Nails
What to expect
Your visit, end to end
-
01
Welcome & quick consult
Your senior therapist reviews your notes, checks contraindications and confirms the plan.
-
02
Treatment
The protocol is delivered start-to-finish, calibrated in real time to how your skin / body is responding.
-
03
Aftercare brief
You leave with a written aftercare summary and a re-book recommendation if relevant.
At a glance
- Duration
- 60 minutes
- Price
- £30
- Category
- Nails
- Patch test
- Not required
- Suggested frequency
- every 2-4 weeks depending on the service
- Equipment
- premium professional polishes (CND, OPI, Gelish, Bio Sculpture)
Who this treatment is for
- Basic polish — for a clean look in 30 minutes, lasting 5-7 days.
- Shellac or gel polish — for chip-free wear that lasts 2 weeks.
- BIAB — for clients who want length and strength without committing to full extensions.
- Acrylic extensions — for length, drama, nail art, or nails that struggle to grow.
- Pedicure — for groomed, comfortable feet, particularly important pre-summer or pre-holiday.
- Pre-wedding, pre-event or pre-photoshoot prep — we book accordingly and discuss longevity.
The treatment protocol
- Nail and cuticle assessment — we check for damage, lifting or signs the natural nails need a rest from product before starting.
- Soak (where appropriate) — a warm soak softens cuticles and prepares the skin for the work to come.
- Shape — we file in a single direction to your preferred shape (square, oval, almond, coffin, ballerina, stiletto).
- Cuticle work — push back rather than cut, then tidy any hangnails carefully.
- Prep — dehydrate the nail plate and apply primer (gel/shellac only) to ensure adhesion.
- Colour or finish — base, two coats of colour, top coat. Hand-painted nail art, French, ombre or chrome where requested.
- Cure (gel/shellac only) — each layer cured under LED for 30-60 seconds.
- Hand or foot massage with cuticle oil to finish — a small but meaningful detail that sets the tone of the appointment.
Results timeline
- Basic polish — 5-7 days of clean wear with proper top-coat top-ups every 2-3 days.
- Shellac — 14 days chip-free with proper aftercare.
- Gel / BIAB — 2-3 weeks before infill or fresh set needed.
- Acrylic full set — 2-3 weeks before infill needed; full sets last 3-4 weeks before re-do.
- Pedicure — 4-6 weeks since feet are not in water as often as hands. Polish typically holds longer too.
Aftercare
- Apply cuticle oil daily — single biggest thing you can do for long-wearing polish and healthy nails.
- Wear gloves for cleaning, dishwashing and gardening — harsh chemicals and prolonged water lift product faster than anything else.
- Avoid picking or peeling lifted gel/shellac; come in for a proper removal to protect the natural nail.
- Use the pad of your finger, not your nail, to open things — your nails are jewellery, not tools.
- Apply hand cream after every wash.
- Book your follow-up at the right interval — waiting too long means a full set rather than an infill, which costs more.
Frequently asked
Questions about this treatment
Anything we have not covered? Call 020 8374 3333 or email and we will get back to you the same day.
How long will my BIAB — Infill last? +
Depends on the finish — basic polish 5-7 days, Shellac 14 days, gel/BIAB 2-3 weeks, acrylic 3-4 weeks. Cuticle oil daily and gloves for cleaning extend wear significantly.
Will gel or Shellac damage my nails? +
Not when applied and removed properly. Damage happens from picking, peeling or rough removal. We always soak off rather than file off, and we will recommend a break from product if your nails need it.
Can I have the BIAB — Infill during pregnancy? +
Yes — all our nail services are pregnancy-safe. The studio is well-ventilated and we work with low-odour products. Let us know if certain smells become difficult during pregnancy.
What is BIAB? +
Builder In A Bottle — a flexible gel overlay that strengthens natural nails without the bulk of acrylic. Ideal for clients who want length and longevity without committing to a full set of extensions.
Can you fix a broken nail mid-set? +
Usually yes — we can rebuild a broken nail with acrylic or BIAB and re-cap it so the finish blends. Book a short repair slot rather than waiting for your next full appointment.
Do you do nail art? +
Yes — from a single accent line to full hand-painted designs. Tell us at booking so we can allow time; intricate art is best booked as an add-on slot.
Can I bring my own polish? +
We are happy to use a polish you bring (we will tell you honestly if we think it will affect longevity), but we recommend our professional brands for the best result.
How often should I get the BIAB — Infill? +
every 2-4 weeks depending on the service for most clients. We will book your next slot at checkout at the right interval.
Ready to book your BIAB — Infill?
Slots release at 8am daily. Pick a time that suits you — we will confirm by email and text.