Welcome to GlamaGrrl Nails!

A private nail salon in the heart of Hampden offering comprehensive nail services that are customized to your needs

Get to Know Me

My name is Julia, and I am a registered nurse and licensed nail technician. I am passionate about helping people feel good and have beautiful, healthy nails.

After I graduated from college, I couldn’t figure out what to do with my BA in liberal arts. I temped for a while, and then decided to tap into my lifetime interest and love of makeup, skin, hair and nails. I did a salon apprenticeship and worked as a nail tech for about twelve years. At that time, I wanted to try something new and challenging. I come from a family of nurses, and decided that going to nursing school would be a great adventure.

I have now been a nurse specializing in oncology and infusion for twelve years. Time has flown, and the nail industry has so many exciting methods and treatments! I have decided to go back to my first love of the beauty business, and this year worked toward opening my private studio. I am so excited about my new space, and can’t wait to welcome you!

Ready to book a service? Click below!

FAQs

About the E-File

The E-file (“nail drill”) has a bit of a controversial history in the nail industry. So many people have had painful and sometimes permanent damage to their nail plates and nail matrices due to misuse of this tool. Many years ago, I realized that the dry style of manicuring resulted in longer-lasting polish with fewer chips, and reduced risk of bleeding and damage to the cuticle from overcutting. With the E-file manicure, cuticles are gently exfoliated off the nail plate, resulting in better polish adherence and vastly reduced risk of hangnails and overgrown skin. Live tissue is never cut with nippers, and E-file bits are carefully selected according to the client’s skin type, nail health, and sensitivity. Over time, cuticle and callus overgrowth is reduced, and the skin and nail plate remain in good health. I have been using this technique for 20 years, and welcome the opportunity to alleviate any fears or concerns you might have about the e-file mani/pedi. Please feel free to ask me any questions before or during your service!

Waterless Pedicure  

In a waterless pedicure, the e-file is used for cuticle and callus care. It can also be used to help with thick and misshapen toenails that can sometimes become painful and unsightly. When the skin and nails are soaked in water, they can swell and soften, which often can lead to over cutting and damage to living tissue. The waterless method ensures that skin remains intact, and also prevents cross contamination of waterborne pathogens that are so difficult to control in a traditional service. With the comfy massage chair and relaxing massage, I promise you will not miss the water, but if you still wanted that spa feeling, try booking a luxury add on to your basic pedicure! 

Sanitation

As a nurse, I am hyper aware of the need for diligent disinfection practices when it comes to my tools and implements. I use a three step method for sanitizing my tools, which adds the additional protection of dry heat sterilization to all metal implements (non metal implements are disposed of after each client). This is a step that goes beyond state regulations, but one I think offers some peace of mind to my clients.

Gel Polish

I use exclusively gel polish for any service that includes color application or art. The gel product lines that I use are all pure gel formulas, not gel/nail polish hybrids, and are made in the USA, Japan, and Canada to the strictest standards of safety and durability. All products are odorless and free from HEMA and other known skin sensitizers. MSDS are available upon request. If you have a traditional nail polish you would like me to use, you are welcome to bring it with you, and I will apply it with your service. Please note that the service charge will not be altered in this case, and I cannot guarantee wear durability.

Consultations

While every service includes a consultation, I welcome your questions and requests if you are unsure of what services are best for you., or if you have nail concerns that I haven’t addressed here. There is no charge for a consultation, and it can be done in person or via DM/email. 

A Note On Tipping

While tipping has become standard in our industry, it can often lead to clients questioning “fair” rates or worrying that there is judgment or expectation on the part of the service provider. As a sole proprietor, I have priced my services according to my incurred costs and a wage that I feel reflects my skill and level of practice. While monetary tipping is very kind, a good online review for my business or a referral to someone you think might enjoy my services is just as good or better!