the same way you would remove normal gel polish.

NAILS FAQs

  • What should I avoid doing after a nail service?

    Whether you have acrylic, dip, builder gel, gel x, or gel polish services, you should follow the same aftercare to keep your nails lasting to its full potential.

    • Avoid soaking nails in too hot of water for an extended period of time.

    • Wear rubber gloves while doing dishes and cleaning.

    • Avoid prolonged contact with chemicals like those in sunscreen, perfumed products and insect repellant.

    • Use cuticle oil daily.

    • DO NOT PICK. If your nails are damaged, lifting, or cracked avoid picking at all cost and come in for a repair or removal.

    Maintain regular service to keep your nails in tip-top shape.

  • Which Enhancements CANNOT be SOAKED OFF?

    Hard gel is a product that cannot be dissolved by acetone and therefore can only be removed by filing off of the nail plate.

    Polygel is a hard gel/acrylic mixture. Because of the hard gel in the product, the only option will be to filed off the product.

  • Which Enhancements CAN be SOAKED OFF?

    Builder is a soft gel and Dipping Powder can broken down by acetone and soaked off like regular gel polish. While it is a thicker consistency and a stronger product, it is still able to be soaked off.

  • Will Gel Polish, Acrylic, Dip, Gel X or Hard Gel enhancements damage my nails?

    Nail polish, nor nail extensions, should damage your nails if done and removed properly and by a licensed professional. Our technicians are trained in proper nail preparation, application and removal techniques. As long as proper techniques are followed, your nails should remain in the same or better condition than before the product was applied. Following the appropriate nail aftercare will also help maintain the full potential of your enhancements.

  • How often do I need to fill my nails?

    Depending on your nail growth as it varies from person to person, it is recommended to have your nails filled every 2-3 weeks.

  • Do my nails need to "breathe"?

    The short answer is NO.

    Nails are dead matter, so they do not need to breathe. Nails grow from within and they are “fed” from the bloodstream. The visible part of your nail, the nail plate, is made of keratin cells (just like your hair) and cannot breathe. The cuticle does obtain oxygen from the bloodstream, not from the air. All oxygen needed for the nail is supplied from the blood.

MASSAGE FAQs

  • Is it safe to get a massage while pregnant?

    Yes. Prenatal massage can help reduce stress, relax your muscles, and improve your blood flow, mood, and sleep during pregnancy.

  • Does Massage Therapy hurt?

    While there may be some discomfort when tight or tense muscles are massaged, it should be minimal with a primary focus on relaxation.

    If you feel yourself tightening up or feeling pain or discomfort for more than a moment, please tell your massage therapist so they can adjust the pressure. Likewise, communicating about any injuries can help minimize the risk of pain during and after your massage.

  • Will I be naked during the massage?

    No. You will be asked to undress to your comfort level. For many people, this means removing all clothing aside from lower body undergarments. Our professional massage therapists have been trained to drape sheets as needed to allow for modesty, while still allowing access to the parts of the body receiving massage.