Your First Nail Appointment: Complete Guide
Your first appointment with a nail technician can feel intimidating — especially if you don't know what to expect. What should you do before? How much does it cost? Does it hurt? All of these questions are perfectly normal. The good news is that at Wolf SGX, our private nail studio in Lachine, your first experience will be anything but stressful. One client at a time, a calm and warm atmosphere, and a Certified Nail Technician who takes the time to explain everything. Here's the complete guide to preparing for your first nail appointment.
Before your appointment
Good preparation makes all the difference for a smooth appointment. Here's what you need to know:
- Don't cut or file your nails: let your technician assess the ideal length and shape based on your hands and the service you've chosen. Cutting your nails too short could limit available options.
- Don't push your cuticles: cuticle preparation is an integral part of the service. Doing it yourself could create micro-tears that complicate your technician's work.
- Moisturize your hands regularly: well-hydrated hands make the work easier and give a better result. Apply hand cream the day before, but avoid oily or greasy creams on the day of your appointment, as they can affect gel adhesion.
- Look for inspiration: browse our photo gallery to spot the styles, colours, and designs you like. You can also save photos on your phone — it's an excellent starting point for the consultation.
- Arrive 5 minutes early: this gives you time to settle in comfortably, put your things down, and start your appointment stress-free.
If you have regular polish on your nails, you can remove it before coming in. For existing gel, don't worry — removal is included in the service.
What happens when you arrive
As soon as you walk through the door at Wolf SGX, you're warmly welcomed by Mari, your Certified Nail Technician. The studio is a private, bright space located at 366, 9e Avenue in Lachine — far from the hustle of large commercial salons.
Mari speaks French, English, and Spanish — communicate in whichever language you're most comfortable with. The first thing she'll do is a personalized consultation:
- Assessment of your nail condition: thickness, plate health, cuticles, natural shape.
- Discussion of your preferences: desired length, shape (almond, square, coffin, stiletto), colour, design.
- Allergy check: some products contain ingredients you might be sensitive to. Mari will ask the necessary questions.
- Service recommendation: based on your needs, Mari will guide you toward the best-suited service — whether it's a basic gel, a full gel manicure, Gel X extensions, or Biogel reinforcement.
This consultation is included and only takes a few minutes, but it makes all the difference in getting a result you'll love.
How the manicure works
Once the consultation is done, Mari gets to work. Here are the main steps:
- Cuticle preparation (Russian technique): at Wolf SGX, we use the Russian manicure to prep your cuticles. This professional technique uses an electric file (e-file) with specialized bits to gently remove dead skin around the nail. The result? A flawless nail contour and better gel adhesion.
- Nail shaping: the nail plate is filed and buffed to create the shape you chose together during the consultation.
- Colour and design selection: Mari shows you her colour palette and you choose the final look together. If you have inspiration photos, now's the time to show them!
- Product application: depending on the service chosen, the application varies. A basic gel involves a base coat, a colour layer, and a top coat. Gel X extensions add a step with soft tip placement. Biogel includes layer-by-layer building for reinforcement.
- LED curing: each layer is cured under an LED lamp. It's quick (30 to 60 seconds per layer) and completely painless. You might feel a slight warmth — that's perfectly normal.
- Finishing touches: once all layers are applied and cured, Mari makes the final adjustments — precision filing, cleanup, cuticle oil application — for a flawless result.
How much does it cost?
At Wolf SGX, our prices are transparent and affordable. Here's our price list:
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Nail Care | $30 |
| Basic gel | $25 |
| Colour gel manicure | $40 |
| Gel X extensions | $55 |
| Biogel | $70 |
| Unisex pedicure | $45 |
We also offer hands-and-feet duo packages:
| Package | Price |
|---|---|
| Clean Duo (Nail Care + Pedicure) | $50 |
| Gel Duo (Gel Manicure + Pedicure) | $75 |
| Relax Spa Duo (Biogel + Pedicure) | $110 |
Check out our services and pricing page for all the details, including the duration of each service.
Tips for after your appointment
To make your manicure last as long as possible, follow these tips:
- Avoid hot water for 2 hours: no baths, hot-water dishwashing, or scalding showers right after. Hot water can affect gel adhesion during the first few hours.
- Don't use your nails as tools: opening cans, scraping labels, unscrewing caps — these are all actions that can weaken or lift the gel. Use your fingers, not your nail tips.
- Moisturize your cuticles daily: apply cuticle oil or hand cream every evening. Well-nourished cuticles promote nail health and extend the beauty of your manicure.
- Plan your next appointment: to keep your nails looking perfect, maintenance every 3 to 4 weeks is recommended. You can book your next visit right at the end of your appointment.
With proper care, a gel manicure can last 3 to 5 weeks without chipping.
Frequently asked questions
Should I remove my old polish beforehand?
If you have regular polish, you can remove it at home with nail polish remover. For gel, don't try to remove it yourself — gel removal is included free with any new service at Wolf SGX. If you only want removal without a new service, a $15 fee applies.
How long does the appointment take?
The duration varies by service:
- Basic gel: about 35 minutes
- Colour gel manicure: about 60 minutes
- Gel X extensions: about 70 minutes
- Biogel: about 140 minutes
- Pedicure: about 30 minutes
For a first appointment, add 5 to 10 minutes for the initial consultation.
Can I bring someone with me?
Absolutely! You can come with one companion (maximum one per appointment) to keep you company. And great news: Wolf SGX is a pet-friendly studio! You can bring your small or medium-sized dog or cat. Just mention it when booking.
Book your first appointment
Your first appointment at Wolf SGX will be a relaxing, personalized experience — promise. Mari welcomes you in a warm, private studio in Lachine, in the heart of Montreal's West Island.
Wolf SGX — Private Nail Studio
366, 9e Avenue, Lachine (QC) H8S 3C2
Book online now or message us on WhatsApp at +1 438 778 7125 if you have questions before booking. We respond quickly in French, English, or Spanish.
Learn more about Mari and Wolf SGX, discover our services and pricing, or browse our gallery of work.