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How to prep your nails for a gel manicure

A great gel manicure starts before you sit down. A little prep helps the gel bond properly and last the full 2–3 weeks.

Skip lotion & oils on the day

Moisturiser and cuticle oil are wonderful — just not right before your appointment. Oil on the nail plate stops gel from bonding, which shortens the wear. Come with clean, oil-free nails.

Come with bare nails (or let us remove old gel)

If you have old gel on, don't pick it off at home — book a removal and we'll take it off safely to protect your natural nail.

Hydrate your cuticles in the days before

Healthy, well-moisturised cuticles (in the days leading up, not the day-of) make for a neater, longer-lasting result.

Keep nails a workable length

If you like them shorter, you don't need to trim first — your artist will shape them. Just have an idea of the length and shape you'd like.

What we do at the studio

We gently prep the nail surface, tidy the cuticles and dehydrate the plate so the gel grips well — that's how we get you a clean finish that lasts.

Don't over-prep — you don't need to do much. The biggest one: skip the hand lotion on appointment day so nothing interferes with adhesion.

Book a Gel Manicure