Which type of manicure?

### Classic Traditional Manicure Traditional manicures use regular nail polish applied in base coat, color, and top coat layers. This timeless approach offers the most nail-friendly option because polish simply sits on the nail surface without chemical bonding or curing processes that stress nail structure. Application takes 30-45 minutes including proper drying time. **Durability**: Regular polish typically lasts 5-7 days before noticeable chipping occurs. Active lifestyles involving frequent hand washing, typing, cooking, or manual work may see chipping within 3-4 days. However, this limited durability allows frequent color changes for people who enjoy variety or coordinating nails with specific outfits and occasions. **Removal**: Acetone or non-acetone polish remover dissolves traditional polish within seconds—the easiest removal of any manicure type. This simple removal can be done at home without professional assistance, and the gentle process causes no nail damage when done properly. **Best for**: People who enjoy changing nail colors frequently, those with damaged nails needing the gentlest option, anyone seeking the most affordable professional manicure, and individuals who experience allergic reactions to gel or dip systems. Traditional manicures also suit special events where specific color matching is required for a single day. **Cost**: Most economical manicure option, typically £15-20 for professional application. ### Gel Manicure Gel manicures use gel polish—a thick, viscous formula containing photoinitiators that cure under UV or LED light. The curing process creates a hard, glass-like finish bonded to the nail surface. Application requires base gel, color gel (usually two coats), and top gel, with each layer cured 30-60 seconds under the lamp. **Durability**: Gel manicures last 2-3 weeks without chipping when applied correctly. The cured gel resists water, chemicals, and impact that quickly damages traditional polish. This extended wear makes gel ideal for vacations, weddings, and busy professional periods where manicure maintenance is impractical. **Removal**: Gel removal requires soaking nails in acetone for 10-15 minutes, softening the gel for gentle scraping. Improper removal—particularly picking or peeling off gel—severely damages natural nails, removing nail plate layers and creating weak, thin nails requiring months to recover. Professional removal is strongly recommended. **Best for**: Busy lifestyles requiring low-maintenance nail appearance, special events like weddings or extended vacations, professional environments where polished appearance is expected daily, and anyone who finds traditional polish chips too quickly for their activities. **Considerations**: UV light exposure during curing raises minimal skin cancer concern—apply broad-spectrum SPF 30+ to hands before gel appointments, or use LED lamps that cure faster with less UV exposure. The acetone soaking process dehydrates nails and surrounding skin, making regular cuticle oil application essential during gel manicure periods. **Cost**: Typically £25-35 for application, with removal adding £10-15 if done separately. ### Shellac Manicure Shellac represents a specific branded product combining traditional polish properties with gel-like durability. While technically a gel polish type, Shellac's proprietary formula creates slightly different characteristics than generic gel systems. The application process mirrors gel manicures: base coat, color layers, top coat, each cured under UV/LED light. **Durability**: Shellac lasts 2-3 weeks similarly to gel but some users report slightly less durability, particularly with heavy hand use. However, Shellac typically shows less obvious wear patterns—when chipping begins, it's often less noticeable than gel failures. **Removal**: Shellac removal follows gel protocols with acetone soaking and gentle removal. Some technicians find Shellac slightly easier to remove than traditional gels due to its specific formulation, though this varies by individual and application thickness. **Best for**: People seeking gel durability who prefer the specific Shellac brand known for gentler formulation, those who experienced reactions to other gel systems, anyone wanting professional-grade results with slightly easier home removal potential than generic gels. **Cost**: Comparable to gel manicures, £25-35, with brand recognition sometimes commanding premium pricing. ### Dip Powder Manicure Dip powder manicures involve applying bonding liquid to nails, dipping them into colored powder, then sealing with activator and top coat. The process creates thick, durable layers without UV curing—a key advantage for people concerned about UV exposure. Multiple dip cycles build up color intensity and strength. **Durability**: Dip manicures last 3-4 weeks, exceeding gel longevity for most users. The thick powder layers resist chipping exceptionally well and actually strengthen natural nails during the wear period. This extended durability makes dip powder particularly valuable for extended trips or periods where salon access is limited. **Removal**: Acetone soaking for 15-20 minutes softens dip powder for removal. The thick layers require more soaking time than gel, and the removal process is quite drying to nails and cuticles. Some people report dip powder removal as more damaging than gel removal when done improperly. **Best for**: Maximum durability requirements, weak nails benefiting from strengthening during wear, people avoiding UV exposure, anyone seeking extended time between manicure appointments. Dip powder also suits individuals whose hand activities quickly chip gel but who need durability exceeding traditional polish. **Considerations**: Hygiene concerns exist with communal dipping pots where multiple clients' nails enter the same powder. Look for salons using individual powder portions or the pour-over method where powder is sprinkled onto nails rather than dipping into shared containers. **Cost**: Typically £30-40 due to product costs and extended wear time. ### Spa or Spa Manicure Spa manicures extend traditional or gel manicures with enhanced treatments: extended massage (15-20 minutes instead of 5), paraffin wax dips for deep moisturizing, aromatherapy elements, sugar or salt scrubs for exfoliation, hand masks with intensive moisturizers, and sometimes hot stone massage. The polish type can be traditional or gel—spa designation refers to the enhanced pampering elements rather than polish choice. **Durability**: Depends on polish type chosen—spa treatments affect hand and skin condition but not polish longevity. The enhanced moisturizing and circulation benefits may actually improve nail health supporting better polish adhesion over time. **Best for**: Special occasion pampering, people with very dry or damaged hand skin, those seeking relaxation alongside beauty maintenance, anyone interested in therapeutic benefits beyond cosmetic results. Spa manicures suit quarterly or monthly luxury appointments between regular maintenance manicures. **Cost**: £35-50 depending on specific treatments included, making them occasional indulgences rather than routine maintenance for most budgets. ### Acrylic or Enhancement Manicures While not technically manicures, acrylic and other enhancement systems deserve mention for people seeking extended nail length or coverage of damaged natural nails. These involve applying liquid and powder acrylic to natural nails, creating artificial extensions that can be shaped and polished. **Best for**: People wanting nail length beyond natural growth, those with severely damaged nails requiring coverage during healing, specific aesthetic preferences requiring dramatic nail shapes, special events like weddings where exact nail appearance is crucial. **Considerations**: Enhancements require serious commitment—they need fills every 2-3 weeks, professional removal is essential, and the application process is harder on natural nails than polish-only manicures. Enhancement systems suit people accepting this maintenance in exchange for the aesthetic or functional benefits.

**Available at both locations**: - **Newcastle City Centre**: All manicure types available with expert guidance selecting the best option for your needs. - **Gosforth**: Over 25 years of experience matching clients with manicure styles that balance their aesthetic goals with nail health. **Our Manicure Services**: - Classic Manicure: £18 | 30 minutes - Gel/Shellac Manicure: £25 | 45 minutes - Dip Powder Manicure: £32 | 60 minutes - Luxury Spa Manicure: £40 | 75 minutes [Book Your Consultation](#) - Available on Treatwell, Fresha, and Booksy