All you need to know about….Gel Manicure & Pedicures!!

Not all Mani/Pedis were created equally!!

It’s something we get asked about a lot, so for the latest edition of ‘All you need to know about….’ we are going to tell you everything you need to know about GelBottle Nails!

Why GelBottle?

The GelBottle gel polishes are rich, highly pigmented, chip-resistant and offer extreme long lasting shine. There are over 360 colours to choose from (we stock around 100 of them) and are Vegan & Cruelty free.

Our team of therapists undertake regular accredited training to learn everything there is to know about the GelBottle brand in order to offer the very best service to our clients.

How long do they last?

On hands your gel manicure should last 2-3 weeks (See aftercare advice for best results). Toes will naturally last longer than fingers and will usually depend on how quickly your nails grow! We would recommend returning for a gel pedi every 5-6 weeks.

How does it work?

Gel nails are created by a three-step process, which consists of brushing a base coat, nail polish, and top coat over your natural nails. With each coat, the nail is placed under a UV light for somewhere between 30 seconds and two minutes to cure. The final result is nails that sport a glossy and freshly manicured look.

Why have Gel nails vs Normal Polish ?

Gel polish is more durable than regular polish that can chip as quickly as a day or two, gel however can stay chip-free for weeks. While gel manicures look just like your regular old mani, the added benefits are that they last longer and feel sturdier.

What is the difference between Shellac and Gel ?

Both GelBottle and a Shellac manicure apply a long-wear nail polish and cure them under a UV lamp.  Shellac is a hybrid between UV gel and nail polish, likewise with other brands such as OPI Gel Polish. This means that the formula is half gel, half nail polish (like the kinds of nail varnishes you’d find on the high street) and may not last quite as long as a pure gel formula. There are also only around ¼ of the amount of colours as GelBottle.

Can you do nail art design?

We love nothing more than finding pinterest nail art pictures for Tyla to try out on our nails. She is really talented and does everything free hand! Take a look at our instagram to find some examples of her work.

How do I take them off?

We recommend returning to the salon to remove your GelBottle polish to reduce the damage to your natural nails. 

You can use acetone to soak off the gel however we prefer to use an E-file in the salon which is a much quicker method. An E-file is an electric-powered rotary tool used for removing nail enhancements.

What is the aftercare advice to keep gel nails looking beautiful for longer?

  • Be especially careful in the first 24 hours after application and avoid intense heat during this period (e.g. saunas, hot bath, or sunbeds).
  • Use cuticle oil daily to keep your nails nourished, to stimulate growth and prevent lifting
  • Always wear rubber gloves when washing up, cleaning or gardening
  • Always wash your hands thoroughly after being in contact with chlorine, insect repellant or sunscreen
  • Always return to salon for maintenance and removal and follow any advice given to you by your nail therapist
  • Avoid long periods of time in water (e.g. long baths, swimming, washing up). Do not use your nails as tools (e.g. screwdriver) as this could lead to cracking. Never pick or peel the product off as this could damage your natural nail
  • Avoid filing your nails and pushing your cuticles back, as this will break the seal of the gel and can lead to chipping

Help! My nails aren’t very strong / have split!

Gelbottle has some great products on offer to help with strengthening your nails. Tyla is trained with the Builder polish and would be happy to carry out a nail consultation to work out the best option for you!

Do you need to have long nails to have gel polish?

No not at all, it goes on just like normal polish so you don’t need to have long nails (but if you do that’s fine also!). 

If you would like to discuss extensions, Tyla is trained to do these so get in touch if you would like to find out more information!

What if I already have another product on my nails?

GelBottle / Shellac nails should be relatively easy for us to remove with our e-file tool, however please let us know when booking that you require a removal so that we can allocate the correct amount of time for your appointment.

We politely ask that Acrylic nails are removed prior to coming to the salon as we do not offer this service at Beautylicious.

If I am having regular manicures or pedicures, can I take advantage of any benefits?

Absolutely! We love to reward our clients and as a thank you for supporting our business we allocate every returning customer with a ‘treat card’. It works a bit like an advantage card where you collect points for each visit and these can be used against products or salon services!

We also have annual mani/pedi subscription packages (for normal polish too), where you can pay monthly by direct debit and can save money over the year as well as taking advantage of other exclusive VIP benefits. Please get in touch should you require any further information.

Finally, if you are looking for both fingers and toes then take a look at our midweek pamper packages on the website with Rachel/Tyla (T&C’s apply).

If you wish to discuss your manicure / pedicure appointment in any further detail, please do not hesitate to give us a call or pop by the salon!

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