What Regal Nails offers and how to find their locations

Regal Nails is a chain of nail salons operating across multiple states, offering services like manicures, pedicures, gel nails, and nail art. The chain has grown to include dozens of locations, though the exact number and which states they operate in changes as locations open and close. You can find a Regal Nails near you by searching their name plus your city or zip code online, or by calling ahead to confirm hours and whether they're currently taking walk-ins or appointments.

Like most nail salons, Regal Nails typically charges by service type rather than by time spent. A basic manicure costs differently than a gel manicure or a pedicure, and nail art or extensions add to the base price. Prices vary by location — a manicure at one Regal Nails may cost more or less than at another location in a different city, so calling ahead or checking their website for your specific location gives you the most accurate pricing.

Key Takeaways

  • Regal Nails is a multi-location chain offering manicures, pedicures, gel services, and nail art, with prices that vary by location and service type.
  • You can find your nearest Regal Nails location by searching online or calling ahead to confirm hours and whether they accept walk-ins or appointments.
  • Gel nails and extensions typically cost more than basic manicures and pedicures, and prices differ between locations.
  • Most nail salons, including Regal Nails, accept cash and card payments, though it's worth confirming payment methods when you call.

How to prepare before your appointment

Before you visit Regal Nails, remove any old polish or nail art at home if you have time — this speeds up your appointment. Wash your hands and feet thoroughly, especially if you're getting a pedicure, since salons appreciate clean nails to work with. If you have a specific design or color in mind, take a photo on your phone to show the technician, which helps them understand exactly what you want.

If you have sensitive skin, allergies to nail products, or skin conditions on your hands or feet, mention this when you call to book or when you arrive. Some people react to certain polishes or acrylics, and telling the salon upfront lets them know what to watch for or what products to avoid. Bring your insurance card if your salon visit is for a medical reason, though most nail salon visits are cosmetic and not covered by insurance.

What happens during a typical manicure or pedicure

A manicure usually starts with soaking your hands in warm water for a few minutes to soften the cuticles and nails. The technician then trims, files, and shapes your nails, pushes back or removes cuticles, and applies base coat, polish, and top coat. A basic manicure takes 30 to 45 minutes. Gel manicures follow the same steps but use gel polish instead of regular polish, cure under a UV or LED light, and last longer — usually two to three weeks instead of one to two weeks.

A pedicure follows a similar process but starts with soaking your feet in a basin of warm water, often with added salts or oils. The technician exfoliates your feet, trims and files toenails, addresses calluses, and applies polish. Pedicures typically take 45 minutes to an hour. If you're getting gel toenails or nail extensions, add 15 to 30 minutes to the time. Ask the technician how long your specific service will take when you arrive so you know what to expect.

Safety and sanitation practices at nail salons

Nail salons are required by state health departments to follow sanitation rules, though the specific rules vary by state. Most salons sterilize metal tools like nail files and clippers in an autoclave (a machine that uses heat and pressure to kill bacteria), or they use disposable files and clippers that are thrown away after each customer. Pedicure basins should be cleaned and drained between customers, and some salons use disposable liners inside the basin.

When you arrive at Regal Nails, you can observe whether the salon looks clean, whether technicians wash their hands between customers, and whether they open new or sterilized tools in front of you. If you notice tools being reused without cleaning, or if the salon looks visibly dirty, you have the right to leave and find another salon. If you have open cuts or sores on your hands or feet, some salons may ask you to reschedule, since open wounds increase infection risk.

Gel nails and acrylics: what's the difference

Gel nails are made from a gel polish that hardens under UV or LED light. They're applied directly to your natural nail, last two to three weeks, and are removed by soaking in acetone or using a removal solution. Gel nails look shiny and feel smooth, and they're less likely to chip than regular polish. The downside is that the removal process can be harsh on your nails if done incorrectly, and the UV light exposure adds up over time.

Acrylic nails are made from a mixture of liquid monomer and powder polymer that hardens as it dries. They're applied over a nail tip glued to your natural nail, last three to four weeks, and are removed by soaking in acetone. Acrylics are stronger than gel nails and can handle more wear, but they're also thicker and can feel less natural. Both gel and acrylic nails cost more than regular manicures — typically $25 to $50 more depending on your location and the salon.

Nail art and custom designs

Regal Nails, like most salons, offers nail art services ranging from straightforward designs like stripes or dots to complex custom artwork. straightforward designs like a single accent nail with a pattern might add $5 to $10 to your manicure cost. More complex designs — intricate hand-painted art, 3D elements, or rhinestones — can add $15 to $30 or more. The price depends on how detailed the design is and how long it takes to create.

If you want custom nail art, bring a photo or description of what you want. Not every technician can execute every design, so it's fair to ask whether they can do what you have in mind before you commit. Some designs work better on certain nail shapes or lengths, and the technician can advise you on what's realistic. If you're unsure about a design, ask the technician to show you examples of their previous work.

Aftercare for your nails

After a manicure or pedicure, your nails need time to fully harden. If you got regular polish, avoid water and activities that might smudge it for at least two hours. If you got gel nails, they're hard when ready, but avoid very hot water and harsh chemicals for the first 24 hours. Wear gloves when cleaning or doing dishes to protect your nails and make your manicure last longer.

To keep your nails healthy between salon visits, moisturize your cuticles with cuticle oil or hand lotion, avoid using your nails as tools, and wear gloves when doing wet work. If you notice redness, swelling, or pain around your nails after a salon visit, wash the area and monitor it. If symptoms don't improve in a few days, see a doctor, since infections can develop if tools weren't properly sterilized or if your skin was cut during the service.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do gel nails last?

Gel nails typically last two to three weeks before they start to chip or grow out noticeably. The exact length depends on how fast your nails grow, how much wear and tear they get, and the quality of the gel polish used. Some people get them filled every two weeks to extend the life, while others remove and reapply them every three weeks.

Can I remove gel nails at home?

You can soak gel nails in acetone at home to remove them, but the process takes 15 to 20 minutes and can dry out your nails and skin. Salons have stronger acetone and tools that remove gel more efficiently. If you do remove them at home, use cuticle oil or hand lotion afterward to restore moisture.

What should I do if my nails hurt after a salon visit?

Some mild discomfort is normal for the first day or two after acrylics or extensions are applied, since your nails are adjusting to the weight. If pain is severe or lasts more than a few days, contact the salon — they may have applied them too tightly. If redness or swelling develops, wash the area and monitor it; see a doctor if it doesn't improve.

Do I need to tip at a nail salon?

Tipping at nail salons is customary in the United States, typically 15 to 20 percent of the service cost. Some salons have a tip jar or a line on the card reader where you can add a tip. Tipping is not required, but it's standard practice and appreciated by technicians.

How often should I get a manicure or pedicure?

Regular manicures last one to two weeks, so many people get them every two weeks to keep their nails looking polished. Gel nails last longer, so you might go every three weeks. Pedicures can last longer than manicures since toenails get less wear, so every three to four weeks is common. How often you go depends on your budget and how much you care about maintaining the look.