We follow a strict 3-step sterilization process to ensure the highest level of hygiene and client safety. First, all reusable metal tools are thoroughly cleaned to remove dust, product residue, and organic debris. Second, they are disinfected in a professional hospital-grade disinfectant solution to eliminate bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Finally, they are sterilized in a medical-grade autoclave using high-pressure steam, which destroys all remaining microorganisms and spores—the highest standard of salon sterilization. Disposable files and buffers are single-use only and are never reused. We also thoroughly disinfect all work surfaces and equipment between every client.

Your safety, health, and comfort are always our top priorities.

Yes — absolutely. If you are booking with existing product from another salon, please let us know in advance or send us a photo so we can schedule enough time for safe removal and proper service planning. If you are booking online, please add "remove acrylic" service to your manicure if you have acrylics, dip powder or any other nail product from another salon to block the right amount of time for your service.

In most cases, we prefer to remove the previous product first so we can properly evaluate the condition of your natural nails, check the structure, and ensure the best retention for your new service. This helps us maintain our quality standards and protect the health of your natural nails.

Yes — we want your visit to feel relaxing, comfortable, and luxurious. We offer complimentary refreshments during your appointment, including water, a selection of hot teas, espresso drinks such as lattes, cappuccinos, and coffee, and champagne depending on availability.

Our goal is to create more than just a nail appointment—it’s a self-care experience where you can relax and enjoy your time with us.

Yes — when performed correctly by a trained professional, e-file dry manicure with hard gel (also known as Russian manicure) is completely safe for natural nails. This technique focuses on precise cuticle cleaning and detailed work around the nail plate using professional e-file tools and proper technique.

Many of our clients come to us with very short, weak, or brittle nails and are able to grow out strong, healthy natural length after just 3–4 sessions. We often start with short structured gel extensions for support and protection, then transition to hard gel overlay on their natural nails as they grow stronger. Our goal is always long-term nail health—not just a beautiful manicure for the moment. Our specialists choose the best products and techniques to ensure the best and safest results.

The goal is not to thin or damage the natural nail, but to create a cleaner, longer-lasting manicure with beautiful cuticle precision and better product retention. Safety depends entirely on proper training, gentle technique, and high-quality tools—not aggressive filing.

At Callista Beauty & Spa, we prioritize nail health first. Our technicians work carefully to preserve the natural nail plate, avoid over-filing, and maintain clean, healthy nails while delivering the refined, polished results hard gel manicure is known for.

Yes — helping clients restore weak, thin, brittle, or damaged nails is one of our specialties. We focus not only on how your nails look, but also on improving their long-term health and strength.

Using proper e-file manicure techniques, structured hard gel, hard gel overlay, and professional strengthening methods, we help protect the natural nail while allowing it to grow safely without constant breaking, peeling, or splitting.

Many of our clients come to us with very short, fragile nails after damage from improper products or poor technique elsewhere. After just 3–4 consistent appointments, many are able to grow out stronger, healthier natural nails. We often begin with gel extensions for structure and protection, then transition to hard gel overlay on their natural length once the nails become stronger.

Our goal is always healthy, beautiful natural nails—not just a temporary result.

After you select the type of manicure you want, it will prompt you to choose a design option. You can also specify what you would like in the appointment comments.

It depends on the current condition of your natural nails. If your nails are very short, thin, weak, or damaged, very long extensions are not always the safest option, as too much length without proper support can cause lifting, breakage, and damage to the natural nail.

Our priority is always the health of your natural nails first. Before booking extensions, we ask clients to send us a photo of their current nail length and a picture of their desired result so we can provide a consultation and recommend a safe, realistic option.

In many cases, we begin with a shorter, stronger structured extension or strengthening service to protect the nails and allow them to grow healthier underneath. After a few appointments, many clients are able to safely transition into longer lengths or move to hard gel overlay on their own natural nails.

Our goal is not just long nails for the moment—it is helping you grow strong, healthy natural nails that last.

We specialize in e-file (aka Russian) manicure with hard gel coating that allows you to grow out and strengthen your natural nails. We also do designs, polygel extensions, and e-file dry pedicures as well as spa pedicures.

Yes — absolutely. We always encourage clients to send or bring inspiration photos for nail shape, color, and design ideas so we can better understand the look you want.

Inspiration photos help us match your style and recommend the best service, length, and technique to achieve the closest result possible. Some designs may need slight adjustments depending on your natural nail length, nail health, chosen service, or the level of detail in the design.

Our goal is not to copy blindly, but to create a beautiful result that works best for your nails while keeping them strong, balanced, and long-lasting. If you have a specific design in mind, feel free to send it to us before your appointment so we can plan enough time for your service.

Please mention the promo code or promotion name in the notes when booking online so our team can verify it before your appointment. First-time client promotions are applied at checkout after confirmation, not automatically during online booking. If you are booking by phone or text, simply let us know which promotion you would like to use when scheduling.

We don't do acrylics due to them being toxic to your nails and overall health. We do polygel extensions that allow you to grow out your natural nails while keeping them healthy. We focus on healthier alternatives that strengthen rather than damage your natural nails.

Hard gel is more flexible, natural-looking, and less damaging to natural nails than acrylics. Gel extensions are lighter, more durable, and don't require harsh filing for removal like acrylics do.

We actually do hard gel manicures, which we recently fully switched to because it holds the shape much better than builder gel. It has an even thicker consistency than builder gel. We also offer hard gel overlays for damaged/weaker nails or long nails to ensure the longevity of the manicure, all combined with Russian manicure techniques.

We always recommend removing or refreshing any gel manicure or pedicure within 3–4 weeks. Even the best application should not be worn for more than 4 weeks, as nail growth changes the balance and structure of the manicure, which can lead to lifting, breakage, stress on the natural nail, and even damage. A long-lasting manicure should still be maintained properly—not simply worn for as long as possible.

We use e-files for all services as they provide more precise, efficient, and gentle nail care compared to traditional filing methods. Our technicians are specially trained in e-file techniques.

Yes! We offer custom nail art ranging from simple accent designs to elaborate artwork. Our nail artists can create designs based on your preferences, occasions, or seasonal themes.

We do smart pedicures, which are dry e-file pedicures (aka Russian pedicures) that are higher quality than regular water pedicures common in the states. However, many clients enjoy the soaking experience, so we also offer spa pedicures that include the complete smart pedicure plus water soak in Epsom salt, scrub, and nourishing mask.

Our spa pedicure includes the complete smart pedicure (dry e-file pedicure) plus water soak in Epsom salt, scrub, and nourishing mask for a spa effect. The procedure includes cleaning of cuticles, heel and toe calluses, optional regular or gel polish, and finishes with nourishing foot cream and cuticle oil.

Yes, we do! We have a big parking lot in front of the salon that is free.

You can see more photos of our work on our Instagram @callista_beauty_chicago, where we regularly share recent nail sets, before-and-after results, nail art designs, pedicures, and client transformations. It’s the best place to explore our style, quality, and the type of results you can expect before booking your appointment.

Yes — we keep limited Sunday availability (except on holidays) for clients with busy schedules who may not be able to visit during the week. Since Sunday appointments are limited, we recommend booking in advance to secure your preferred time.

Yes, we do offer 8 AM appointments depending on availability. We recommend booking in advance, as these early morning spots are limited and fill quickly.

If you are booking an 8 AM appointment, we kindly ask that you let us know as early as possible if you need to cancel or reschedule, as our specialists arrive at the salon very early to accommodate these appointments.