You've seen a design on Instagram that you love. Marble swirls, tiny flowers, chrome fade, something you've screenshot and saved but never been able to get done properly. You've shown photos to nail techs before and what came back looked nothing like what you asked for.
Basic nail art at £7 on top of a gel polish manicure lasting three weeks works out at roughly 33p a day for the upgrade. Even complex hand-painted designs at £35 add less than £1.70 a day. You're not paying for stickers slapped on at the end. You're paying for skill, time, and a design that's sealed under the top coat and lasts as long as the manicure itself.
Every nail art price at Aesthete Beauty is listed upfront. No hidden extras, no surprises at the till. You'll know exactly what the design costs before Radina starts working on it. Basic from £7. Intermediate from £17. Complex from £35. That's it.
Nail art at Aesthete Beauty is different. Radina Ignatova has over 11 years of experience, her nail art has been featured in Scratch Magazine, and her work has been quoted in Who What Wear UK. She can recreate the designs you bring in and suggest ideas if you're not sure what you want.
Nail art is available as an add-on to any nail service at Aesthete Beauty in Dundee. Gel polish, BIAB, extensions - whatever your base, art goes on top. From simple chrome and cat-eye finishes from £7 to complex hand-painted designs from £35. Book online any time or call us on 01382 217888.
There's a range of nail art options at Aesthete Beauty, from quick accent finishes to full hand-painted designs.
Chrome (from £7). A mirror-shine metallic finish applied over gel polish. Available in silver, gold, rose gold, and a range of coloured chromes. It catches the light and gives your nails a high-impact, reflective look. One of the most popular add-ons.
Cat-Eye (from £7). A magnetic shimmer effect created using a special magnetic gel and a magnet held over the nail during curing. The result is a moving, shimmering line across the nail that shifts as your hand moves. Available in different colours and intensities.
French (£5). The classic white tip, or a modern coloured French with any shade on the tips. Clean lines, timeless look. Works on gel polish, BIAB, or extensions.
Basic nail art (from £7). Simple accents - a single design element per nail. Glitter accents, foil details, a small motif on one or two nails. Quick to apply, adds a finishing touch without going all-out.
Intermediate nail art (from £17). Multiple details per nail, patterns, ombre colour fades, marble effects, or co-ordinated designs across several nails. More time and precision involved.
Complex nail art (from £35). Full hand-painted designs, intricate patterns, detailed florals, character art, or elaborate multi-technique work across all nails. This is the level for the designs you see on Instagram that look like they took hours. Because they do.
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
Nail art is an add-on, not a standalone service. It goes on top of your base service.
You book your gel polish manicure, BIAB, or extensions as normal. The base service gets completed first - cuticle prep, shaping, base product application. Then the art goes on after the base colour or structure is in place.
Bring reference photos. Instagram saves, Pinterest boards, screenshots from TikTok - whatever you've got. Radina will look at what you want and talk through what's possible, what might need adjusting for your nail shape or length, and how long it will take. If you don't have a specific design in mind, she can suggest ideas based on what's trending or what suits your style.
Some designs need more time than others. A chrome finish adds a few minutes. A full set of hand-painted florals across ten nails takes significantly longer. If you're booking complex art, mention it when you book so enough time is allocated.
Everything gets sealed with a top coat and cured under the LED lamp. The art is protected under the top coat so it lasts as long as your base service.
A quick note about AI-generated nail art images. They're everywhere on Instagram and Pinterest now, and they look incredible. The problem is they're not real. AI doesn't understand how gel behaves on an actual nail or how colours cure under the lamp. A design that looks perfect on a symmetrical digital render falls apart on a real hand with ten different nail bed sizes. If you bring an AI image as inspiration, Radina will work with you to figure out what's actually achievable. She'll keep the spirit of the design and adapt it to your nail shape, length, and the products that exist in the real world. It's a starting point, not a blueprint. Real salon photos are always a more reliable reference because someone actually made that design on a real person's nails.
Hand-painted phoenix with 3D elements. Competition entry by Radina, featured in Scratch Magazine.
Not sure what to go for? Here are some of the most popular styles at Aesthete Beauty.
Marble. Swirled patterns that look like natural stone. White marble with grey veining is the classic, but it works in any colour combination. Rose gold marble, black and gold, green jade. Each set is unique because the swirls are created by hand.
Florals. From tiny minimalist wildflowers to full botanical illustrations across every nail. Radina hand-paints these, so the level of detail depends on the complexity you want. Simple daisies on an accent nail or detailed roses across a full set.
Ombre. A gradient fade between two colours. Soft and blended, no harsh line. Popular combinations include nude to white, pink to lilac, and dark to light versions of the same shade. Can be done on all nails or as accents.
Geometric. Clean lines, sharp angles, colour blocking. Negative space designs where parts of the natural nail or base colour show through. Modern and minimal.
Seasonal. Designs that change with the time of year. Snowflakes and deep reds in winter, pastels and florals in spring, bright colours and tropical themes in summer, warm tones and leaf patterns in autumn.
Abstract. Freeform brush strokes, splashes of colour, asymmetric patterns. No two nails the same. This is the creative, artistic end of nail art where the design is more about expression than precision.
Encapsulated. Dried flowers, foil flakes, glitter, or other materials embedded inside a clear or tinted overlay. The elements are sealed between layers so they're visible but protected. Unique, textured-looking but smooth to the touch.
If you've got a design in mind that doesn't fit any of these categories, bring it anyway. Radina will work with whatever reference you have.
What's popular right now? Cat eye swirls are still going strong. The magnetic particles create galaxy-like patterns that shift in the light, and Radina can control the direction of the swirl with a magnet during curing. Polka dots are back in a big way. Butter yellow is everywhere this spring. Minimal designs with micro detailing on clean nude bases suit clients who want something subtle but interesting. Blooming botanicals, tiny daisies and pastel petals, work well on both short and long nails. And chrome finishes keep evolving. Opalescent and pearlescent effects in lavender, mint, and peach are the current favourites.
Beach theme with hand-painted waves, 3D shells, and a starfish. Seasonal designs like this are popular for holidays.
The base service you choose affects what nail art is possible and how it looks.
Gel polish is the most common base for nail art. The smooth, glossy surface is ideal for hand-painted designs, and the colour range means you can start with any base shade. Best for clients who want colour plus art without structural changes.
BIAB provides a stronger, thicker base. This is good for clients who want art but also need the structural benefit of builder gel underneath. The slightly thicker surface gives more depth to encapsulated designs.
Extensions give the most canvas to work with. Longer nails mean more space for detailed designs, especially coffin and almond shapes where the surface area is larger. If you want full illustrated sets with intricate detail on every nail, extensions give Radina the most room to work.
Short natural nails work for nail art too. You don't need length. Chrome, cat-eye, French, and smaller designs all look great on short nails. The art just needs to be scaled to fit the available space.
French tips £5. Chrome from £7. Cat-Eye from £7.
Basic nail art from £7. Intermediate nail art from £17. Complex nail art from £35.
All nail art is an add-on to a base service (gel polish, BIAB, or extensions). Book your base service first, then add the art you want.
All current pricing is in the online booking system. Pick your service, choose your time, done. You can also call us on 01382 217888 or message on WhatsApp.
If you're planning complex art, mention it when you book so Radina can allocate enough time.
The same hygiene setup applies whether you're in for a plain colour or a full hand-painted set. Vodex dust extraction during any e-file work, fresh disposable files and buffers, metal tools sterilised between clients. Radina wears gloves throughout the base service and switches to clean ones for the art application. Nail art brushes are cleaned and sanitised between every client too.
Every tool sterilised between clients
If it's your first visit, you'll get a digital consultation form by email before the appointment. It covers nail health and any allergies or sensitivities. If you're planning complex art, sending your reference photos in advance by WhatsApp or email means Radina can prepare and you'll get a more accurate time and price estimate before you sit down.
Show Radina your reference photos or describe what you're after. She'll confirm what's possible and give you a price based on the complexity.
Your gel polish, BIAB, or extensions are applied first. The structure and base colour go on before any art.
Chrome, cat-eye, French tips, hand-painted details, or whatever you've chosen. Applied on top of the base and cured under the LED lamp.
A final top coat goes over everything to protect the design and lock in the finish.
If any of these sound familiar, nail art is what you're looking for:
Nail art works on any base service. You don't need extensions to have art. It works just as well on natural-length nails with gel polish or BIAB.
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.
Liana Ghodke
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★★★★★
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Google Review
Nail art sealed under a gel top coat lasts exactly as long as the gel polish underneath it. Two to three weeks with proper aftercare. The art doesn't chip or fade separately from the colour because it's locked in under the same layer.
That said, not all art types wear the same. Glitter is one of the most durable finishes because the particles are physically embedded in the product. Chrome and metallic effects can dull slightly with heavy chemical exposure over time. Fine hand-painted lines and detailed work show wear first because there's less product in those thin strokes. 3D elements and gems are secure when properly encapsulated but can catch on clothing or hair if they sit too high on the surface.
The biggest factor in how long your nail art lasts isn't the art itself. It's the preparation underneath. Proper cuticle work, dehydration, and base coat application account for most of the wear time. That's why Radina spends time on the prep before she picks up an art brush.
Look after your nail art the same way you'd look after any gel manicure, with a couple of extra considerations.
Cuticle oil twice a day. Morning and night. This keeps the product flexible and prevents the edges from shrinking away from the cuticle area. Dry nails lift faster.
Gloves for cleaning and dishes. Hot water and household chemicals break down the top coat over time. That top coat is what's protecting your nail art underneath.
Be careful in the first 24 hours. The top coat is fully cured when you leave the salon, but avoiding prolonged water exposure and harsh chemicals for the first day gives everything the best chance of lasting the full three weeks.
Don't use your nails as tools. Opening cans, peeling labels, scratching at things. Every time you lever something with your nail tip, you're putting stress on the free edge where the product is thinnest.
If a gem or 3D element catches on something, don't pull it off. Pulling takes product with it and can damage the nail underneath. Come in for a quick repair instead.
French tips £5. Chrome and cat-eye from £7 each. Basic art from £7. Intermediate from £17. Complex hand-painted designs from £35. The price depends on the complexity and how many nails are involved.
No. Nail art is an add-on to a base service like gel polish manicure, BIAB, or extensions. You book your base service and add the art on top.
Yes. Nail art works on any length. You don't need extensions. Chrome, cat-eye, French, and smaller designs all look great on natural-length nails.
Depends on complexity. Chrome or cat-eye adds a few minutes. Basic accents are quick. Complex hand-painted designs take significantly longer. Mention what you want when you book.
Yes. Bring Instagram saves, Pinterest boards, screenshots - whatever you've got. Radina will discuss what's possible and adjust for your nail shape and length if needed.
Yes. The art is sealed under a top coat and cured, so it lasts the full wear time of your gel polish, BIAB, or extensions.
Radina can suggest ideas based on what's trending, what suits your style, or what works with your base colour. You don't need to arrive with a plan.
Yes. Mix and match is popular. Accent nails with art on one or two fingers, different designs per nail, or a co-ordinated theme across all ten.
It depends on your nail length, shape, and size. A design that looks amazing on long stiletto nails won't translate directly to short round nails because there's less surface area to work with. Radina will look at your reference photo and tell you honestly what will work as-is and what needs adapting. The goal is a design you love that actually suits your nails, not a forced copy that doesn't look right.
Hand-painted gives you completely custom, one-of-a-kind designs. No two sets will ever be identical. But stamps and foils can produce clean, consistent results and work well for certain patterns. Radina is a hand-painting specialist whose competition work has been featured in Scratch Magazine, so freehand is her strength. She'll recommend whatever technique gives the best result for the design you want.
The same way you'd look after any gel manicure. Cuticle oil twice a day, gloves for cleaning, don't use your nails as tools. Nail art is sealed under the gel top coat, so if the gel lasts, the art lasts. The main things that shorten wear are water exposure, chemicals, and picking at the edges.
Not exactly, no. AI images aren't based on real nails, real products, or real physics. The colours, proportions, and effects in AI renders often can't be replicated with actual gel products on actual fingers. But Radina can use an AI image as a starting point and create something inspired by it that works on your nails. Real salon photos are a more reliable reference.
Yes. All products used at Aesthete Beauty are HEMA-free and TPO-free. This includes the gel polishes, art gels, chrome powders, and top coats used for nail art. If you've had reactions to gel products in the past, book a patch test at least 48 hours before your appointment.
It depends on complexity. French tips are £5, chrome and cat-eye from £7 per nail, basic hand-painted designs from £7, intermediate from £17, and full complex sets from £35. These prices are on top of your base service. A gel polish manicure at £43 plus chrome on all ten nails at £7 each would be £113 total. Radina will confirm the final price before she starts so there are no surprises.
Yes. Chrome, cat-eye, ombre, and simple designs all work on toes. Hand-painted art is less common on toes because the nail surface is smaller but it's still possible if that's what you want. Add the art to your gel toes booking and mention what you're after when you book so the right amount of time gets allocated.
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.
All nail art by Radina at Aesthete Beauty, Dundee. Hand-painted designs, chrome, foils, 3D elements, and more.
If you want nails that stand out, bring your ideas and let Radina bring them to life. From subtle chrome accents to full hand-painted masterpieces.
We serve clients from across Dundee and the surrounding areas including the West End, Broughty Ferry, Newport-on-Tay, Monifieth, Carnoustie, and further afield.
