How to get Nails Done

1. Find a nail salon

Most nail salons require a reservation online or by phone in advance. Please check the list of services offered, prices, locations, payment accepted and duration. If you are not sure which service to choose, the salon may have a list for those who have not decided what to get yet. Even if there is no such list, they usually allow you to choose a different service while at the salon (When time allows). If there is availability on the day you would like, you may go to the salon without a reservation.

2. Head to the salon

Check how to get to the salon.
・Which station is the nearest? Are there several stations nearby?
・What is the name of the building? Is it easy to find from the street?
Arrive at the salon on time, because many salons in Japan are strict with time. If you are a first time customer, they usually ask you to fill out a paper for counseling before the treatment, which may take 5-10 mins.

3. Counseling

During counseling, you choose the shape, the length and the color/design with your nail technician. You may show some photos of your ideal nails to them too. If you would like to add some extra products like stones, there may be an additional cost. Please confirm the price before the treatment gets started.

Here is the explanation of popular nail shapes. (★ = popular)

★ Round: Good for short nails. Natural.
☆ Oval: It makes your fingers look longer. Cute.
☆ Almond: It is sharper than Round and Oval. Gorgeous. Good with stones. 
★ Square: It is harder than round shapes. Stylish. Good for French nails.

Popular nail designs

□ French nails: Simple. Elegant
□ Gradation nails: Simple. Natural
□ One colored nails: Good for office
□  Art design nails: Unique. You may ask to paint your favorite character for example. (Please ask in advance)

4. Let's get started

Removal & Shaping

If you still have old nails on your fingers, they first remove them with nail files or a machine.

Next, if you do not have old nails, they prepare your cuticles and shape your nails. (It takes 30-40 mins on average)

If you would like to sand your nails down more or want your nails to be shorter, please ask them at this point otherwise they move on to the next process.

Painting

They apply the base coat just once, then put your fingers into a UV machine to make the nails harder. It is common for your fingers to feel hot while using the machine. This is normal but no problem. You can ask to remove your fingers from the machine and let them cool down for a while. After that, you get the colored gel nails. The technician may ask you several times if everything is okay, so it is important to check the designs and colors during this process.

Finishing

Finally, they apply courting gels to finish. 

The whole treatment takes 1.5-2 hours on average.

5. Final check of your nails

Before treatment is finished, please check your nails carefully for any issues that you're not satisfied with. If you find flaws or are uncomfortable with your nails, you may ask the technician if they can fix them. (But this may not be possible due to the nails already becoming hard).

6. Payment

Some salons do not accept credit cards and only take cash. So please check the payment system of the salon in advance.