The journal

Notes from the chair,for Lakeland.

What we tell guests when they ask. Every post is written by the Sora team, cites its sources, and says when something is a question for a doctor rather than a nail salon.

16 posts · new ones added regularly

Nail care

Keeping natural nails strong between visits.

NAIL CAREPeelingTHE JOURNAL · SORA NAIL BAR

Nail care7 min read

Peeling Nails: What to Check Before Blaming Your Manicure

Why nails peel and split, what dermatologists say to check first, when to see one, and which Sora services are gentlest while your nails grow back.

· The Sora team

NAIL CARERemovalTHE JOURNAL · SORA NAIL BAR

Nail care8 min read

Taking Off Gel, Dip or Acrylic Without Wrecking Your Nails

Why removal is where nail damage happens, how we soak off gel, dip and acrylic at Sora, and the acetone-wrap method for doing it at home.

· The Sora team

NAIL CARELampsTHE JOURNAL · SORA NAIL BAR

Nail care7 min read

Are UV Nail Lamps Safe? What the Evidence Says

What dermatologists and the 2023 Nature Communications study say about gel nail lamps, why LED lamps still emit UVA, and three things you control.

· The Sora team

Services explained

What each service is, who it suits, and what to expect.

Services explained7 min read

Why Your Gel Nails Lift After Three Days

Five technician-side reasons gel lifts at the cuticle, three client-side ones, what to say at your next appointment, and how Sora's 7-day repair applies.

· The Sora team

Trends & inspiration7 min read

Fall 2026 Nail Trends and What Each One Costs at Sora

The editors' fall 2026 nail trends, jewel tones, cat-eye velvets, dark chrome and plaid, matched to gallery photos and priced from Sora's menu in Lakeland.

· The Sora team

Occasions

Weddings, proms, holidays and how far ahead to book.

Lakeland

Notes from US Hwy 98 N — seasons, events, and our corner of Polk County.

Before your visit

Booking, prices, etiquette and what to bring.

BEFORE YOUR VISITTippingTHE JOURNAL · SORA NAIL BAR

Before your visit7 min read

How Much to Tip at a Nail Salon, and Other Awkward Questions

The customary 15–20%, when to tip more, cash or card, and plain answers on lateness, walk-ins, kids, phones, drinks and saying you do not like the result.

· The Sora team

BEFORE YOUR VISITCleanTHE JOURNAL · SORA NAIL BAR

Before your visit7 min read

What Florida Law Requires of Nail Salons, and How to Check

Florida rule 61G5-20.002 sets the cleaning standard for every nail salon. Here is what it says in plain words, and a two-minute check you can run anywhere.

· The Sora team

Kids & family

Little hands, first pedicures and family visits.

KIDS & FAMILYKidsTHE JOURNAL · SORA NAIL BAR

Kids & family7 min read

Kids' Manicures and Pedicures: What Age, and Gel or Regular

Our kids' menu is for under-10s, about 30 minutes each, from $10. What a kids' service includes, and how to choose between gel and regular polish.

· The Sora team

Feet & pedicures

Foot care, callus work and when to see a podiatrist.

FEET & PEDICURESPedicureTHE JOURNAL · SORA NAIL BAR

Feet & pedicures7 min read

How Often Should You Get a Pedicure? It Depends on Your Feet

Skip the generic four-to-six-weeks answer. A quick self-check, a cadence by foot type, gel versus regular polish on toes, and when a podiatrist comes first

· The Sora team

FEET & PEDICURESDiabetesTHE JOURNAL · SORA NAIL BAR

Feet & pedicures8 min read

Pedicures With Diabetes: A Checklist Before You Book

Who should get a doctor's clearance first, what we will and will not do, what to tell your tech, and what to watch for after. Sourced from the doctors.

· The Sora team

Brows, lashes & waxing

The other chair: brows, cluster lashes and waxing.

BROWS, LASHES & WAXINGWaxingTHE JOURNAL · SORA NAIL BAR

Brows, lashes & waxing7 min read

Retinol, Accutane and Waxing: When We Will Ask You to Wait

Why we ask about your skin before a wax: no waxing on isotretinoin or for six months after, a pause for retinoids, and a wait for sunburn. Waxing from $10.

· The Sora team

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