Maple Atelier

Maple Atelier is a nail salon in Concord, North Carolina, found in Suite 107 at Herrons Nest Place Northwest. The menu centers on gel-based work, from standard gel manicures to extensions and custom nail art.

Gel manicures are $45 and take about 45 minutes, and include cuticle care, nail shaping and gel polish in a high-gloss or matte top coat. The salon says its gel polish can stay looking good for up to two-plus weeks. Builder gel manicures, at $60 and about 90 minutes, use a thicker gel on the natural nail, either tinted or in a clear or nude builder layer.

Extensions are made with full-cover soft-gel tips bonded with builder gel, and they can be soaked off. Gel-X extensions are $60 for a set and $55 for a fill, each about 90 minutes. For a non-soak-off option, hard gel is $70 for a set and $65 for a fill, about 80 minutes; it has to be filed off. Builder gel fills run $55 and about 80 minutes.

Nail art is sorted into three tiers. Minimal designs, from $10 to $20 and about 15 minutes, include cat-eye effects, French tips, chrome accents, small designs and small 3D accents. Moderate art, from $25 to $35 and about 45 minutes, adds multi-step designs and layered detail. Detailed art, from $40 to $55 and about 75 minutes, needs a $25 deposit. Maximal art, from $55 to $60 or more and about 80 minutes, is highly customized on nearly every nail and needs a $30 deposit. The tier and final price are settled together at the appointment.

Soak-offs start at $5 and take about 30 minutes or more, with three options. Existing clients who book a soak-off with a new set receive a $5 loyalty rate. New clients, or anyone with another tech's work, should choose the soak-off option that matches what is currently on their nails. Appointments need at least 24 hours' notice to cancel or reschedule, and arriving more than 15 minutes late may mean a shortened service or a new booking. A $10 late fee applies. Buy Now, Pay Later is available in person for bookings from $50 to $4,000, with approval needed before the appointment. Gift cards come in $60, $80, $100, $125 or a custom amount and are final once sold.

The salon aims for nails that look good and hold up well, with clean technique, close attention to detail, quality products and considered design.