Manicure salons and stylists across the UK

What to expect from a manicure appointment

A manicure runs cleanse, shape, cuticle work, a hand massage, and a finish in standard polish, gel or hybrid. The technician trims the nail wall, files to the chosen shape, lifts and tidies the cuticle, then applies the chosen finish. A standard manicure takes around thirty to forty-five minutes. Aftercare uses cuticle oil daily and avoids picking. Most regulars book fortnightly for gel and weekly to monthly for standard polish. Compare manicurists in the UK below, with prices, finishes and example work.

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Cities offering manicure

Frequently asked questions

How long does a manicure take?

A standard polish manicure runs thirty to forty-five minutes. A gel, BIAB or hard-gel manicure runs around an hour. Add fifteen to twenty minutes for any nail art.

How often should I have a manicure?

Weekly to fortnightly for polish manicures; every two to three weeks for gel. Heavy hand users (gym, cleaning, gardening) may need a touch-up sooner.

What is the difference between a manicure and a French manicure?

A standard manicure is the cleanse, shape, cuticle and finish. The "French" refers to the finish itself: a clean white tip against a sheer or nude base. Most manicures are booked as a base service plus a chosen finish.

How much does a manicure cost?

A standard polish manicure typically runs twenty to forty pounds in UK salons. Gel and BIAB run thirty to fifty-five. Premium central-London salons sit at fifty to ninety. Nail art adds five to thirty depending on complexity.

I bite my nails. Can I still get a manicure?

Yes; many manicurists work specifically with nail-biters using shape, BIAB or extension techniques to encourage growth. Tell the salon when booking so they pair you with a technician experienced in regrowth. The visible polish often discourages biting.