What to expect at your first nail appointment
The short version: a first manicure at Hawaii Nails in Magna, UT takes about an hour, starts at $25 for traditional polish, and you don't need to bring anything but yourself. Walk-ins are fine — Saturdays before noon are busy, weekday afternoons are easy.
Before you come
There's no required prep. Skip the lotion that morning so polish and gel adhere to clean nail plates. Bring a reference photo on your phone if you have one — Instagram screenshots, a saved color, anything you can show is faster than describing.
If you already have gel, dip, or acrylic from another salon, we'll remove it before the new set. That's a $10 line item and adds 10–15 minutes to your appointment.
What happens at the chair
A standard manicure follows roughly the same steps regardless of finish. We start with a 3–5 minute hand soak, then cuticle work where dead skin is nipped without ever cutting into living tissue. Shape is your call — almond, square, squoval, oval, coffin, stiletto. If you don't know, we'll suggest based on your nail shape.
After shaping comes a light buff, dehydrator, and base coat. Then the color or system goes on: polish, gel, dip, or extensions. Gel and dip cure under LED. Polish air-dries. The appointment finishes with cuticle oil and a hand massage — the part most salons skip and most guests notice when it's there.
Total time runs 45–60 minutes for polish or gel, 60–75 minutes for dip, 75–90 minutes for full enhancements with art.
How to choose your first service
A traditional polish manicure is $25 and removes in five minutes — best if you swap colors weekly. A gel manicure is $35, light-feeling, holds 2–3 weeks, and is our default recommendation for first-timers. Dipping powder starts at $45 and lasts 3–4 weeks; it's the right call for thin or peeling nails. Acrylic and gel extensions add length, starting at $50 and $60 respectively.
If you're undecided, we'll talk through which fits your week before we start.
What it costs
A typical first visit runs $40–$55 all-in. That's $25–$45 for the service plus an 18–22% tip — about $5–$10. We tell you the total before we start, never after.
After you leave
We'll send you out with cuticle oil and a quick aftercare summary. The two things that matter most: cuticle oil twice daily extends the manicure by about a week, and gloves for cleaning and dishes prevent the hot-water damage that kills most manicures early.
When to come back
Polish manicures want a fresh coat at 5–10 days. Gel manicures hold 2–3 weeks before fill or removal. Dipping powder runs 3–4 weeks. Extensions need a fill every 2–3 weeks. You don't need to commit to a salon on your first visit — come once, see how it goes, then decide.
How to book
Walk in any day at 8039 W 3500 S, Magna, UT. Hours are Monday through Thursday 10am–7pm, Friday 9:30am–7pm, Saturday 9:30am–6pm. Call ahead at (801) 252-7002 if you want a guaranteed time, or book online through the link at the top of any page.
We're here for first-timers, regulars, and anyone returning after a long break. No pressure on the upsell.
