Gel manicures are the industry standard for long-lasting nails, but the safety practices surrounding them vary wildly between salons. At Form Studio, we\’ve implemented hospital-grade sterilization protocols that exceed state requirements — because \”good enough\” isn\’t good enough when it comes to infection control.
Every metal tool used in our nail services is autoclaved after each client at 132°C for 30 minutes — the same sterilization standard used in surgical suites. Files, buffers, and pumice stones are single-use and disposed of after each service. Our UV lamps are medical-grade, inspected monthly, and calibrated to cure gel at the correct wavelength without overexposure.
We also use acetone-free gel removal, which takes slightly longer but preserves the nail plate\’s integrity. The standard salon shortcut — soaking in pure acetone for 15+ minutes — strips natural oils and weakens nails over time. Our removal process uses a gentler solvent combined with careful manual lifting, resulting in healthier nails between appointments.
These practices add time and cost to every manicure, but they\’re non-negotiable. Our nail specialists are licensed estheticians with additional certification in sanitation protocols. When you sit down at Form Studio, you\’re in the safest hands in SoHo.