Lavish Hair & Beauty
Gel Polish
Chip-free gel colour on hands or feet, cured to a hard, glossy finish that lasts weeks rather than days. Full gel manicure and pedicure options, or colour only if your nails are already shaped and just need fresh polish.
- Duration
- From 20 min
- Price
- From £28
- Performed By
- Nail Technician
- Lasts
- 2–3 Weeks
What's Included
Gel Manicure and Gel Pedicure include full nail prep, shaping and cuticle care before gel polish is applied and cured under UV or LED light. If your nails are already in good shape, Gel Colour on Hands or Feet applies gel polish only, without the full prep stage — a quicker option for anyone who just wants fresh colour rather than a complete treatment.
Gel polish is cured hard under UV or LED light rather than air-dried the way standard polish is, so it resists chipping for significantly longer and is scratch-resistant almost immediately after your appointment — no waiting around with hands held awkwardly in the air on the way out, and no smudged nails from bag zips or car doors on the drive home.
The trade-off with any gel service is removal: gel needs to be properly soaked off rather than picked or peeled, which is exactly why free removal is included here when the gel was originally applied in salon. Removing gel polish incorrectly — peeling it off at home — is one of the most common causes of damaged, thinned nails, so it's worth having it done properly even if you're switching salons or colours.
Gel Polish sits alongside our regular Manicure and Pedicure menu as the longer-lasting option, and can be added on top of either treatment level. If you want the fuller hand or foot care of a Deluxe Manicure or Pedicure but with gel colour instead of standard polish, mention that at consultation and it can usually be arranged.
Who It's For
Anyone wanting colour that lasts through daily life without chipping — ideal before a holiday or busy period, or for anyone who prefers not to touch up polish every few days. It particularly suits clients with active hands — regular washing up, gardening, gym sessions or manual work — where standard polish tends to chip within days. It's also a popular choice before an event, since the glossy, just-applied look holds for the full duration rather than fading by the second day.
What to Expect
Consultation
Confirming full gel manicure/pedicure or colour only, and choosing your shade from the available range.
Prep
Nails shaped and cuticles tidied where a full treatment is booked, setting up an even, clean base for the gel.
Gel Application
Gel polish applied in thin, even layers for a smooth, streak-free finish.
Curing & Finish
Each layer cured under UV or LED light for a hard, glossy result that's dry and scratch-resistant before you leave.
Benefits
Chip-Free Finish
Holds up to daily life far better than standard polish, typically lasting two to three weeks.
Glossy, Durable Colour
Cured hard rather than air-dried, so it stays glossy and scratch-resistant from the moment you leave.
Free Removal in Salon
No charge for removing gel applied here on your next visit, protecting your natural nail from at-home peeling.
Dry on Arrival
No smudging on the drive home — gel is cured hard in the chair, not left to air-dry over the following hour.
Preparation & Aftercare
Before Your Appointment
- Come with clean nails, or arrive a little early if you need old polish removed first
- Bring a colour reference if you have a specific shade in mind
- Mention if you have any nail concerns before application, particularly if nails feel thin or weak from previous gel removal elsewhere
- Avoid applying hand cream or oil directly before your appointment, since it can affect how well the gel adheres
Aftercare
- Avoid picking or peeling gel polish off — this can strip layers of the natural nail underneath and take months to fully grow out
- Use cuticle oil regularly to keep nails and skin around them healthy between appointments
- Book a professional removal when you're ready for a change, rather than removing it yourself with tools at home
- Wear gloves for washing up or cleaning products to protect the gel and extend how long it lasts
Pricing
Free gel removal on nails done in salon.
Good to Know
Gel Polish — Frequently Asked Questions
Is removal really free?
Yes — gel removal is free when it's from a gel service originally done here in salon.
How is Gel Colour different from a full Gel Manicure?
Gel Colour applies polish only, without the shaping and cuticle work included in a full Gel Manicure or Pedicure.
How long does gel polish actually last?
Typically 2–3 weeks with minimal chipping, depending on how your nails grow and how hands-on your day-to-day is.
Does gel polish damage your nails?
Gel polish itself is generally safe for nails; the damage most people experience comes from picking it off at home rather than having it properly soaked off, which is why removal is included free here.
Can I get gel on just my toes and normal polish on my hands, or vice versa?
Yes — gel and standard manicure or pedicure services can be mixed and matched however suits you.