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Manicure

A manicure is a professional treatment to care for and groom the hands, nails and cuticles. A typical session includes soaking or cleansing, shaping and filing the nails, tidying the cuticles, a hand and lower-arm massage, and a finish of buffing, plain polish, or a longer-wearing gel or gel-polish that is cured under a UV or LED lamp. Some salons offer builder-in-a-bottle (BIAB), acrylic or hard-gel overlays for added strength or length, which are more involved than a classic manicure. It is a low-risk, comfortable treatment enjoyed for both appearance and the sense of wellbeing that comes from cared-for hands. A good manicurist will also look at the natural condition of your nails and skin, flag anything that looks unusual, and tailor the shape, length and finish to suit your lifestyle and how your hands are used day to day. While a manicure is largely cosmetic, sensible hygiene and product choices matter, particularly with gel and enhancement systems where skin contact with uncured product can, over time, lead to allergy. Choosing a clean, well-run salon and an experienced technician gives you the best result and the lowest chance of problems.

Service

Manicure

There is little you need to do before a manicure, which is part of its appeal. In the day or two beforehand, keep your hands moisturised but avoid heavy oils or hand cream on the actual treatment day, as residue can stop polish or gel adhering well. Let any small cuts or hangnails settle rather than picking at them, and avoid cutting your own cuticles beforehand. If you are having gel, BIAB or another enhancement, arrive with bare or existing product that a technician can safely remove; never peel old gel off yourself, as this takes layers of natural nail with it. Bring a note of any skin conditions, allergies (especially to acrylates or previous nail products), or medication that affects healing or bleeding, and mention if you are pregnant. If you want a particular shape, length or colour, a reference picture helps. Tell your technician about your work and hobbies so the finish can be tailored to wear well for you.

Your technician will usually start by discussing what you would like and checking the condition of your nails and skin. Hands are cleansed, and any existing polish or gel is removed; gel is typically buffed and soaked off with acetone rather than forced off. Nails are then filed and shaped to your preference, and the cuticles are softened and gently pushed back or tidied, not aggressively cut. Many manicures include a relaxing hand and lower-arm massage with cream or oil. The nail surface is lightly prepared, then finished with your chosen option: buffing for natural shine, a plain polish that air-dries, or a gel or gel-polish applied in thin layers and cured under a UV or LED lamp. A good technician keeps product off the surrounding skin throughout. A standard polish manicure takes around thirty to forty-five minutes; gel and enhancement work takes longer. The finish can be tailored from subtle and natural to bold, with length and shape to match your hands and routine.

Aftercare for a manicure is simple. Give plain polish time to harden fully, as it can dent for a while after the appointment; gel is cured and touch-dry straight away. Moisturise your hands and massage cuticle oil into the nail folds daily, which keeps nails flexible and helps polish and enhancements last. Wear gloves for washing up, cleaning and gardening, as hot water, detergents and solvents dull polish, weaken enhancements and dry the skin. Avoid using your nails as tools to prise or scratch, which causes chips and lifting. If you have gel or an enhancement, do not pick or peel it; return to the salon for professional removal, because peeling strips the natural nail and can expose uncured product to the skin. Book a soak-off or infill roughly every two to three weeks rather than leaving product to grow out and lift. If you notice any redness, itching, lifting or a bad smell around a nail, stop and seek advice.

The safe, responsible approach to a manicure centres on hygiene and sensible product handling, because the main avoidable risks are infection and, over time, allergy. Tools that break the skin barrier or are reused, such as metal cuticle pushers, nippers and files, should be single-use or properly cleaned and sterilised between clients; disposable files and buffers are ideal, and foot spas or bowls should be disinfected. This matters because shared, poorly cleaned tools can pass on bacterial and fungal infections. With gel, BIAB and acrylic systems, the technician should keep uncured product off your skin and cure each layer fully for the correct time under the matching lamp, as repeated skin contact with uncured acrylates (including HEMA) is the recognised route to a lasting nail-product allergy. A competent technician works gently around the cuticle rather than cutting deeply, avoids over-filing the natural nail, and will decline to work over an infected or damaged nail. Choosing a clean, professional salon is your best safeguard.

A manicure is cosmetic, but a few health considerations are worth raising. Tell your technician if you have diabetes or poor circulation, as reduced healing and sensation make even minor nicks around the nail more serious; many practitioners take extra care or ask for GP guidance before cuticle work. Mention psoriasis, eczema, fungal or bacterial nail infections, or any unexplained change in a nail's colour, shape or thickness, as some of these are contraindications to treatment and a few, such as a persistent dark streak or a nail that will not heal, are best checked by a GP or dermatologist rather than covered with polish. If you take blood thinners or bruise easily, let your technician know so they work gently. A manicure is not a treatment for a medical nail condition, and a good salon will refer you on rather than mask a problem. If you are pregnant, a manicure is generally considered fine, though you may prefer a well-ventilated space; raise any concerns with your midwife or GP.

A skin patch test is not standard for an ordinary manicure, and plain polish carries little allergy risk. The more important safeguards are a proper consultation and contraindication check before treatment: your technician should ask about acrylate allergies, past reactions to gel or acrylic nails, skin conditions, diabetes and circulation, and should look at your nails and skin. This matters both for your safety and for UK liability, because an insured salon that treats over an active infection or ignores a known allergy risk can be found at fault in a claim. If you have reacted to nail products before, or have known acrylate sensitivity, raise it clearly; some salons will patch test a gel system or use HEMA-free products, though no test is fully conclusive and sensitivity can build up over repeated exposure. If you have colour on the skin, not just the nail, or any doubt, ask.

Be cautious if a salon looks unclean, reuses metal tools or files between clients without visible cleaning or sterilising, or takes them from a drawer rather than a sealed or disinfected pouch. A technician who cuts deep into the cuticles, causes bleeding, files the natural nail thin or aggressively, or lets gel and acrylic sit on your skin is working unsafely, and skin contact with uncured product is the route to lasting allergy. Curing gel for less than the stated time, or under a mismatched lamp, is another warning sign. A salon that dismisses a visibly infected, lifting or discoloured nail and simply polishes over it, or that cannot answer basic questions about hygiene and products, is one to avoid. Pressure to have enhancements you did not ask for, or peeling old product off by force, are also poor practice.

Good salons are visibly clean and organised, with tidy stations wiped between clients. Look for single-use files and buffers, or metal tools that are cleaned and sterilised in sealed pouches, and disinfected bowls or foot spas. A good technician gives you a brief consultation, checks your nails and skin, asks about allergies and health, and is happy to explain their hygiene routine and products, including whether gels are HEMA-free. They work gently around the cuticle rather than cutting deeply, keep product off your skin, cure each gel layer for the correct time, and remove gel by soaking rather than force. They set honest expectations about wear and maintenance, tailor shape and finish to your hands and lifestyle, and will decline to treat an infected or damaged nail, referring you on where needed. Proper insurance and recognised training are reassuring signs.

How do you clean and sterilise your tools between clients, and do you use single-use files and buffers?
Are your gel and enhancement products HEMA-free, and how do you avoid getting product on my skin?
I have (a skin condition / diabetes / an acrylate allergy) - is a manicure suitable for me, and do you take any extra precautions?
How will you remove any existing gel or enhancement, and is it done by soaking rather than peeling?
What shape, length and finish would you recommend for how I use my hands day to day?
How long should this last, when should I come back for removal or an infill, and what aftercare do you advise?

A manicure should feel comfortable and, for many people, genuinely relaxing. The soak, filing, buffing and hand massage are pleasant, and cuticle work should feel like light pressure rather than anything sharp; if it hurts or nips, say so, as your technician can ease off. When gel or gel-polish is cured, the lamp can give a brief warm or slightly hot sensation on the nail for a few seconds, especially on thin nails or with a fresh, thick layer; this passes quickly and you can lift your hand out for a moment if it feels too warm. Acetone removal can leave the skin feeling dry. You should not feel burning, stinging on the skin, or lasting soreness, and itching or redness around the nails is not normal and should be mentioned.

A manicure has no real downtime. You can return to your normal day immediately, and most people book one as a treat before an event or simply for upkeep. The only practical point is that ordinary air-dried polish stays soft for a while and can smudge, so allow time before tasks that risk knocks; gel and enhancements are fully set once cured under the lamp. Hands may feel a little dry from acetone if gel has been removed, which a good cream and cuticle oil quickly settle. There is no recovery period to plan around, and any mild tenderness from cuticle work should ease within a day.

How long a manicure lasts depends on the finish and how you treat your hands. Plain polish typically looks good for around five to seven days before chipping, while gel and gel-polish commonly last two to three weeks, and stronger BIAB or acrylic overlays can go longer with infills. Nails keep growing, so a visible regrowth line appears at the base over time. Daily cuticle oil and hand cream, plus gloves for wet or heavy work, noticeably extend wear and keep the natural nail healthy underneath. Avoid picking or peeling product, which is the quickest way to damage your nails; book professional removal or an infill roughly every two to three weeks instead. Giving nails an occasional break from gel and enhancements, and keeping them well moisturised, helps if they feel weak or thin. Results can be tailored, from a quick natural buff to a bold, longer-wearing finish, to match your routine and how often you can return.

Gel Polish

Gel polish is a long-wearing nail coating that is painted on much like ordinary varnish, then set (cured) under a UV or LED lamp so it hardens on the nail. Because it stays glossy and chip-resistant for around two to three weeks, it is one of the most popular salon nail treatments in the UK. You will sometimes see it sold under brand names such as Shellac, or described as a builder-in-a-bottle (BIAB) overlay when a thicker, strengthening gel is used. A typical appointment involves lightly preparing the natural nail, applying a base coat, colour and top coat, curing each layer, then wiping off the tacky finish. Gel polish is generally low risk and comfortable, but it is not entirely without considerations: the main points are skin sensitisation to the gel ingredients, protecting the natural nail during removal, and a small amount of UV exposure to the hands. A good technician keeps the product off your skin, cures it correctly and removes it gently, all of which help keep your nails healthy while you enjoy the finish.

Service

Gel polish

You do not usually need to do much beforehand, but a little planning helps the finish last and keeps your nails healthy. Arrive with clean, product-free nails where possible, and avoid heavy hand cream on the day, as oils can stop the gel adhering. If you have reacted to gel, acrylic or lash products before, or you notice itching, lifting or soreness around a previous set, tell your technician before they start, as this can signal an acrylate allergy that needs a rethink rather than a repeat. Mention any recent nail damage, skin conditions around the nail such as eczema or psoriasis, or medication that affects the skin. Let them know if you are pregnant, as many salons will still treat you but may improve ventilation. If you want a particular shape, length or colour, bring a photo. It is also worth asking in advance whether HEMA-free products are available if you are prone to sensitivities.

Your technician will start by tidying the cuticles and gently buffing the nail surface so the gel can grip. They should keep the product on the nail plate and away from the surrounding skin, as skin contact with uncured gel is the main cause of allergy over time. A thin base coat is applied and cured under the lamp, usually for a few seconds to a minute, followed by one or two colour layers and a top coat, each cured in turn. You place your hand under the lamp for each step, which feels warm and occasionally gives a brief heat spike, particularly with darker or thicker colours. If it feels hot, you can lift your hand out for a moment. The finished nails are wiped with a cleanser to remove the sticky layer, then shaped and oiled. A standard set of gel polish typically takes around forty five minutes to an hour. It should be a comfortable, relaxing appointment with no pain.

Gel polish needs very little aftercare, but a few habits protect both the finish and your natural nails. Apply cuticle oil daily, as this keeps the nail and surrounding skin flexible and helps prevent lifting and cracking. Wear gloves for washing up, cleaning and gardening, since prolonged water and harsh chemicals loosen the seal. Avoid using your nails as tools to pick, scrape or open things, as this is the quickest way to chip the gel or damage the layers underneath. If a nail chips or the edge lifts, resist the urge to peel or pick it off: peeling pulls away layers of the natural nail and can expose uncured product to your skin, raising the risk of sensitisation. Instead, book in to have it repaired or properly removed. Keep an eye out for any itching, redness or swelling around the nails or fingertips in the days afterwards, and mention it to your technician or GP if it appears.

The most important safety points with gel polish are keeping the product off your skin, curing correctly and removing gently. Uncured gel touching the skin, whether from flooding the cuticle, using the wrong lamp, under-curing or peeling the polish off, is the main way people become allergic to the acrylate ingredients over time, and once that allergy develops it is usually permanent. A competent technician works neatly, uses the lamp matched to their product and follows the correct cure times. Hygiene matters too: files, buffers and any tools that touch skin or nail should be single-use or properly sterilised between clients to reduce the risk of infection. The UV or LED lamp gives your hands a small dose of UVA, and while the evidence suggests the skin cancer risk is very low for typical use, applying sunscreen to the hands beforehand or wearing fingerless UV-protection gloves is a sensible, low-effort precaution. If your nails become painful, discoloured or lifting, stop and seek advice.

Gel polish is cosmetic rather than medical, but a few health matters are worth flagging to your technician. If you have diabetes, poor circulation or reduced sensation in your hands, take extra care, as minor cuts or infections around the nail can be slower to heal; a GP or podiatrist can advise if you are unsure. Persistent nail changes such as thickening, pitting, separation from the nail bed or discolouration can occasionally reflect a fungal infection or an underlying condition, and covering them with gel can mask the problem, so it is better to have them checked before booking. People with eczema, psoriasis or very sensitive skin around the nails may find gel more irritating. If you have previously reacted to gel, acrylic, dental resins or the adhesive in lash extensions, mention it, as these can share related acrylate chemistry. Gel polish is generally considered fine during pregnancy, though some prefer extra ventilation. This information is general and does not replace advice from your GP or a qualified practitioner.

A formal skin patch test is not the routine standard for gel polish in the way it is for hair or lash dye, but a proper consultation and honest history are important and serve a similar protective purpose. Your technician should ask whether you have ever reacted to gel, acrylic, dental work or lash glue, and check the skin around your nails is healthy before starting. This matters for your safety and for UK liability: if a client has flagged a previous reaction and is treated anyway, an insured technician can be found at fault in a claim. It is worth understanding the nuance too. Acrylate allergy usually builds up gradually through repeated skin contact, so someone can tolerate gel for years and then become sensitised, which means no single test fully rules out a future reaction. That is why keeping product off the skin, curing fully and never peeling gel off matter as much as any test.

Be cautious if a technician repeatedly floods your cuticles and skin with gel, does not clean or replace files and tools between clients, or cannot tell you which lamp matches their product or how long to cure it. A strong burning sensation under the lamp that they dismiss, rather than pausing, is not right. If they offer to peel or scrape old gel off quickly instead of soaking it off properly, that damages the nail and raises allergy risk. Persistent itching, redness, swelling, blistering or tiny splits in the skin around the nails, or lifting and soreness of the nail itself, can signal an acrylate allergy or infection and should be taken seriously. Nails that are left thin, sore and damaged after every visit suggest heavy-handed prep or removal. Any pus, spreading redness or throbbing pain needs prompt medical attention.

A good technician takes a brief history, checks your nails and skin are healthy, and asks about any past reactions before starting. They work neatly, keeping the gel on the nail and off the surrounding skin, apply thin even layers and use the correct lamp and cure time for their product. Tools that touch skin or nail are single-use or properly sterilised, the workspace is clean, and there is decent ventilation. They remove gel by soaking it off rather than picking or force-scraping, and they finish with cuticle oil and sensible advice. Good practitioners are happy to explain what they are using, offer HEMA-free options if you are sensitive, and never rush you under a lamp that feels too hot. Clear pricing, honest guidance on nail health and a willingness to say when a break or a GP visit is a better idea are all reassuring signs.

Do you offer HEMA-free or low-allergen gel products, and would you recommend them for me?
How do you sterilise or dispose of the files and tools that touch my nails and skin?
Which lamp do you use, and is it matched to the gel system for correct curing?
How will you remove the gel, and do you soak it off rather than peel or scrape it?
What can I do to protect my natural nails between appointments?
What signs of a reaction or infection should I watch for afterwards, and what should I do?

Gel polish should feel comfortable throughout. You will notice gentle buffing and filing as your nails are prepared, and a light pressure as each layer is brushed on. The main sensation is warmth when your hand is under the lamp during curing, which lasts only seconds at a time. Occasionally, especially with darker colours, thicker gel or after a fresh coat, you may feel a brief heat spike as the layer sets. This is normal, but it should never be genuinely painful; if it is, lift your hand out of the lamp for a moment and let it cool, then return it. There should be no stinging, burning of the skin or soreness. Afterwards your nails simply feel smooth, sealed and slightly firmer than usual, with no lingering discomfort.

There is no downtime with gel polish. Your nails are fully cured and touch-dry by the time you leave, so you can return to normal activities straight away, including washing your hands, without the smudging risk of ordinary varnish. Because everything is set under the lamp, there is no lengthy drying period to sit through. The only thing to be mindful of is that natural nails can feel a little thinner or more sensitive after repeated wear and removal, so occasional breaks between sets, along with daily oil, help them stay in good condition. If your fingertips feel sore, itchy or unusually sensitive after an appointment, that is not typical and is worth getting checked.

A well-applied set of gel polish typically stays glossy and chip-free for around two to three weeks, though this varies with your nail growth, lifestyle and how well the product is applied. As the nail grows, a gap appears at the base, and this is usually the point to rebook. You have two main options: full removal and a fresh set, or an infill with a builder-style gel where the grown-out area is filled in and reblended. Removal should always be done by soaking the gel off in acetone rather than peeling, which protects the natural nail underneath. The look can be tailored to you, from sheer and natural to bold colour, added length with tips or extensions, or a strengthening BIAB overlay if your nails are prone to splitting. Daily cuticle oil, gloves for wet or harsh work, and occasional breaks between sets all help keep your natural nails healthy over the long term.

French Manicure

A French manicure is a classic, understated nail finish: a natural or softly pink base with a crisp white tip along the free edge of the nail. It suits most occasions, grows out neatly and flatters a wide range of nail shapes and lengths, which is part of why it has stayed popular for decades. Your technician will begin with nail and cuticle preparation, then create the look using either regular (air-dry) polish or a longer-lasting gel or builder system such as BIAB, cured under a UV or LED lamp. The finish can be tailored to you: a delicate, barely-there tip for a subtle look, a bolder or coloured tip, or variations like a micro-French or reverse French. As a treatment it is low risk and comfortable, and the main things that protect your nails are good salon hygiene, well-maintained tools and sensible aftercare. If gel or builder products are used, a little more care is needed around application, removal and the small chance of product sensitivity, which we cover below.

Service

French Manicure

Little preparation is needed for a French manicure, but a few simple steps help. Arrive with clean, product-free nails where possible, and avoid cutting or aggressively pushing back your own cuticles beforehand, as the intact skin around the nail is your natural barrier against infection. If you are having gel or builder gel, go easy on hand cream on the day, since oils can affect how well the product bonds. Let your technician know if you have ever reacted to nail products, if your natural nails are very thin, peeling or damaged, or if you have any skin conditions, cuts or infections around the nails, as these may need to settle first. Mention if you are pregnant or have sensitive skin so products can be adapted where sensible. Bring a photo if you have a particular style of tip in mind, and allow a little extra time if you need existing gel or acrylic removed first.

Your technician will usually start by tidying the nail shape, gently caring for the cuticles and lightly buffing the nail surface. With a regular polish French, a base coat goes on first, then the natural or pink base colour, the white tips, and a top coat, with drying time between layers. With a gel or builder version, each layer is cured under a UV or LED lamp for a few seconds at a time, and the white tip is drawn by hand or shaped with a guide. Creating a clean, even smile line along each tip is the skilled part, so this is not a treatment to rush. You may briefly feel a warm sensation in the nail as gel cures, which settles quickly. A typical appointment takes around 30 to 60 minutes depending on whether you choose regular or gel and how detailed the design is. Throughout, tools should be clean and your comfort checked.

For a regular polish French, allow plenty of drying time and avoid knocks, hot water and washing up for a couple of hours, as the finish stays soft at first. For a gel or builder French, the polish is set once cured so you can use your hands straight away. In both cases, applying cuticle oil daily is the single most helpful habit, keeping the skin and nail flexible and reducing lifting and chips. Wear gloves for cleaning, gardening and prolonged water contact, and try not to use your nails as tools. Resist picking or peeling gel, as this pulls away layers of the natural nail and leaves it thin and weak. If a tip chips or an edge lifts, book a repair rather than pulling at it. Book a professional soak-off or infill rather than forcing gel off at home, and give your nails an occasional break if they feel dry or fragile.

A French manicure is low risk, and good hygiene is what keeps it that way. Tools that touch the skin, such as cuticle nippers and metal pushers, should be properly cleaned and disinfected or sterilised between clients, and disposable items like nail files, buffers and orange sticks should ideally be single-use or kept for you alone. The workstation, towels and hand rests should be clean, and your technician should not work on nails that show signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, pus or green or crumbling nails, until these have been checked. If gel or builder products are used, uncured gel should not sit on your skin, as repeated skin contact with liquid gel is the main way product allergies develop. A tidy, well-lit salon with a technician who is trained, insured and happy to explain their hygiene routine is a reassuring sign. When in doubt about your nail or skin health, ask before booking.

A French manicure is cosmetic and suits most people, but a few situations call for care. If you have diabetes, poor circulation or a condition affecting healing, cuticle work carries a slightly higher infection risk, so ask for gentle, minimal cuticle handling and see your GP or podiatrist if you notice any sore or slow-healing skin. Avoid manicures on nails or surrounding skin that are infected, broken or inflamed, including fungal nail infections, and seek advice first. If you are prone to skin allergies or have reacted to gel, acrylic or adhesives before, mention this, as the acrylate chemicals in gel and builder products can cause an allergic contact dermatitis that tends to worsen with repeated exposure. Gel and builder finishes are cured under UV or LED lamps; exposure is brief and low, but if you take medication that increases light sensitivity or have significant sun-sensitivity concerns, you can apply sunscreen to your hands or use fingerless UV gloves and discuss it with your practitioner.

A skin patch test is not routine for a standard French manicure, and regular air-dry polish rarely causes problems. The more useful safeguard is an honest consultation: your technician should ask about past reactions to nail products, skin conditions, cuts or infections around the nails, and any relevant medical history before starting. This matters most with gel and builder gels, where the acrylate chemicals can trigger an allergic reaction that builds up over time rather than on first contact, so a single test is not fully conclusive. Flagging any previous itching, redness or lifting means your technician can switch to a lower-risk or HEMA-free system and take extra care to keep uncured product off your skin. From a UK liability point of view, recording this consultation protects both you and an insured technician if a reaction is ever queried.

Be cautious if the salon looks unclean, tools are reused between clients without any visible cleaning, or files and buffers are grubby rather than fresh or clearly yours. Cuticle work that draws blood, painful over-filing of the natural nail, or a technician who ignores redness, swelling or an obviously infected nail are warning signs. With gel, liquid product repeatedly flooding onto your skin, or a technician dismissing a history of reactions, raises the risk of allergy. Aggressive drilling to remove gel, or being told to rip or peel it off at home, will damage your nails. A reluctance to explain hygiene practices, no insurance, or pressure to book without any consultation are all reasons to think again before going ahead.

Reassuring signs include a clean, tidy workstation, tools that are visibly disinfected or sterilised between clients, and fresh or single-use files, buffers and orange sticks. A good technician asks about your nail health, any past reactions and relevant medical history before starting, and handles cuticles gently rather than cutting deeply. They keep uncured gel off your skin, shape the natural nail without over-filing, and use a professional soak-off or careful infill rather than forcing gel away. They are trained, insured and happy to explain what they are using and why, offer HEMA-free options if you are sensitive, and give clear aftercare advice. Being willing to say no to working on an infected or damaged nail is a mark of a responsible, well-run salon.

Will you be using regular polish or a gel or builder system for the French finish, and which lasts longer for my nails?
How do you clean and sterilise your tools, and are the files and buffers single-use or kept just for me?
If I have sensitive skin or have reacted to gel before, can you use a HEMA-free or lower-risk product?
How will you remove any existing gel or acrylic, and is it a gentle soak-off rather than heavy drilling?
Are you trained and insured for this treatment, and how long have you been doing French manicures?
What aftercare do you recommend, and how soon should I come back for an infill or fresh set?

A French manicure should feel relaxing and comfortable throughout. You will notice the light pressure of filing, buffing and gentle cuticle care, and the cool touch of polish or gel going on. With gel or builder systems, you may feel a brief warm or slightly hot sensation in the nail as each layer cures under the lamp, sometimes called a heat spike; it lasts only a few seconds and easing your hand out of the lamp for a moment settles it. You should not feel real pain, stinging, burning or soreness. Any sharp pain during filing, or itching, redness or discomfort in the skin around the nails afterwards, is not typical and is worth raising with your technician or GP.

There is no downtime with a French manicure and you can return to your day immediately, which is one of its appeals. With regular polish the only real consideration is drying time, so it is worth avoiding fiddly tasks for the first hour or so to prevent smudging. Gel and builder finishes are fully set once cured under the lamp, so there is nothing to wait for. Your nails should feel comfortable throughout; there is no soreness, redness or peeling involved in a properly applied manicure. If your skin or nails feel sore, itchy or irritated afterwards, that is not normal for this treatment and is worth mentioning to your technician or GP.

A regular polish French typically looks its best for around five to seven days before chips appear, while a gel or builder French usually lasts two to three weeks, with the exact wear depending on your nail growth, lifestyle and how much your hands are in water. As your nails grow, a small gap appears at the base, so many people book an infill or fresh application every two to three weeks to keep the smile line looking neat. Daily cuticle oil, gloves for wet or dirty work and treating your nails kindly all extend the finish and protect the natural nail underneath. The look is easily tailored over time, from a soft, subtle tip to a bolder white, a coloured or glitter tip, or styles like a micro-French. Giving your natural nails an occasional break from gel, and always removing it professionally, helps keep them strong and healthy in the long run.