If your nails have been damaged, thinned or over-filed following a previous treatment, we can assess their condition and discuss how best to care for them while the damage grows out. A suitable protective treatment may be an option, depending on the condition of your nails.

We regularly help clients with nail concerns following previous treatments. Salon owner Denise has worked with nails since 2006, has been an Educator for CND and has run a training academy. She works hard to develop our team to Master Nail Tech standards, and we pride ourselves on our attention to detail.

What can affect your nails and your results?

• Training and experience. Choose a suitably trained and insured nail professional. You can ask to see their qualifications, insurance and examples of their work.
• Over-filing. Preparation should suit the product being used and preserve the natural nail. Aggressive filing can thin or damage the nail plate before any product is applied.
• Hygiene. A clean working area, appropriate hand hygiene and properly cleaned tools are essential. Files should be managed appropriately between clients, and nails prepared correctly before application.
• Preparation. Careful nail and cuticle preparation is an important part of every service. Tissue or residue left on the nail plate can affect adhesion and contribute to lifting. Daily cuticle care and following your aftercare advice also help maintain your results.
• Choosing the right service. A thorough consultation helps us match your treatment to your nails and lifestyle. You may prefer a natural spa manicure, gel polish for lasting colour, or a builder product such as BIAB for additional support. If you want extra length or a stronger enhancement, we can discuss the options suitable for you.

There is usually no need to do anything to your nails before your appointment. If they are in particularly poor condition or you bite your nails, please send us some photographs in advance so we can advise you.

If you have never had a professional nail treatment, have very dry or overgrown cuticles, or your nails are damaged, we recommend starting a regular cuticle-oil routine a week or two before your visit.

We retail Solar Oil and OPI Avoplex Oil for nail and cuticle care. Pop in before your appointment and we can help you choose a suitable product.

If you have a special occasion coming up, such as a wedding, please plan ahead. We may recommend a nail treatment plan to help you grow your natural nails to your preferred length if you do not want extensions.

We can remove products applied elsewhere, but please let us know where you had them done and which products were used, if known. We may ask for photographs in advance, as some removals require additional time.

Follow this aftercare advice for gel polish, BIAB, polish and acrylic enhancements, alongside any individual guidance from your nail technician.

• Avoid swimming, saunas, steam rooms and sunbeds for the first 24 hours.
• Avoid harsh chemicals and acetone. Wear protective gloves when cleaning or gardening.
• Strong chlorine, sun lotions and insect repellents can affect your finish. Wash your hands promptly after contact.
• Do not pick or peel off gel or enhancements, as this can damage and weaken the natural nail.
• Apply cuticle oil twice daily. Place a drop on each nail and massage it into the nail, cuticle and surrounding skin.
• Never use your nails as tools. Use the pads of your fingers instead.
• Keep your nails at a manageable length to help avoid splitting or breaking.
• If you experience chipping or lifting, contact us. Your aftercare, nail condition, lifestyle or choice of product may need reviewing.

Gel polish, BIAB and acrylic enhancements should be removed professionally using the appropriate method for the product. Please do not pick, peel or force them off.

Removal time varies depending on the product, its condition and how it was applied. Let us know what you are wearing when booking so we can allow enough time.

Looking after your natural nails

Natural nail plates do not breathe. Whether you should pause enhancements depends on the condition of your nails, rather than a need for them to “breathe”. Careful application, maintenance and removal are important.

If you decide to stop wearing gel or enhancements, keep your nails at a sensible length and continue using cuticle oil twice daily. We can advise whether a natural nail strengthener would be suitable.

Nail extensions can provide instant length, but regular maintenance is essential. Avoid letting them become too long or leaving excessive time between rebalances.

If you have acrylic extensions, we recommend a rebalance—also known as an infill or maintenance appointment—every two weeks, unless your nail technician advises otherwise.

Our usual aim is to carry out two to three rebalances while your natural nails grow underneath. Once they reach your preferred length, we can discuss removing the extensions and moving to BIAB or gel, depending on your nails and lifestyle.

Please follow the general aftercare advice throughout the time you wear acrylics.

BIAB—Builder in a Bottle—provides additional structure and support for natural nails and can be suitable for shorter extensions. Your nail technician will advise whether it is the right option for you.

Most clients return around every three weeks for maintenance. Your technician will recommend a schedule based on your nail growth, the condition of the product and your lifestyle.

Some clients can continue with regular maintenance, while others need periodic removal and reapplication. Natural nails may curl away from the product at the sidewalls or free edge, and heavier use can also affect how well the product wears.

Please follow the general aftercare advice throughout the time you wear BIAB, including twice-daily cuticle oil and avoiding picking or peeling the product.