FAQ

Are you an inclusive salon?

Absobloodylutly!! Our salon is called B|U for a reason, in this salon you can be totally you, no judgement, no exclusivity, just a warm welcoming environment you can feel completely safe to be your true self in.

We will not however tolerate any unprofessional or suggestive behaviour towards our therapists. This is their safe space too and we will report any such behaviour to the authorities.  If it has even entered your mind… we aren’t the salon for you.

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Can you cater to the disabled?

If mobility is an issue you may struggle to join us at B|U simply because there is a step up into the salon and the inside space is very tight. We can however recommend some amazing salons in the area that will be able to cater to your mobility needs and we know they’d look after you just as well as we would, so please just ask.

 

Do you have free parking on site?

Yes, there is always a space in front of the truck on the driveway, if there’s a car there it’s the previous client still here. Just pull up outside, they should be leaving imminently. Please avoid parking in the close if at all possible. 

 

Are you Vegan friendly?

A huge amount of our products are vegan friendly. All the products in our facials and body treatments are certified Organic and only 4 products in the entire range aren’t vegan (3 include beeswax, 1 includes honey) but these are easily avoided for you and in fact we only actually have 2 of the 4 in salon anyway. Our Manicure and Pedicure ranges are both vegan friendly, as are all our Gel Polishes. The Holistic treatments, with the exception of Hopi Ear Candling (Candles are created with beeswax) are all vegan friendly. Acrylic although the ingredients in the liquid and powder are vegan unfortunately the brush used to apply is of animal origin and although sustainably and cruelty free sourced cannot be classed as vegan, if you wanted a substitute our Builder Gel is vegan friendly and can be used to extend the nail.  Unfortunately our tints are not vegan friendly. All our waxing treatments are vegan friendly. Any questions or if we’ve missed a treatment and you’d like clarification please ask.

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What are your Policies?

All our policies/terms and conditions are on the website, you’ll find them under Policies in the drop down menu. Our Terms and Conditions are also sent to you via email when you book an appointment, you will need to sign and return. You can choose to have a copy sent to you to keep for your records.

Do you offer Mobile Treatments?

We don’t, but if you can make it to us we promise we are worth the travel. The salon is a 1 on 1 environment as it’s only small so it’s completely private and you’ll be the only client in at the time.

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What do treatments include?

A description of each treatment we offer and what it includes can be found in the services section of the website.

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Whats the difference between Shellac and Gel Polish?

This can cause some confusion, but strictly speaking, they are the same thing- both are gel polishes that are cured under a UV or LED lamp to produce a long lasting manicure. A ‘gel polish’ is the general term that covers all brands, whereas Shellac is a specific brand of gel polish made by CND.

Now for the slightly more complicated bit lol, Shellac is a Hybrid Gel polish which means its thinner by nature and doesn’t give much added strength to the nail, applies a lot like a “normal” polish but is cured under a UV/LED lamp and lasts appox 2 weeks. Pure Gels like IBD and CJP amongst many others are thicker in consistency, give added strength, cure under a UV/LED lamp and due to the structure are harder wearing and can last at least 3 weeks. At B|U we only use the highest quality gel polishes that we have tried and tested for years, we have multiple brands to give you more colour choice. So whatever you choose we’ve got you covered, and after reading this more educated in what is actually going onto your nails.

 

How long does gel polish last for?

With cuticle work and full prep, a Gel polish should last about 2 weeks with proper application and aftercare. At B|U our clients consistently get 3+ weeks from their Gel Polish. We do not, have not and will never offer “express gel polish”. This option is where no cuticle work is done, you simply get your nails shaped and polished. The reason for our refusal to carry this treatment out is because without removing cuticle from the nail plate the gel polish cannot adhere to the keratin in the nail plate; this is instrumental in creating a bond and a lasting polish. Without the correct prep your polish will not last.

 

Will Acrylic or Gel damage my nails?

This one comes up a lot... Simple answer... No they don’t! If you have your extensions professionally applied and professionally maintained and removed by qualified nail technicians, there should be no damage to your nail plate. However it goes without saying that if you pick at your nails or pull them off yourself, go longer then the recommended infill time, don’t use your cuticle oil etc. the nail can and will be damaged, that’s on you… Follow our aftercare instructions which are emailed to you after your apt and you’ll be left with the same healthy nails you waked in with. Professional technicians like those at B|U will use the correct, professional branded, high quality products to apply and remove your nail extensions, and have the correct training to an exceptionally high standard in everything we use. Our 20+ years’ experience is an added bonus too.

 

Do you use MMA in your acrylic extensions?

NEVER!! Our Acrylic liquids and powders are from CJP, and are EMA (Ethyl Methacrylate). Salons that offer acrylic extensions at cheap prices are often using MMA (Methyl Methacrylate) which is used in the dental industry and by Orthopaedic surgeons. As you can imagine, it must be pretty tough to be used by doctors and dentists, but that’s far too intense for your delicate nail plate, if you catch a nail we want the acrylic to break not be indestructible! MMA needs a lot of exposed keratin to bond to your nails, leading to some really bad damage to your natural nail as layers of nail plate are often filed through to get a bond – as a chemical MMA was never designed to come into contact with skin and nails – it is too hard to be used for acrylic extensions and can tear the nail from the nail bed easily! Avoid salons that use MMA! You’ll usually smell it instantly; it’s very strong, and is very difficult to remove, it doesn’t dissolve properly in acetone and just reverts to a gum type consistency.

 

Will the E File ruin my nails?

This answer is much the same as above. In unqualified hands the E File is a dangerous bit of kit, notice the use of UNQUALIFIED, this is the most important bit. With thorough training and the correct use of both bits and machine there is no danger to your nails at all with an E File. Rest assured here at B|U we are both trained and confident in the safe and correct use of the E File. If you go somewhere and they go to use a metal bit that looks like it has cut out sections in the bit on your natural nail plate (so not on top of acrylic or builder gel, this includes if you only have a basic gel polish on so no thick base layer) RUN, run very fast. That bit is meant for use on enhancements only, the speed it will whip thru a hard acrylic is fast, imagine what that would do to your natural nail plate... doesn’t bare thinking about but sadly it does happen. Cuticle bits look like they have been dipped in metal powder (which is basically exactly what they are) so they have an almost smooth appearance and are safe for use on the natural nail and surrounding skin at a slow speed. They will only remove cuticle and surface shine from the nail and do no damage (again when used correctly). The only other bit on an efile are sanding bands, these are like tiny tubes of emery board looking material and again are safe for use at a low speed on the natural nail plate. Here at B|U we are more than happy to run through a lesson on uses for bits and E File at any point during your apt, in fact we live for educating our clients and sharing our vast knowledge so you can make informed decisions on your own nails.

 

How do I care for my nails after a manicure/Enhancement?

Aftercare is emailed out to every customer after their apt and we even send you home with everything you need to care for your nails at home between apts all included free of charge.

Side note on Nail Aftercare.. “Jewels Not Tools!” It’s the motto of all nail technicians. To keep a manicure lasting to its full potential avoid getting your nails wet for too long (like doing the dishes! Wear gloves!), avoid coming into contact for prolonged periods with chemicals like those in sunscreen, and especially avoid DEET (insect repellent). Get someone else to do the DIY or tough chores that might cause your nails to lift, and apply cuticle oil morning and night. This will keep your nails super healthy throughout the duration of your manicure and they will cling to the polish or enhancement! Finally, don’t pick at your nails under any circumstances. Book in for a repair instead and we will repair any damage.

 

What’s the difference between Acrylic and Builder Gel?

Both Acrylics and Builder Gels are excellent options if you are looking for stronger or longer nails, so we offer both at B|U. Acrylics are made by mixing a liquid monomer and a powder polymer to create a hard coating over the nail, this can be done over your natural length or sculpted for added length. Gel extensions are made by applying layers of gel which are cured under a UV lamp. The difference between the two is very slight. Acrylic is slightly harder wearing then Builder Gel and usually more suitable for those who are harder on their hands.

 

How is Gel Polish removed?

Gel polish is not removable with standard nail polish remover and if you peel it off it will damage your nails so it is always advisable to book in for professional removal with us or purchase our removal kit. The kit involves applying pads soaked with acetone to your nails with foil wraps, after a while you will then use a wooden push to shift the last of the polish and be able to neaten up your nails with the buffing block included. When you have a removal in salon this consists of little warm bowls of acetone and us doing all the “hard” work lol. You’ll also get your cuticles pushed back and tidied if they need it, nail shape tidied up and cuticle oil as standard to finish.

 

Why should I use cuticle oil?

Cuticle oil is something we just can’t get enough of! Not only does it smell heavenly, but it keeps your nails and the skin around them in tip-top condition. It intensively moisturises and leaves the nail bed very healthy, which encourages your nails to grow. Nail plates can get very dehydrated easily, but cuticle oil application is such an easy way to avoid this, leaving beautiful nails! It will also keep your enhancement from getting brittle and lifting. Its why every apt comes with a bottle of cuticle oil included. (Bottles are refillable at each subsequent apt and we encourage you to reuse the bottle to keep us as sustainable and eco-friendly as possible)

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Will my hair grow back thicker and darker if I wax?

As the hair is pulled from the roots, this removes the hair completely rather than “cutting” it off close to the skin like depilatory creams or shaving. The hair follicle does not and cannot change simply from removing the hair, therefore there is no chance of your hair getting thicker, in fact it will often appear thinner as the hair growing is tapered and has a finer tip in comparison to a cut blunt hair continuing to grow after being cut. As well as feeling finer the hair growth will be less dense as your hair follicles cycle through 3 stages (never all at the same time) and therefore some hairs will need a full 4weeks (on average) to start from scratch again leaving gaps in your return growth, consistent waxing can aid in slowing regrowth overall and long-time waxers can often go much longer between apts then new waxers.

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Does waxing hurt as much as people say?

Firstly, it depends on where you’re getting a wax done, our clients often mention we are relatively pain free. If you’re getting a wax done, then you will experience some pain undoubtedly we are of course ripping hair out, but even with this, some parts are less sensitive than others, and in fact that varies from client to client. Plus, the first time is the worst, so if you get it done every 3-6 weeks when the hair is waxable again, the pain lessens. You can take painkillers before your apt should you want to. All in all, some areas of the body are more sensitive than others, and most importantly pain is subjective. But it is never as bad as you’ve created in your mind, we promise.

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What’s the best way to get rid of post-waxing red skin?

The simple, yet most effective way of calming down red skin is by moisturising. Waxing removes the top layer of the epidermis revealing new, softer ones but simultaneously it strips away the skin’s natural oil and moisture. We include a homecare kits with all our waxes which includes an Aloe Gel perfect for cooling and hydrating the skin post wax. You can also pop some damp cotton wool or tissue in the fridge and once cool use as a cold compress if you feel the need, a cool bath or shower can also help.

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How often should I get a wax done?

It depends on how fast your hair is growing but on average we would recommend getting waxed every 4 weeks. This is usually the right amount of time to have the hair at the right length, and will also allow the skin to be less sensitive to treatments.

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How long should the hair be to get a wax done?

The ideal length for waxing is about 0.5 cm to 1.5 cm. If your hair is not long enough, we will let you know. If you decide to go ahead with the treatment, that’s not a problem at all. It is simply likely that we are not going to be able to get all the hair, as they’ll be too short to stick to the wax. Likewise, if the hair is too long the therapist can trim it for you as a wax will be more painful with longer hairs.

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Can I use a sunbed or tan outside once my wax is done?

No, beware of the sun, as we advise that during the 24-hour window after a wax done to not go out into the sun. This is because the skin is more exposed and less protected. As for sunbeds, it’s usually not advisable for 48hrs before and 24hrs after your waxing appointment.  The skin tends to contain heat from the UV light which can cause the skin to peel or lift. In turn, this can irritate the skin during or after the wax.

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How can I prevent being embarrassed during an intimate wax?

Meeting us actually covers 80% of this, Jodi especially! (If you’ve met her you’ll know lol) It’s understandable that there will be a little embarrassment, especially for a first-timer as you may feel slightly uncomfortable being so exposed. Rest assured, our therapists have seen it all and, like a doctor or nurse, it’s their job. As part of the treatment, you are offered a pair of disposable pants which you can choose to wear or not. And a towel to cover your modesty at all times. Just know that it’s of the norm and our therapists won’t even bat an eyelid. We pride ourselves on being a salon you can be yourself in so that includes any and all hairy bits. Ours is a safe space for everyone.

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Can I do the deed on the same day that I get waxed?

We know you want to show off and put that Hollywood wax to good use straight away, but we usually advise at least 24 hours before bodily contact, as the friction can aggravate the skin.

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Can I shave between waxing treatments?

Put that razor down! We strongly advise not shaving after having a wax done. Shaving promotes ingrown hairs and skin abrasions hence it counteracts all of the wonders that the wax does for your skin. Plus, shaving can make your skin more sensitive, which will only make your next wax more painful.

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Can I get a wax if I am pregnant?

Yes most certainly, just let us know so that we are aware as we may need extra time for some waxing; as at later stages you’ll be able to lay on your tummy for eg the backs of your legs (don’t worry there’s a simple work around) And be prepared for a few rib kicks lol in our experience babies want in on the action too.

 

Do I have to have a Patch test for Tinting and a Lash Lift?

Yes. This one is non-negotiable, no patch test no treatment. We are talking about your eyes… do you really want to risk your eyesight for the sake of a 5min patch test appointment? Nope us neither. You must have the patch test with us, having had one at X Y or Z salon doesn’t count. If you book in for a tint or lift without having had a patch test here first you will be turned away and charged for the appointment. We try to double check and contact you if you haven’t had one but it’s very clear on the booking system that we require you to book a patch test in at least 48hrs before your tint/lift so it’s really down to you to get it booked.

 

I have very sensitive skin will I react to the products or treatments you offer?

If you’re concerned about reacting to any of the treatments or products drop us a message and we can talk in depth about the ingredients and if we think it’s advisable we will suggest patch testing the products before your treatment.