FAQ
Most-asked questions.
Quick answers on booking, art tiers, aftercare, and the studio. Filter by category or scroll the whole list. Your call.
How do I book?
Head to the Book a Fresh Set page and choose your service, date, artist if you have a fave, length, and art tier. We’ll text you within an hour during business hours with the confirmation and card hold.
Can I pick a specific nail tech?
Yep. Christine is your Tier 3 custom girl, Mei loves extensions, Yuki has acrylic down, and Andrea is great for chrome and French. Skip the pick if you want, and we’ll match you with the best available slot for your set.
What's your cancellation policy?
Cancel or reschedule up to 24 hours ahead and you’re clear. Inside 24 hours, 50% is charged to the card on file, and no-shows are the full service. Life happens, just text us early and we’ll do our best to work it out.
I'm running late. What now?
Text +1 (905) 477-0288 if you’re running behind. We’ll hold the slot for 10 minutes. After 15, we may need to shorten the set or move you to another time, depending on the day’s book.
Can I bring my friends?
Yes, bring the group chat. You can book up to 3 friends in-app. For bigger plans like birthdays, bridal showers, or hen dos, email hello@freshset.ca and we’ll set up the timing. We’ve handled up to 8 at once.
How long will my set last?
Two to three weeks for gel, three to four for BIAB, three to four for Gel-X, and two to three for acrylic, assuming normal wear. Some clients get 5 weeks. Some get 10 days. Cuticle oil and not picking are the two biggest variables.
Will gel ruin my nails?
No, when it’s done right. The damage people associate with gel comes from over-buffing the natural nail at prep, lifting the gel by picking, or aggressive removal. We do dry e-file prep with a fine bit, soak-off removal, and use cuticle oil daily as part of aftercare. Done well, regular gel doesn’t weaken natural nails, and many of our regulars find theirs are noticeably healthier after a year of consistent care.
Do my nails need to "breathe" between sets?
Not in the way the internet says. Nails aren’t lungs, so they don’t breathe. They do need hydration (cuticle oil), which is why a gel-on-gel-on-gel routine without ever oiling around the cuticle can get patchy. If you take a break, take it for hydration, not oxygen.
I have gel/acrylic from another studio. Is that fine?
Totally. Book a Removal + Repair add-on or just mention it when you book, and we’ll add the time. We never drill through the natural nail to speed up removal.
What's the difference between BIAB, builder gel, and Japanese gel?
BIAB is a brand-name builder-in-a-bottle that flows like gel polish but cures hard. "Builder gel" is the broader category. Japanese gel is a softer, more flexible builder used for Russian-style structured manicures. We use builder gel and BIAB; for true Japanese gel, ask Christine because that’s her specialty.
Can I bring inspo photos?
Please. Bring 3+ references. We’ll riff off the parts that work and steer you away from the parts that won’t hold up on your nail bed. We won’t copy another artist’s exact custom set, but we’ll happily pull from the same vibe.
How do art tiers work?
Three tiers, priced separately on top of the base service. Tier 1 is simple chrome / French / micro accents at $28. Tier 2 is detailed hand-painting (marble, cherries, bows) at $48. Tier 3 is full custom: sculpted 3D, hand-illustrated, runway-grade, at $78. We’ll show you the tier on a sample tip before we start.
Do you do kids' nails?
Yes, for ages 10 and up, with a parent in the studio. We’ll keep the length conservative, the gel low-cure, and the conversation appropriate. Under 10s, we recommend non-gel polish at home.
When can I shower?
Right away. Gel is fully cured. We just ask you to skip hot tubs, dishwashing without gloves, and aggressive sanitizers for the first 12 hours so the topcoat seats fully.
A corner lifted. What now?
Don’t pick. Text us a photo and we’ll fix it free within 7 days of your appointment. Past 7 days, it’s a $8/nail repair.
Do I really need cuticle oil?
Yes. Twice a day for the first week, once a day after. Hydrated cuticles equal a longer-lasting set, fewer hangnails, and better growth underneath. We send you a sample and sell the bottles at the front.
Do you take walk-ins?
When we have space, yes. Most days we’re fully booked, but Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons we usually have a slot or two. Text first to check.
Are you wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The plaza entrance is step-free, our front door is 36 inches wide, and we have at least one manicure station that accommodates a wheelchair without requiring a transfer. Let us know when booking and we’ll save the right station.
Can I host a private event?
Yes. We do birthday groups, bachelorette mornings, brand activations, and small bridal-party sets. Email hello@freshset.ca with the date, group size, and what you have in mind. We can close the studio for fully-private bookings on Sundays.
What payment methods do you take?
Tap, chip, Apple/Google Pay, and e-transfer. Cash works too. Tips can be added directly through the card terminal.
Where exactly are you?
Highway 7 plaza in Markham, between Birchmount and Kennedy. Look for the watermelon-pink door. Free parking out front; an accessible spot near the entrance.
What does your hygiene setup look like?
Single-use files and buffers (binned after one client), pouched-and-autoclaved steel for cuticle and pusher work, lined foot baths, surface-disinfected stations between every appointment, dust collectors at every manicure table, and HEPA filtration in the back. Our techs work in disposable apron and (sometimes) gloves depending on the service. We’re not a fake clinical-spa. We’re a real studio that cleans properly.
Do you have a dog-friendly day?
Sundays after 4pm. Small dogs, on leash, in your lap or under the table. Email us first so we can plan the room.
Are your products vegan or 10-free?
Most of our regular polish wall is 10-free and vegan. Our gel base + top is 8-free. Specialty chrome pigments and a few bridal glitters fall outside that. Ask if it matters to you and we’ll pull you only the lines that do.
