Why I don’t do acrylic nails, and what I use instead

Every so often someone rings to book a full set of acrylics, and I have to say no. It is not because acrylic can’t look lovely. It is because of what I want your nails to be like when the product comes off.

Looking after the nail underneath

I specialise in BIAB and hard gel, and I don’t offer acrylic in my salon at all. The reason is simple: I want to look after every client’s natural nails and keep the nail plate free from damage. Your own nail is what everything sits on. If it is thin, sore or peeling, nothing on top will look its best for long.

With BIAB and hard gel, I can give you strength and length while your natural nail carries on growing healthily underneath. Prep is gentle, removal is careful, and you are not starting from a damaged nail every few weeks.

What you can have instead

For strength at your own length: BIAB

The Gel Bottle’s BIAB is a builder gel brushed over your natural nail. It stops breaks and peeling, and it can be nude, coloured or decorated. It is the one I recommend most.

For length and shape: hard gel extensions

Hard builder gel is strong enough to sculpt length, so you can still have long almond, coffin or square nails. It gives you the look people often go to acrylics for, built in a product I’m happy to put on your nails.

Coming over from acrylics?

If you have been wearing acrylics, your nails might feel thin when they come off. That is normal, and it is fixable. Book a removal with your first appointment and I’ll take the old set off carefully. Then BIAB can protect your nails while they grow out strong, or hard gel can give you length again straight away. Either way, tell me what you have been wearing when you book so I can plan the time.

You can see every option on the treatments and prices page, and more about how I work on my about page.