For my Twitter followers you already know that this past Wednesday I got my nails did, my friend Dorothy was in town for a few days and treated me to get my first Calgel Japanese nail art at Sakura! For the entire day I’ve been getting emails and IMs from my friends and readers after they saw my new nails on the Kanye West x Casio G-Shock post, here it is!
I’ve been meaning to try Calgel since my friend Heather have been raving about it, I’m not one that always gets a manicure and pedicure at the salon because I like to change my polish quite often but getting Calgel was a different story. I walked in clueless of what Calgel was, “Calgel is one of Japan’s most popular UV Gel Systems used to strengthen soft or weak nails. You can choose from a wide range of colored gels that won’t peel or chip like regular polish.” The best thing is it dries super fast so no waiting for it to dry after you’re done and getting worried of smudges and scratches (also great for the Winter), it lasts about 2-3 weeks.
My nail technician was Fumiko, she’s very patient and nice, I decided to go with the clear base with fuchsia ombre and glitter effect (#14) to match my toe color (Priti #246 Fire-Candle). My nails were a bit more expensive ($65 vs $40) because it took longer but when the nails grow out it won’t be noticeable since the base is clear, I’m planning to keep it for at least 2 weeks so def want it too look like I just left the salon. After she cleans your cuticles and shapes your nails she starts applying Calgel with a paintbrush, then you place your hand under the UV lamp to dry, this cycle goes for a couple of times. Before putting on the topcoat you can add nail art, I wanted some bling so she added a few rhinestones. Fumiko told me to wipe off the clear topcoat with a non-acetone remover, then re-apply the topcoat once a week to keep it fresh.
I’m loving my new Calgel Japanese nail art, getting tons of compliments too. If you’re planning to try out Sakura, be sure to mention you heard it from Wendy/nitro:licious! Let me know if you’re going to get your nails did or have already done this before. I’ll be back again!
Update: Here’s my guide to removing Calgel! Click here to view.
More pics after the jump…
Sakura Nail & Spa
35 East 1st Street
Btw 1st and 2nd Aves
New York, NY 10003
(212) 387-9161 (be sure to make an appt)
Most of the clients were Japanese and the nail technicians were all Jap except for two that did regular manicure and pedicure.
I chose #14.
Final result, do you like?
Dorothy and Me, thanks D!
At the Kanye West x Casio G-Shock event!
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