Frequently Asked Questions

General

  • Ample street parking available. Parking is a mix of free and metered. Parking meters accept credit cards. 

  • Waterless nail services help nail polish last longer, save 15 gallons of water per service, and create a more sanitary experience. Additionally, waterless pedicures are much safer for diabetic and immunocompromised guests.

  • We use a combination of 10-Free, HEMA-free, vegan, and non-toxic polishes. Our regular polishes are pregnancy and kid safe. Our gel polishes are Korean and Japanese, and thus follow more rigorous health and safety standards. Other products, like lotions and scrubs, are non-toxic, plant-based, and/or organic. All reusable tools are sanitized in an ultrasonic and then sterilized in a medical-grade autoclave. For information, please reach out to hello@otoh.com.

  • OTOH is a licensed establishment with the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology. 

    • We will not perform services on areas of the body that may contain contagious conditions or may require medical treatment. 

    • Our pedicures are waterless in order to prevent the spread of bacteria among guests. 

    • Metal instruments, such as nippers, clippers, and pushers, are sterilized in a hospital-grade autoclave after each use

    • Files, buffers, and toe separators are all disposable and single-use. 

    • Disposable gloves are changed after every guest.

    • Fingerless gloves are provided for gel services that require curing with UV lamps. 

    • Polishes are thoughtfully chosen to include vegan, non-toxic, HEMA-free, and 10-free options.

    • Gel lamps are regularly tested for efficacy, as uncured gel can cause allergic reactions and/or contact dermatitis.

  • For all Classic and Signature services, we provide free repairs for regular polish and gel polish manicures. Repairs must be done within 2 days for regular polish, 5 days for Dazzle Dry, and 7 days for gel polish, builder gel, and extensions. Repairs will be done with the original color or design.

Services

  • Yes, we remove gel polish, dip, acrylics, and hard gels from other salons. Please note that we try to be as gentle as possible with our acrylic, dip, and hard gel removals. They require more time and skill and are, therefore, more expensive.

  • You are welcome to bring your own polish, base coats, and top coats if you select “regular polish” during your book. However, you must bring all 3 products. We do not allow outside gel products.

  • No. For the safety of all of our guests and team members, we kindly ask that you inform us if you are experiencing any of the following:

    • Pain, tenderness, swelling, or inflammation on the nail bed and/or surrounding skin 

    • Fungal growth 

    • Severe thickening, splitting, or crumbling of the nail 

    • Discoloration (e.g., black, grey, green areas) on the nails

    If you are experiencing any of the above, OTOH is unable to provide services. If you show up to an appointment with any of the following conditions, we will charge a late-cancellation fee.

  • This is a gel that allows you to build structure on the nail. It also lasts longer and is stronger than regular gel polish, smooths out uneven nails, and gives shape to flat nails. After a thin layer gel is applied to the nail, the result is a beautiful rounded nail shape. The results are durable like acrylics, but they feel more comfortable, are more gentle on the nail, and lack the odor.

    “Builder Gel” refers only to the name of the product, so you will see a wide range of prices and techniques amongst salons. At OTOH, we will build and apex with the gel (vs. applying it like polish), resulting in a smooth and strong nail.

  • Yes! For group bookings, please reach out to us. 

  • No, due to the risky nature of the service. The “ultra-clean” cuticle work that defines Russian manicures puts guests at a higher risk of infection and/or long-term damage. While the outcome is certainly beautiful, we do not believe it is worth the risk.

  • The longevity is dependent on the type of polish that is used, lifestyle, and nail quality.

    • Dazzle Dry lasts approximately 7 days

    • Gel polish lasts approximately 2 weeks

    • Builder gel and extensions last approximately 3 weeks 

    Occasionally, we have seen our manicures last up to 1.5 months. While it may be tempting to keep gel, builder gel, or extensions on for as long as possible, if the gel lifts and moisture gets trapped underneath, there is a risk of chloronychia (generally harmless but annoying).

  • Yes! When availability permits, we gladly accept walk-ins. If you are looking to come at a specific time, but the slot is not available on the booking site, please give us a call. Sometimes, we are able to play around with the schedule and squeeze you in.

  • After you get an initial builder gel or gel extension service, in subsequent services, we are able to “fill” in the gap where the nail has grown out. Unlike gel polish, fills don’t require a full removal of the previous gel.

    If fills are scheduled more than 3 weeks after the previous appointment, they will be up to the nail tech’s discretion and may require a full removal.

    We are unable to fill builder gel / extensions from other salons, as we cannot guarantee that our products are compatible with theirs.

Policies

  • You can book an appointment by calling us at (415) 917-3489 or via the booking button.

  • Appointments may be cancelled through the app or via a phone call/text during our opening hours.

  • Appointments must be cancelled at least 24 hours before of the appointment time. Cancellations done within 24 hours of the appointment will incur a charge equal to 50% of the service value.

  • If we have not heard from you, and you do not show up to your appointment, this will be considered a no-show. No-shows will incur a full charge of the services booked.

  • There is a 10 minute grace period for late arrivals. If you are going to be more than 10 minutes late, please let us know, and we will do our best to accommodate your appointment.

  • Yes. If you book online, your credit card information will be collected at the time of booking. If you book over the phone, we can securely collect your card information over the phone.