Getting your nails done should be fun and relaxing, not stressful. At Vals Beauty Hub, we hear lots of questions from our clients in Gatineau and Ottawa. That’s why we’ve put together this complete guide to answer your most common nail questions.
Whether you’re new to professional nail care or just want to know what to expect, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into the questions we hear most often at our Gatineau nail salon.
How Often Should I Get My Nails Done Professionally?
Most people in Gatineau get their nails done every 2-3 weeks. But it depends on your lifestyle and nail type.
For regular polish, Plan to visit every 1-2 weeks. Regular polish chips faster, especially if you use your hands a lot.
For gel polish, every 2-3 weeks works well. Gel lasts longer and keeps its shine better than regular polish.
For acrylics or extensions: Book your fill-ins every 2-3 weeks. Your natural nails grow, so you’ll see a gap at the base that needs fixing.
If you work with your hands a lot (like cooking or gardening), you might need more frequent touch-ups. Our nail experts in Gatineau can help you figure out the best schedule for your needs.
What’s the Difference Between a Manicure and a Pedicure?
Great question! Many of our Ottawa and Gatineau clients ask this.
A manicure focuses on your hands and fingernails:
- Nail shaping and filing
- Cuticle care and trimming
- Hand massage with moisturizer
- Polish application
- Usually takes 30-60 minutes
A pedicure takes care of your feet and toenails:
- Foot soaking in warm water
- Nail trimming and shaping
- Callus removal
- Foot scrub and massage
- Polish application
- Takes about 45-90 minutes
At Vals Beauty Hub, we offer both services. Many clients book them together for a complete pampering experience.
How Long Does a Typical Nail Appointment Take?
Timing varies based on what service you choose. Here’s what to expect at our Gatineau location:
Basic manicure: 30-45 minutes, Gel manicure: 45-60 minutes, Acrylic full set: 60-90 minutes, Acrylic fill: 45-60 minutes, Basic pedicure: 45-60 minutes, Luxury pedicure: 60-90 minutes
If you’re getting nail art or special designs, add extra time. Complex artwork can take an additional 15-30 minutes.
We always tell our Ottawa-Gatineau clients to book a bit of extra time, especially for their first visit. This way, you won’t feel rushed, and we can make sure your nails look perfect.
Do I Need to Remove My Old Polish Before Coming In?
No need to stress about this! You don’t have to remove your old polish before your appointment.
Our nail technicians in Gatineau are pros at polish removal. We have professional-grade removers that work faster than what you have at home. Plus, we can see the condition of your nails better when we remove the polish ourselves.
However, if your polish is chipped or messy, and you want to clean it up beforehand, that’s fine too. Whatever makes you feel more comfortable!
What Should I Do If I’m Running Late for My Appointment?
Life happens, and we get it! If you’re running late for your nail appointment in Gatineau or Ottawa, just give us a call as soon as you can.
Here’s what we recommend:
- Call us right away to let us know
- Tell us how late you’ll be
- We’ll do our best to still fit you in
If you’re more than 15 minutes late, we might need to reschedule depending on our bookings that day. But don’t worry – we’ll find another time that works for you.
The key is communication. Our team at Vals Beauty Hub wants to help you get the nail service you need, even if your day doesn’t go as planned.
Can I Bring My Nail Polish to the Salon?
Absolutely! Many of our Gatineau clients bring their special polish colors.
Benefits of bringing your polish:
- You get exactly the color you want
- You can use brands you love
- It’s yours to take home for touch-ups
Things to keep in mind:
- Make sure the bottle isn’t too old or thick
- Bring a base coat and top coat if you have specific preferences
- Our nail experts might recommend our professional products for better results
We have a huge selection of colors at our nail salon in Gatineau, but we’re happy to work with your personal collection too.
What’s Included in a Basic Manicure Service?
Our basic manicure in Gatineau includes everything you need for beautiful, healthy nails:
The complete service includes:
- Nail shaping – We’ll file your nails to your preferred length and shape
- Cuticle care – Gentle pushing and trimming for neat, clean nail beds
- Hand massage – Relaxing massage with moisturizing lotion
- Base coat application – Protects your nails and helps the polish last longer
- Two coats of polish – Your choice of color from our extensive selection
- Top coat – Seals everything in and adds shine
The whole process takes about 30-45 minutes. You’ll leave with gorgeous nails that last for days.
Want to upgrade? Ask about our gel manicures or add nail art for something special. Check out our full pricing in our complete nail cost guide.
How Far in Advance Should I Book My Nail Appointment in Gatineau?
For the best selection of times, we recommend booking 1-2 weeks ahead. This is especially important if you need weekend appointments or have a special event coming up.
Booking timeline recommendations:
- Regular appointments: 3-7 days ahead
- Weekend slots: 1-2 weeks ahead
- Special events: 2-3 weeks ahead
- Bridal services: 1 month ahead minimum
Busy seasons in Ottawa-Gatineau:
- Valentine’s Day week
- Prom season (April-May)
- Wedding season (June-September)
- Holiday parties (December)
During these times, book even earlier to guarantee your spot.
You can easily book online through our website or call our Gatineau location directly. We also offer mobile nail services if you prefer us to come to you!
Taking Care of Your Nails Between Appointments
Getting professional nail services is just one part of healthy nail care. Here are some tips from our Gatineau nail experts:
Daily care tips:
- Use hand cream regularly, especially in winter
- Wear gloves when cleaning or doing dishes
- Don’t use your nails as tools
- Apply cuticle oil before bed
When to book your next appointment:
- Polish starts chipping
- You see regrowth at the nail base
- Your cuticles look overgrown
- Your nails feel weak or brittle
Want to learn more about specific nail services? Check out our guides on gel nails and acrylic nails for detailed information.
Why Choose Vals Beauty Hub for Your Nail Care?
At Vals Beauty Hub, we’re more than just a nail salon. We’re your local beauty experts serving both Gatineau and Ottawa with professional, friendly service.
What makes us different:
- Experienced nail technicians who stay updated on the latest trends
- High-quality products and strict sanitation standards
- Flexible scheduling, including mobile services
- Bilingual service for our French-speaking Gatineau clients
- Competitive pricing with transparent costs
Ready to book your next nail appointment? Visit our contact page or learn more about our team.
For our French-speaking clients, we also offer services in French.