Hand-painted designs, chrome, French tips and embellishments
Nail art covers everything that goes beyond a single colour: French and micro-French tips, chrome and cat-eye finishes, ombré, hand-painted designs, foils, stamping and embellishments such as small crystals. It is usually added to a gel, BIAB or acrylic set and priced per nail or per design, from a simple accent nail to a full set of hand-painted artwork.
The skill varies a great deal between technicians, which is why nail art is the one nail service where a portfolio matters most. Many nail artists post their work on social media and take bookings for specific designs from photographs; seasonal sets for Christmas, Halloween and the summer are a large part of their year.
Simple designs add ten to twenty minutes to an appointment; detailed hand-painting can add an hour. Bring reference images and mention the design when you book so the salon can allow the time.
Also known as: nail designs, French tips, chrome nails.
Exclusive
Verified listing
Canary Wharf, London
Express gel and BIAB nails for the lunch hour, walk-ins on weekdays
4.0 · 1 review
Exclusive
Verified listing
Lace Market, Nottingham
Gel, BIAB and nail art from a Lace Market studio, mobile to Derby and Leicester
Prime
Verified listing
Shoreditch, London
BIAB, gel and hand-painted nail art from a home studio, mobile across East London
5.0 · 2 reviews
Prime
Verified listing
Kemptown, Brighton
Creative, hand-painted nail art for everyone, from a rented desk in Kemptown
Verified listing
Finnieston, Glasgow
Gel and BIAB at her Finnieston studio or at your door
Verified listing
Northern Quarter, Manchester
Acrylic sets, chrome and hand-painted art from a rented desk in a Northern Quarter salon
Usually £1 to £5 per nail for simple designs, £5 to £15 for a French or chrome finish across the set, and £20 to £50 extra for a full set of detailed hand-painted art.
Most can do simple designs; detailed hand-painted art is a specialist skill. Look at the technician's portfolio or photos on their listing before booking a complex set.
Yes, when it is sealed under a gel top coat. Raised embellishments such as crystals can catch and come off sooner, especially on the hands you use most.
