Nails
Your visit, end to end
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01
Welcome & quick consult
Your senior therapist reviews your notes, checks contraindications and confirms the plan.
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02
Treatment
The protocol is delivered start-to-finish, calibrated in real time to how your skin / body is responding.
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03
Aftercare brief
You leave with a written aftercare summary and a re-book recommendation if relevant.
At a glance
- Duration
- 0 minutes
- Price
- £0
- 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
Nail services suit anyone who wants their hands or feet to look considered. The right service depends on what you need:
- 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.
Why we recommend the Manicure
We recommend the Manicure because it is a properly-done nail service with cuticle work, premium polishes and a finish that actually lasts. The technique on display in cheaper salons is fast but corner-cutting — cuticles cut not pushed, files going back and forth (which damages the nail plate), no base coat, thick top coat applied unevenly.
We use premium professional polishes (CND, OPI, Gelish, Bio Sculpture) and stock multiple brands so we can match the right product to the right nail type. Brittle nails get a strengthening base; flexible nails get a different system. The result is well-shaped, well-conditioned nails with the longevity proper application gives.
How the Manicure works
A manicure or pedicure that lasts requires three things in order: clean prep (removing oil, old product, dust), the right product for the nail (strengthening base for brittle, flexible base for soft, properly-cured layers for gel) and a sealed top coat applied to the free edge as well as the nail surface.
Skip any of those and the finish lifts. The Manicure respects all three. That is why a Shellac with us holds 14 days while one elsewhere might chip in 5. well-shaped, well-conditioned nails with the longevity proper application gives, and the natural nail underneath stays healthy across consecutive sets.
The treatment protocol
A standard Manicure appointment runs through:
- 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.
In the room: what you'll experience
A relaxed appointment — comfortable seating, good light, and a technician focused on getting the detail right rather than rushing. Standard manicures run 30-45 minutes; gel and Shellac 60 minutes; full sets 75-90 minutes.
We work in silence if you prefer or chat if that suits you better. The bar is well-ventilated; we use low-odour products and we change tools between clients. Bring a book, a coffee, or just enjoy the quiet — many regulars use the appointment as decompression time.
Results timeline
Longevity depends on the service. The Manicure typically delivers:
- 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
Aftercare for the Manicure is short but matters. Five rules:
- 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.
Safety, contraindications and patch testing
We will not apply gel, Shellac or extensions over damaged, infected or fungally affected nails. If you have a history of allergic reaction to acrylate (the chemistry behind gel and Shellac), tell us at consultation — we will recommend non-cured options. Pregnant clients are welcome.
No patch test is needed for this treatment.
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 Manicure last? +
Will gel or Shellac damage my nails? +
Can I have the Manicure during pregnancy? +
What is BIAB? +
Can you fix a broken nail mid-set? +
Do you do nail art? +
Can I bring my own polish? +
How often should I get the Manicure? +
Ready to book your Manicure?
Slots release at 8am daily. Pick a time that suits you — we will confirm by email and text.