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Gel Nails

Glossy gel polish that cures under a lamp and lasts two to three weeks

Gel nails — gel polish, often called by brand names such as Shellac — are a polish applied in thin coats and cured under a UV or LED lamp after each one. The result is fully dry the moment you leave, high-shine and chip-resistant for two to three weeks, which is why gel has largely replaced ordinary polish in salons. It goes over your natural nails and adds no length.

A gel manicure usually includes shaping, cuticle work and a base, colour and top coat. On toes it lasts even longer, often four to six weeks. Removal matters as much as application: the gel should be soaked off in acetone or gently filed, never peeled, because peeling strips layers off the natural nail with it.

Allow 45 minutes to an hour for a gel manicure and around 15 more if you need old gel removing first. Some people develop an allergy to gel products over time, and reputable salons use brands that publish their ingredients and cure them fully.

Also known as: gel manicure, Shellac nails, gel polish.

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Who offers gel nails

Frequently asked questions

How much does a gel manicure cost?

Usually £25 to £40 with an independent nail technician or at a nail bar, and £40 to £60 in central London. Gel removal on its own is around £10, or included when you book a new set.

Is gel polish bad for your nails?

The gel itself is not the problem; improper removal is. Peeling it off takes the top layers of the nail with it. Have it soaked off or filed off by your technician, and give nails a break if they feel thin.

What is the difference between gel and Shellac?

Shellac is one brand of gel polish. Most technicians use several brands and the process — thin coats cured under a lamp — is the same. The terms are often used interchangeably.

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