Mission, BC · By appointment
Gel polish & dry manicure
Chip-resistant colour cured under a lamp and worn on your own natural nail. No added length — just a clean, durable finish that holds its shine for weeks rather than days.
Private studio — the address is sent with your booking confirmation.
What a dry manicure actually means
Most salons soak your hands before shaping. A dry manicure skips the soak and does the cuticle work on a dry nail. It matters more than it sounds: soaking temporarily swells the nail plate, and gel applied to a swollen nail lifts sooner once it shrinks back.
The nail is shaped, the cuticle area cleaned and prepped, then colour is applied in thin coats and cured under a lamp between each one. You leave with it completely dry — there is no smudging an hour later.
Who it suits
- You like your natural nail length and just want colour that lasts
- You work with your hands and regular polish chips within days
- You want something low-maintenance between appointments
- You are taking a break from extensions and want your own nails to grow
If your nails break before they reach the length you want, acrylic is usually the better answer — see acrylic full sets.
How long it lasts
Two to three weeks for most people. What actually decides it is how fast your nails grow and how hard you are on your hands — not the brand of gel.
Two habits make a genuine difference, and most people are surprised by how much: cuticle oil every day, and gloves for washing up and cleaning. Hot water and detergent are what loosen the edges.
What changes the price
$29 is where it starts. It moves with:
- Removal of existing gel, acrylic or polish — including a set done elsewhere
- Nail art, French tips or accent nails
- Extra repair work if the nails need it
Send a photo of what you have in mind when you book and you will get a straight answer on cost before you arrive.
Looking after it
- Cuticle oil daily — it keeps the nail flexible so the gel moves with it instead of lifting
- Gloves for washing up, cleaning and gardening
- Don't use your nails as tools — opening cans and scraping labels is what breaks seals
- Never pick it off. Picking takes layers of your natural nail with it. Book a removal instead.
Questions about this service
Does gel polish damage your natural nails?
Applied and removed properly, no. Nearly all the damage people blame on gel comes from picking or peeling it off, which takes layers of the nail plate with it. A proper soak-off removal leaves the nail intact.
How is gel different from regular nail polish?
Regular polish air-dries and stays soft, which is why it chips in days. Gel is cured under a lamp into a hard, flexible layer bonded to the nail. It lasts weeks and does not smudge once you leave.
Can I have nail art with a gel manicure?
Yes. Hand-painted detail, French tips, chrome and accent nails all work over gel. It affects the price and the time needed, so mention it when you book.
Can you remove gel that was done somewhere else?
Yes. Removal starts at $25 and includes nail and cuticle care afterwards. Say so when you book so enough time is set aside.