Looking for a nail salon in Dundee city centre? Aesthete Beauty on Bell Street is a 5-star rated, award-winning salon specialising in Russian manicures, BIAB and gel polish. With over 11 years of experience and HEMA-free products, your nails are in expert hands. Book your appointment online or call us.
Book Your AppointmentWhat Our Clients Say
Finding a nail salon in Dundee that actually delivers what it promises. That's all you want, right?
You've probably been let down before. The gel that started lifting after three days. The cuticle work that left your fingers sore for a week. Showing a photo of exactly what you wanted and walking out with something completely different. The nail tech who rushed through your appointment like you were on a production line.
And then you start thinking maybe it's you. Maybe your nails just don't hold gel. Maybe you're too picky.
The truth is, most nail salons in Dundee do the same thing. Same products off Amazon, same rush to get you in and out, same corners cut on the prep work that actually makes nails last. And you're left paying full price for something that barely makes it to the weekend. It's frustrating, and after it happens a couple of times, you stop trusting any of them.
Aesthete Beauty is a specialist nail salon at 76 Bell Street in Dundee city centre. Run by Radina Ignatova, a professional nail expert with over 11 years in the industry, this is a 5-star salon where your nails are done right the first time, every time. Voted Best Beauty & Nail Salon in Scotland 2024, with Radina's work featured in Scratch Magazine and her expert advice quoted in Who What Wear UK.
Below you'll find everything from Russian manicure and BIAB to gel nails, extensions, nail art, facials, brows and more. What each service actually is, who it's for, and how to get booked in.
Really delighted with my nails, cant believe how good my hands look now, so good I've already booked my next appointment!
Absolutely lovely experience getting the eyebrow reshaping treatment. I got threading and am so happy with the results, will definitely be back!
Always great service! It's a friendly, clean boutique salon. I come here for threading and it's painless and a perfect finish
A very professional service. Excellent facilities and I will be going back
I've been to Aesthete Beauty three times now to get Biab nails done, and I love the excellent job Radina did on my nails each time. Professional, friendly and the best manicure I've had in Dundee. Highly recommended.
I have been three times in recent months and very impressed with the finish of my nails. Very good attention to detail making you feel good. Very professional, showing much experience and pride by Radina. Absolutely perfect love my nails cats eyes, done to perfection, lovely dark purple. Admired my many so far.
This was my first time at Aesthete and my first time having Biab nails. Radina was very thorough and honest in explaining everything to me, leaving me feeling fully informed. She did an excellent job with my nails and had great attention to detail. I left feeling very happy and satisfied.
Been here multiple times now, and Radina is amazing, friendly and very professional .This is only place in Dundee that does Russian manicure and pedicure and I get it every time followed with BIAB . As any good manicure it lasts for weeks. She does amazing nail art as well . Highly recommend, who wishes high quality long lasting manicure that is good for nails and not damaging . got my next appointments in already
Excellent eyebrow threading service in a calm and clean setting. Very professional staff. Great results from nail strengthening treatment.
Enjoyed my chemical face peel and felt l really noticed the difference in my skin. The beautician Radina is a lovely young lady and the surroundings reflect the treatment being given. A very bright modern salon - l would highly recommend
I've been seeing Radina regularly for the last few months and cannot recommend aesthete beauty more! She's such good chat and always does the most incredible job! My nails have never looked this good. Definitely the best place in Dundee for all your nail needs :) Thanks Radina xx
The service was 10/10, I absolutely love my nails, Radina is very friendly. This was my second appointment with her and I will definitely be back
Radina is always so lovely and welcoming. My nails are always done to a high standard and look beautiful every time!
Great experience, Radina is very friendly and extremely knowledgeable in her profession. Highly recommend
I absolutely love my soft gel tips! The ombre black and red colour is gorgeous, and Radina did such a great job. She was accommodating and made the whole experience pleasant. My nails look amazing, and I'm so chuffed with how they turned out!
Nails are what Aesthete Beauty is known for. About 80% of our bookings are nail services, and that's because this is a nail salon first. Not a hair salon that happens to do nails in the back room. Not a beauty salon where nails are an afterthought. Every nail service here is carried out by Radina personally, so the standard doesn't change depending on who's available that day. You get the same expert, the same precision, the same result every time you come in. That consistency is hard to find, and it's the main reason clients stick with us once they've tried it.
Below is a breakdown of the nail services available and what each one actually involves. No jargon, no marketing fluff, just what you need to know to decide which one is right for you.
You've probably seen Russian manicure all over Instagram and TikTok by now. Everyone's talking about it, and honestly? The hype is deserved.
Here's the thing. A normal manicure soaks your hands in water first, then uses metal tools to push back and cut the cuticles. It works, but it's not precise. A Russian manicure is a completely dry technique. No water, no soaking. Instead, an e-file gently removes just the dead skin around the cuticle. Nothing gets cut, nothing gets torn, and the finish is so clean it almost looks fake.
That clean cuticle line is the whole point. When there's no dead skin or rough edges around the nail, your gel or BIAB sits completely flush. No gaps for water to sneak under, no edges to catch and lift. That's why Russian manicures last weeks longer than a standard gel mani. It's all in the prep.
And that's what most people don't realise. The reason your gel lifts isn't usually the gel itself. It's what happens before the gel goes on. If the cuticle prep isn't thorough, there's always going to be a weak point where moisture gets in and the product starts to peel away. Russian manicure eliminates that problem completely.
We're currently the only salon in Dundee offering Russian manicure. It takes specialist training and a really steady hand with the e-file, and it's become one of the most requested services at the salon. Most clients who try it once don't go back to standard. They can see it with their own eyes. The cuticle area looks completely different, the polish line is tighter, and three weeks later it still looks like they just walked out of the salon.
Been here multiple times now, and Radina is amazing, friendly and very professional. This is only place in Dundee that does Russian manicure and pedicure and I get it every time followed with BIAB. As any good manicure it lasts for weeks. She does amazing nail art as well. Highly recommend, who wishes high quality long lasting manicure that is good for nails and not damaging. Got my next appointments in already.
Liana Ghodke
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★★★★★
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Google Review
So if you've ever had gel lift within a week and blamed your nails for it, this is probably the answer. Your nails were fine. The prep just wasn't good enough.
If your natural nails are weak, thin, or just snap every time they get a bit of length, you've probably looked into BIAB. It stands for Builder In A Bottle, and it's one of those treatments that sounds too good to be true but actually delivers.
BIAB is a gel overlay. It goes directly onto your natural nail and builds up in thin layers to add strength and structure. Think of it like a protective shell for your nails. It's thicker than regular gel polish so it actually reinforces the nail, but it's lighter and more flexible than acrylics. Your nails can grow underneath it without snapping, and over time they genuinely get stronger.
A lot of clients come to us after years of acrylics have left their natural nails paper thin. They've been told their nails are "just weak" and there's nothing they can do. That's not true. Within a few months of BIAB, most of them are growing natural nails they haven't seen since they were teenagers.
Most nail salons in Dundee lead with acrylics because they're the fastest and cheapest option to offer. The product is cheap to buy in bulk and most nail technicians were trained on acrylics as their primary technique. The problem is underneath. Acrylics bond by roughing up the surface of the nail plate, and after a year or two of that, what you have left is a nail so thin it bends under the weight of the product sitting on top. BIAB is a different approach entirely. It bonds without needing aggressive surface prep. Your natural nail stays intact. Over a few months it actually gets stronger because the builder layer protects it from the day-to-day knocks that cause splitting and peeling. That's why Aesthete built the service menu around BIAB, polygel, and gel extensions instead of acrylics. The results are better for your nails and they last just as long.
The difference between BIAB and regular gel polish confuses a lot of people, which is fair enough because they look similar once they're on. The simplest way to think about it is this. Gel polish is like paint on a wall. It looks nice but it doesn't make the wall any stronger. BIAB is more like rendering. It adds a layer of protection and strength while still looking good on the surface. If your nails are in decent shape and you just want colour, gel polish is perfect. If they need some help, BIAB is the one.
It's also a great option if you want a bit more substance than a gel manicure but you're not after full extensions. That in between where you want your nails to feel strong and look a bit longer, without anything too dramatic.
This was my first time at Aesthete and my first time having Biab nails. Radina was very thorough and honest in explaining everything to me, leaving me feeling fully informed. She did an excellent job with my nails and had great attention to detail. I left feeling very happy and satisfied.
Jill Milne
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★★★★★
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Google Review
We also offer IBX nail repair treatments for nails that are really struggling. IBX works differently to BIAB. It actually penetrates into the nail plate itself to repair and strengthen from within. For clients who come in with peeling, splitting, or seriously thin nails, we'll sometimes start with IBX to get the nail into better shape before applying BIAB on top. The two work brilliantly together.
BIAB needs infilling every three to four weeks as your nails grow out, same as you'd maintain any other nail treatment. And removal is done properly here. Soaked off, not filed off. Your natural nails stay intact.
Gel polish is the one most people start with, and for good reason. A proper gel manicure gives you three to four weeks of chip free, glossy nails without thinking about it. No touch ups, no worrying about knocking them on something, just done.
The thing that makes a real difference though is the products. We use HEMA free gel polish from Lecente and OPI. HEMA is a chemical in a lot of gel polishes that causes allergic reactions, and it's more common than most clients realise. Around 10-15% of regular gel users will develop a sensitivity over time. The signs are itchy cuticles, redness around the nail bed, small blisters or swelling, and once the allergy develops it doesn't go away. You'll react to any gel containing HEMA from that point on. A lot of clients find us after they've had a reaction somewhere else and their usual salon can't offer a safe alternative.
HEMA free matters even more if you're pregnant, if you've had contact allergies to other cosmetics, or if you work in healthcare and are already cautious about absorbing chemicals through your skin. Using HEMA free from the start means you don't have to worry about developing a reaction six months or a year down the line. It's one of those things most clients don't even know to ask about, but once you know about it you don't want to go back.
First time visiting and extremely impressed. An absolutely perfect manicure. No gaps or flaws at all. Also, a huge selection of colours and a very clean place. I will definitely be returning regularly.
You can always tell the difference between professional gel and the cheaper stuff. The colour goes on smoother, the finish is glossier, and it actually lasts the full three to four weeks without peeling at the edges. It's one of those things where you don't realise what you were missing until you try it done properly.
If you want the best possible version of a gel manicure, pair it with Russian manicure prep. The cuticle work makes the gel sit tighter and last even longer. It's our most popular combination.
Ready to book your nail appointment?
Book Your AppointmentSometimes your natural nails just won't give you the length you're after, no matter what you do. That's what extensions are for.
We offer three types at the salon, and they're all quite different so it's worth knowing which one suits you best.
Polygel is a hybrid between acrylic and hard gel. It's lighter than old school acrylics, easier to shape, and there's none of that strong chemical smell that fills the room. If you've had acrylics before and found them heavy or uncomfortable, polygel feels completely different on the nail.
BIAB gel extensions give you the added length with all the nail health benefits of BIAB underneath. So you're getting extensions that actually look after your natural nails at the same time. Popular with clients who want length but don't want to sacrifice the condition of what's growing underneath.
Soft gel tips are pre made tips that get bonded to your natural nail. They're quicker to apply than sculpted extensions and give a really natural looking result. If you want something that could pass as your own nails just a bit longer, these are the ones to go for.
For anything more dramatic like coffin, stiletto, or extra long shapes, Radina can do those too. It takes more sculpting skill and more time but if you want something that turns heads, that's an option.
If you're not sure which type is right for you, don't worry about picking the wrong one when you book. Radina will look at your natural nails at the start of the appointment, ask what kind of look and length you're going for, and recommend the best option. There's no point getting extra long coffin shapes if you work with your hands all day and they'll snap within a week. Getting the right type for your nails and your lifestyle makes all the difference to how long they last and how they feel.
I absolutely love my soft gel tips! The ombre black and red colour is gorgeous, and Radina did such a great job. She was accommodating and made the whole experience pleasant. My nails look amazing, and I’m so chuffed with how they turned out!
Nana S.
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★★★★★
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Google Review
Whichever type you go for, proper removal matters. Extensions get soaked off carefully here, not ripped or filed down in five minutes. If a salon is rushing removal, your natural nails are paying for it. Quick removal means too much force or too much filing, and either way you're left with thin, damaged nails that need months to recover. It takes a bit longer to do it right, but your nails will thank you for it.
This is where it gets personal. A solid colour is one thing, but nail art is how you make a set properly yours.
Radina's nail art has been featured in Scratch Magazine, which is the UK's leading nail industry publication. That's not something you can blag your way into. The work has to be genuinely good, and it is. Leopard print, marble effects, chrome finishes, cat eye shimmer, glitter overlays, hand painted florals, seasonal designs. Whatever you've got saved on your Pinterest board, bring it along.
That's actually one of the best things about booking here. You can save a photo from Instagram or TikTok, show it at your appointment, and Radina will either recreate it or put her own spin on it. You know when you show a reference photo at some salons and they look at you like you've asked for the impossible? That doesn't happen here.
AMAZING amazing amazing. In fact extraordinary. The best place I’ve ever been in for nails. The overall experience is quite luxurious and you don’t feel you’re rushed to finish your treatment. Radina took her time to give me the results I wanted which is something you don’t find anywhere. She’s super lovely and her energy is calming and welcoming!
The range of what's possible is bigger than most people think. Some clients come in wanting one accent nail with a bit of chrome and keep the rest simple. Others want all ten nails with different hand painted details. Some want something subtle for work that still feels a bit special, and others want a full set that starts conversations. All of that is fine. There's no "too much" or "too simple" here.
Nail art goes on top of your manicure service. So you'd book your gel, BIAB, or extensions, then add art onto that. Simple stuff like a chrome accent or French tips doesn't add much time. More detailed work like hand painted designs takes longer, but that's because it's being done properly and not rushed.
If you've been scrolling Instagram and TikTok, you've probably seen how much the nail art scene has shifted this year. Classic block colours are still around but the conversation has moved. Here's what's actually getting booked at the moment.
Micro French. The super-thin French tip. A 1-2mm white line at the very edge of the nail instead of the thick stripe from ten years ago. It reads as effortless and modern. It's one of our most requested looks right now.
Glow French. The French tip of 2026. An iridescent layer underneath the white tip creates a lit-from-within shimmer that catches the light at every angle. Subtle in photos. Stunning in person.
Glazed donut nails. The Hailey Bieber look that started two years ago is still going. Pearly chrome over a sheer pink base for that dipped-in-gloss finish.
Chrome as glow, not mirror. Chrome has moved away from hard silver. The 2026 version is warmer. Champagne, rose gold, milky lavender. More like jewellery catching the light than a mirrored surface.
Butter yellow. Soft creamy yellow has had a 467% search increase this year. Works on short square nails, almond shapes, and as an accent colour with neutral bases.
Cat eye swirls. Magnetic polish worked to create a galaxy effect. The shimmer shifts as you move your hand. A solid single colour can do this now, it's not just multi-tone.
Milky white. Pantone named Cloud Dancer the colour of the year and milky white manicures are having their moment. A soft translucent white rather than the stark chalky one from years ago.
Radina's work was featured in Who What Wear UK's coverage of the soap nails trend. She tracks new techniques and adds them to her repertoire as they start gaining traction, which is why Aesthete offers what's being requested right now and not what was popular two years ago. More on French manicure styles.
Not everyone needs gel or BIAB. Sometimes you just want your nails tidied up and looking smart with a good quality polish. Nothing wrong with that.
If you've never been to Aesthete before and you're not sure what to book, a manicure is a great place to start. You'll see the standard of work, how the salon feels, and the quality of products first hand. A lot of our regular clients started that way. Came in for a simple manicure, saw the difference, and ended up moving to gel or BIAB from there.
The luxury manicure is the full works. Cuticle care, nail shaping, hand massage, exfoliation, finished with OPI polish. It's the one to book if you want a bit of pampering and you've got the time to enjoy it. We also do a Russian manicure as a dry treatment on its own if you love the cuticle work but prefer your nails bare.
There's also a basic e-file manicure if you just want a quick tidy up without the full treatment. And regular polish manicures with OPI if you like the classic look without gel. OPI regular polish doesn't last as long as gel obviously, but the colour range is massive and there's something nice about a freshly painted set of nails with a polish you can remove yourself at home whenever you fancy a change.
Pedicures are the same story. Whether it's a quick tidy up or a full treatment with polish, your feet get the same attention to detail as your hands. Don't leave it until the week before your holiday either. Keeping on top of it year round makes a bigger difference than one panic appointment in June.
Absolutely love my nails! Had the luxury mani/pedi and opted for French finish! This was my first visit, and Radina made me feel so at ease! Highly recommended and I will definitely be back.
Your feet take a beating, especially if you're on them all day at work. A regular pedicure keeps your toenails in good shape, sorts out any hard skin, and just makes everything feel better. And when summer does come around and the sandals come out, you're not trying to undo six months of neglect in one sitting.
Nails are the core of what we do, but we also offer a focused range of beauty treatments. These aren't services we've tacked on to fill out a menu. Each one uses professional grade products and gets the same care and attention as our nail work. The difference is we don't try to do everything. You won't find body massage, spray tans, or hair services here. What you will find is facials, skin treatments, brows, lashes, and facial waxing, all done properly with products that actually work.
If your skin's been feeling dull, congested, or just not right, a proper facial can make a noticeable difference. Not the kind where someone puts a bit of cream on your face and calls it a treatment. An actual clinical facial with products that do something.
We use CLINICCARE for all our skin treatments. It's a professional clinical range that works with active ingredients, not the watered down stuff you'd find on a high street shelf. The express facial is great if you're short on time and just want a quick skin refresh. The full CLINICCARE facial goes deeper with a proper cleanse, targeted treatment, and finishing products tailored to what your skin needs.
For more specific skin concerns, we offer skin peels and micro needling. The peels come in three types depending on what you're dealing with. BHA for acne and congestion, AHA for brightening and evening out your skin tone, and a refresh peel for anti ageing and renewal. Micro needling is good for acne scarring, fine lines, uneven texture, and generally waking your skin up. It uses tiny needles to trigger your body's own healing response and boost collagen production. Not the most relaxing treatment going, but the results are worth it.
I had a facial by Radina and it was fabulous. My skin feel amazing fresh and glowing after my treatment. Very friendly, professional and very knowledgeable approach. I really enjoyed my treatment and will be back for more. If you struggle with skin problems please try skin peel by Radina it’s worked wonders for me and I’m sure it will do the same for you.
If you're not sure what your skin actually needs, book a skin consultation first. It's quick and it means you're not guessing or wasting money on the wrong treatment. Patch tests are free and required before peels, micro needling, and a few other treatments. It takes 10 minutes and needs to be done at least 48 hours before your appointment. Safety first, always.
A lot of clients pair a facial with their nail appointment. If you've already set aside time to come in, you might as well make the most of it.
Getting your brows right changes your whole face. It sounds dramatic but it's true. A good brow shape opens everything up, makes your eyes look bigger, and takes years off. Most people don't realise how much of a difference it makes until they have it done properly for the first time.
We offer both threading and waxing so you can go with whichever method you prefer. Threading is more precise and works well for finer shaping. Waxing is quicker and some people prefer the feel of it. Neither is better than the other, it just comes down to what you're comfortable with.
If you've never had your brows professionally shaped before, the reshaping service is the one to go for. It's not just a tidy up, it's a proper rework of the shape to suit your face. Radina looks at your bone structure, your eye shape, and your natural brow growth to create a shape that actually works for you. Not just following whatever trend is on TikTok this week. Once that initial shape is done you can maintain it yourself at home or come back for a quick tidy every few weeks.
We also do eyebrow tinting and hybrid brow dye if you want colour that lasts longer than a standard tint. Hybrid dye is the better option if you've got stubborn hairs that don't take to regular tint. It gives a stronger, longer lasting colour. The deluxe brows service combines shaping and colour in one appointment, which is the most popular option. You walk out with brows that are shaped, coloured, and done. No faffing about booking two separate appointments.
Absolutely lovely experience getting the eyebrow reshaping treatment. I got threading and am so happy with the results, will definitely be back!
Lucy Kenny
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★★★★★
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Google Review
Our lash services are lifts, tints, and temporary lashes. Not extensions. If you've looked into lash extensions and been put off by the maintenance, the infills every two weeks, the not being able to rub your eyes, the careful cleansing routine, then a lash lift is probably more your speed.
A lash lift curls your natural lashes from the root so they look longer and more defined. Pair it with a hybrid dye and you've basically got the mascara look without wearing any. Lasts about six to eight weeks with zero effort. No serums, no curlers, no special cleansers. Just wake up and go. It's one of the best value treatments we offer for the amount of difference it makes to your face.
We also do weekend lashes for events, hen dos, weddings, nights out. They're cluster lashes designed to last a few days, not weeks. You get the drama and the volume for your event without committing to anything long term. Strip lash application is available too if you've bought your own pair and just want them put on properly.
Eyelash tinting on its own is a good option if you've got fair lashes and just want a bit of definition without a full lift. Takes about 15 minutes and lasts a few weeks. Hybrid lash dye gives a stronger result than standard tint if your lashes are particularly light or resistant to colour.
On the waxing side, we do facial waxing only. Lip, chin, neck, sides of the face, full face. No body waxing, no intimate waxing. We stick to what we do best rather than trying to offer everything under the sun. Facial threading is also available if you prefer that to wax.
Had my lashes and brows done. Beautifully done and very relaxing experience (fell asleep!)
Professional Nail Expert · 11+ Years Experience
When you book at Aesthete Beauty, you're not getting passed off to a junior or someone who qualified last month. Radina Ignatova does every nail service herself. Every single one. That's what a specialist salon looks like. One expert, consistent quality, every visit.
She's been in the industry since 2014. Over 11 years of training in Russian manicure, BIAB, hard gel, e-file techniques, polygel, nail art, skin peels, micro needling, and more. She didn't stop learning after her initial qualifications either. She's still training, still adding new techniques, which is why Aesthete offers services that most salons in Dundee simply can't.
That matters more than people think. The nail industry moves fast. New products, new techniques, new research into what's better for nail health. A lot of nail techs qualify and then never update their training again. They're still doing nails the same way they learned five or ten years ago. Radina is the opposite. Russian manicure, BIAB, HEMA free products, IBX repair treatments. These are all things she's added to her skill set because they give clients better results. If something better comes along next year, she'll train in that too.
Not paid placements. Real editorial coverage. Radina was quoted as an expert source in Who What Wear UK's coverage of the soap nails trend, explaining the technique behind that glass-like translucent finish to a national readership. Her nail art has been featured in Scratch Magazine, the UK's leading publication for the professional nail industry. These are editorial features because the work genuinely stood up to the scrutiny of editors who look at this stuff for a living.
The awards tell the same story. Corporate Vision named Aesthete Beauty the Best Beauty & Nail Salon in Scotland for 2024. LuxLife awarded Salon of the Year in Dundee for 2024. And in 2025, the salon was a finalist at the Scottish Nails Brows Lashes Awards.
Radina built this salon from nothing. It's her name, her standards, and her reputation walking out the door on every client's hands. That's why the quality doesn't slip. There's no hiding behind a brand name or a team of staff. If your nails aren't right, that's on her. And that accountability is exactly why they're always right.
With plenty of nail salons in Dundee to pick from, here's what actually makes this one different.
Anyone can call themselves the best nail salon in Dundee. It means nothing unless someone else is saying it too. Corporate Vision Best Beauty & Nail Salon in Scotland 2024. LuxLife Salon of the Year Dundee 2024. SNBLA Finalist 2025. Three independent awards from three different organisations. You don't win those by being average.
Too many salons treat your nails like something disposable. File them down, pile on product, let you deal with the damage later. That's not how it works at Aesthete. BIAB strengthens your natural nails while they grow. Russian manicure treats the cuticle area with precision instead of force. IBX repairs damage from within. And all our gel polish is HEMA free, so clients with sensitivities don't have to worry. Every service is designed to leave your nails in better condition than before, not worse.
OPI. CLINICCARE. Lecente. Kaeso. Cuccio. These are the brands that proper salons use. The products going on your nails and skin tell you everything about a salon's standards. If they're buying the cheapest gel they can find online, what does that say about the rest of it? You wouldn't let a hairdresser use box dye from the supermarket on your hair. Same logic applies to your nails.
Some salons pack clients in back to back with barely enough time to cure the gel before the next person sits down. That's how corners get cut and mistakes happen. At Aesthete, every appointment gets the time it needs. If your nails need an extra five minutes, they get an extra five minutes. Nobody is rushing you out the door. Your appointment is your time, and it should feel like it.
76 Bell Street, Dundee. A couple of minutes walk from the Overgate. Open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 09:30 to 17:30. Book online any time through the website, no phone call needed. Saturday slots go fast so book early in the week if that's your only option.
Fresh disposable files and buffers for every appointment. Metal tools are cleaned and hygienically prepared between clients. The salon runs Vodex dust extraction throughout all e-file work so the air stays clear and free of product dust. Radina wears gloves for every nail service. Clean tools, clean air, clean workspace. “A friendly, clean boutique salon” and “a very clean place” come up in Google reviews more than any other phrase.
Walking into a new salon for the first time can feel a bit awkward. You don't know the space, you don't know the person doing your nails, and if you've been let down before, there's always that voice in the back of your head wondering if this time will be any different.
Here's what actually happens when you come in.
You'll book online through the website. Pick the service you want and choose a time that works. If you're not sure what service to go for, don't overthink it. Book what sounds closest to what you need and Radina will chat through the options with you at the start of the appointment. She'd rather you ask questions than sit there feeling unsure about what's happening.
When you arrive at 76 Bell Street, the salon is calm and clean. There's no queue of people waiting, no loud music, no chaos. It's designed to feel like a break from your day, not an extension of it. This is your time.
Radina will look at your natural nails, ask what you're hoping for, and give you an honest recommendation. If you've brought reference photos on your phone, she'll have a look and talk through what's possible. If your nails are in rough shape from previous salon visits, she'll tell you what she thinks will work best to get them back on track. No judgement, just straight advice.
For gel, BIAB, or extension appointments, your nails get prepped first with cuticle work and shaping. Then the product goes on in layers, each one cured under the lamp. If you've added nail art, that comes last. The whole process is methodical and unhurried. You can see what's happening at every stage.
One thing that surprises a lot of first time clients is how much of a difference proper cuticle work makes. If you've only ever had a standard manicure where the cuticles get pushed back quickly and the polish goes straight on, seeing Russian manicure prep done properly is a bit of an eye opener. The precision is visible. And when the gel or BIAB goes on after that level of prep, you can already tell it's going to last longer because there are no gaps or rough edges for it to lift from.
If you're coming in with nails that have been damaged by previous salons, don't feel embarrassed about it. Radina sees it all the time. Nails that have been over filed, nails with layers peeled off from picking at gel, nails that are paper thin from years of acrylics. None of that is a problem. It just means the approach might be a bit different for your first few visits while your nails recover. BIAB and IBX are both brilliant for rebuilding damaged nails, and Radina will talk you through what she'd recommend based on how your nails look on the day.
When it's done, your nails are ready immediately. No drying time, no sitting around waving your hands in the air. Gel and BIAB cure under the lamp so they're set solid before you leave. Radina will talk you through aftercare, things like using cuticle oil daily, wearing gloves for cleaning, and not picking at your nails if an edge starts to lift. She'll also let you know when to book your next appointment. For gel and BIAB, that's usually three to four weeks.
Most clients say the same thing after their first visit. They wish they'd come sooner.
Getting a great set of nails is one thing. Making them last is the other half.
The single best thing you can do is use cuticle oil every day. It keeps the skin around your nails hydrated, stops it from drying out and peeling, and actually helps your gel or BIAB last longer. Most people skip this and then wonder why their cuticles look rough after two weeks. A quick drop of oil before bed takes five seconds and makes a genuine difference.
Wear gloves when you're cleaning. Washing up liquid, bathroom sprays, bleach, all of it attacks gel polish. Hot water doesn't help either. If you're scrubbing the kitchen without gloves and your gel starts lifting after two weeks, that's not the salon's fault. It's the Fairy Liquid.
Don't pick at your nails. If an edge starts to lift or a corner chips, leave it alone and book a repair appointment. Picking takes layers of your natural nail with it. That's how people end up with thin, damaged nails and then blame it on gel or acrylics. The product didn't do the damage. The picking did.
File in one direction if you need to smooth anything between appointments. Back and forth filing causes the nail to split and peel. One direction, gently, is all you need.
Hand cream matters too, especially in winter. Cold weather and central heating dry your skin out, and that includes the skin around your nails. When your cuticles get dry and start peeling, it doesn't just look rough. It can actually pull at the edges of your gel and cause it to lift prematurely. Keep a hand cream at your desk, one by your bed, and use it whenever your hands feel dry. Your nails and your skin will both be better for it.
Be careful with hand sanitiser as well. We've all been using a lot more of it since 2020 and the alcohol in it is brutal on gel polish. If you're using hand sanitiser multiple times a day at work, that constant exposure to alcohol will dull the shine and can weaken the bond between the gel and your nail over time. You can't always avoid it, but if you've got the option of washing your hands with soap instead, that's gentler on your manicure.
And if your nails are feeling weak or damaged between appointments, mention it next time you're in. Radina can look at what's going on and recommend whether IBX, BIAB, or a different approach would help. There's almost always something that can be done. The idea that some people just have "bad nails" is mostly a myth. They've just never had the right treatment.
Read more about aftercare →Russian manicure is a dry manicure technique. Instead of soaking your hands in water and using metal tools on the cuticles, an e-file is used to gently remove just the dead skin around the nail. The result is a much cleaner cuticle line, which means your gel or BIAB sits flush against the skin with no gaps. That's why it lasts so much longer than a standard manicure. We're the only salon in Dundee offering it. If you've had gel lift on you before and thought it was your nails, try Russian manicure once and see the difference.
You might have read that Russian manicure is risky. The safety concern comes up because if the technique is done wrong, aggressive filing can breach the cuticle seal and let bacteria or yeast into the nail unit. That's a real risk with untrained technicians. But it's not what a proper Russian manicure actually involves. The e-file, used correctly, only removes the dead skin layer around the cuticle. The living cuticle that protects your nail stays intact. Radina has specialist training in Russian manicure technique and uses diamond e-file bits at the right pressure and angle. The result is a cleaner finish, longer-lasting polish, and no damage to the nail unit. If you've been put off by what you've read online, come in and see the difference for yourself.
BIAB stands for Builder In A Bottle. It's a gel overlay that adds strength and structure to your natural nails. Regular gel polish is just a thin coat of colour. It looks great but doesn't make your nails any stronger. BIAB builds up layers on top of your natural nail to reinforce it, protect it from breaking, and help it grow. If your nails are weak, thin, or damaged, BIAB is the one to go for. It needs infilling every three to four weeks.
A gel polish manicure lasts three to four weeks without chipping. BIAB is the same before infills are needed. How long yours actually last depends on your lifestyle. If you're working with your hands a lot or using cleaning products without gloves, you might see slightly shorter wear. Pairing gel with Russian manicure prep helps it last longer because the cuticle work is more thorough.
For most people, yes. BIAB is lighter and more flexible than acrylics. It doesn't need aggressive filing of your natural nail for adhesion, so there's less damage over time. The removal is gentler too. Soaked off, not filed down. A lot of our clients switched from years of acrylics to BIAB and their natural nails have recovered completely. The only trade off is BIAB doesn't give quite as much length as sculpted acrylics, but if you want serious length, nail extensions can handle that.
Not as a standard service. Here's why. Aesthete is built around treatments that work with your natural nail rather than against it. Acrylics require aggressive filing of the natural nail surface to get the product to bond, and years of that leaves most clients with nails that are paper thin by the time they walk through our door. BIAB, polygel, and soft gel tips all give you length and strength without that damage. If you've got a specific reason you need acrylic, mention it when booking and Radina can talk you through whether it's the right option or whether one of the alternatives would actually suit you better.
Yes, and it's one of Radina's strengths. Her work has been featured in Scratch Magazine. Chrome, cat eye, French, hand painted designs, marble effects, glitter, seasonal stuff. Whatever you've seen and saved on your phone, bring it along to your appointment. Nail art gets added on top of your manicure service so you'd book your gel, BIAB, or extensions first then add art.
76 Bell Street, Dundee, DD1 1HF. Right in the city centre, a couple of minutes from the Overgate Shopping Centre and the Wellgate. Nearest car parks are the Overgate Car Park and Bell Street multi storey. Plenty of bus routes stop nearby too.
Book online through the website any time you like. Click the Book Now button and you can see all available times and services. Even if it's midnight on a Sunday and you've just decided you need a new set. You can also call us on 01382 217888 during opening hours or send a message on WhatsApp. If you're not sure what service to book, just mention that when you're booking and Radina can advise at the appointment.
Yes. Alongside nails we offer CLINICCARE facials, skin peels, micro needling, eyebrow threading and waxing, eyebrow tinting and hybrid dye, lash lifts, lash tinting, weekend lashes, and facial waxing. Nails are about 80% of what we do but the beauty services get the same attention to detail and professional products.
Depends on the service. Patch tests are needed for skin peels, micro needling, eyelash tinting, hybrid dye, lash lifts, and waxing if it's your first time here. Nail services don't need a patch test. The test is free and takes about 10 minutes. You need to have it done at least 48 hours before your treatment. Book it online or just pop in during opening hours.
Absolutely. Save photos from wherever you find them. Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok, wherever. Reference photos help Radina understand exactly what you're after for shape, colour, and design. She can recreate the look or suggest tweaks that would work better for your nail type and length. If you turn up with no idea what you want, that's fine too. She'll make suggestions based on what's working well at the moment.
OPI for polish, Lecente for HEMA free gel, CLINICCARE for facials and skin treatments, Hive for waxing, Kaeso for skincare, and Cuccio for manicure and pedicure products. Everything is professional grade. If you want to know specifically what's going on your nails or skin, just ask. We're happy to talk through it.
Radina will have a look at your nails, chat about what you're after, and recommend the best service for you. If you've booked gel, BIAB, or extensions, your nails will be prepped (cuticle work, shaping), then the product goes on in layers and gets cured under a lamp. There's no rushing. Each appointment gets the time it needs. Your nails are ready to go straight away after. No drying time with gel or BIAB. Radina will give you aftercare advice and you can book your next appointment before you leave if you want to lock in your preferred time.
For gel polish, every three to four weeks is the sweet spot. That's when the grow out starts to show and the polish is reaching the end of its wear. BIAB is the same, three to four weeks between infills. If you leave it much longer than four weeks, the grow out creates a weak point near the cuticle where the nail can snap. Regular appointments keep everything looking fresh and keep your nails healthy. Most of our clients book their next appointment before they leave so they've always got their preferred time locked in.
Yes. Hooked nails, sometimes called pincer nails, are nails that curve inward at the sides as they grow. It can be uncomfortable and sometimes painful, and a lot of people don't realise it's something that can actually be corrected. Radina uses specialist techniques to gradually reshape the nail over a series of appointments. It's not a quick fix but the results are worth it. If your nails have always curved in and you've just put up with it, it's worth having a conversation about it at your next appointment.
Yes. All our gel polish is HEMA free, which is the most common allergen in gel products. If you've had reactions to gel in the past, itchy cuticles, redness, swelling, it was likely caused by HEMA. We use Lecente HEMA free gel specifically to avoid this. If you have any other known allergies or skin sensitivities, let Radina know when you book or at the start of your appointment and she can adjust the products used accordingly. We'd always rather know beforehand than find out during the treatment.
This is the question we get asked more than anything else. Gel polish is a thin coat of colour that sits on top of your natural nail. It looks great and lasts three to four weeks, but it doesn't add any strength. BIAB is a thicker gel overlay that adds structure and reinforcement to your natural nail while also looking good. It's the one to go for if your nails are weak or break easily. Extensions add length that your natural nails can't give you on their own, using either polygel, BIAB gel, or soft gel tips. The simplest way to think about it is gel polish for colour, BIAB for strength, extensions for length. If you're still not sure, Radina will recommend the right one when she sees your nails.
Yes. Gel polish and BIAB are safe during pregnancy. The products we use are HEMA free which is an added benefit. The main thing to be aware of is that hormonal changes during pregnancy can sometimes affect how well gel adheres to the nail, so some clients find they get slightly shorter wear than usual. That's completely normal and nothing to worry about. If you're having any skin treatments like peels or micro needling, let Radina know you're pregnant as some of those treatments aren't recommended during pregnancy.
Yes. Gift cards are available for any amount and can be used towards any service on the menu. They're popular for birthdays, Christmas, Mother's Day, hen party gifts, and bridesmaid thank yous. If you're not sure what service the person would want, a gift card lets them choose for themselves. Ask at the salon or get in touch and we can sort one out for you.
You've read this far, so you're clearly looking for a nail salon in Dundee that actually does what it says. This is it.
Saturday appointments are the most popular and fill up quickest. If Saturday is your only option, book early in the week to get the time you want.
Clients travel to Aesthete from across Dundee and the surrounding Tayside area. Broughty Ferry, Monifieth, Carnoustie, Newport-on-Tay, Invergowrie, and the West End. Bell Street is a few minutes walk from the Overgate and Wellgate shopping centres. Bell Street multi-storey car park and Overgate car park are closest if you're driving. Tay Bridge train station is about a 10-minute walk. Most of our out-of-town clients find it easier to park in the city centre for a nail appointment than for most places.
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