If your regular nail polish chips the same day you get it done, you already know it's a waste of time and money.
You paint them, they look great for about four hours, then one snag on a zip and it's all over. You end up picking the rest off and your nails look worse than they did before you started. It's frustrating, especially when you're paying for it.
A gel polish manicure fixes that. It's a colour coating that gets cured under an LED lamp so it hardens into a durable, glossy finish that lasts two to three weeks without chipping, peeling, or going dull. Your nails look freshly done from day one to day twenty-five.
At Aesthete Beauty in Dundee, every gel polish manicure is carried out by Radina Ignatova, a professional nail expert with over 11 years of experience whose work has been featured in Scratch Magazine and Who What Wear UK. All gel polish is HEMA-free from Lecente and OPI, so there's reduced risk of the allergic reactions that cheaper gel products cause. Gel Polish Manicure starts from £43. Book online any time or call us on 01382 217888.
A gel polish manicure uses a special formula that's applied in thin layers and cured under an LED lamp between each coat. Unlike regular polish that air dries and stays soft, gel polish hardens completely under the light. That's what gives it the durability. Once it's cured, it's set. No waiting around for it to dry, no smudging it on the way to the car, no dents from putting your bag on too soon.
The finish is glossy and smooth from the first day to the last. It doesn't fade, dull, or go patchy the way regular polish does after a week. Three to four weeks later, your nails still look like you just walked out of the salon.
When it's time for a new set, the gel gets soaked off properly using acetone wraps. It's not filed off and it's not peeled off. Professional removal means the nail plate stays healthy underneath.
Gel polish in a soft lilac with glossy finish
There are hundreds of colours available plus extra finish options. French tips, chrome mirror effects, cat-eye shimmer, or full nail art designs. Whatever you're after, it goes on top of the gel as an add-on.
Gel polish doesn't damage your nails. That sentence surprises people because they've seen photos of thin peeling nails after gel removal and assumed the gel did it. But what actually causes the damage is what happens before and after the gel goes on. If the nail surface gets filed too aggressively during preparation, it thins out the natural nail. If the gel gets peeled or picked off at home instead of being removed properly, it rips layers of nail with it. The gel itself just sits on the surface. At Aesthete Beauty the preparation uses a light e-file buff, not heavy filing. And removal is done carefully with an e-file that takes the product down in thin layers without touching the natural nail underneath. If you've had gel elsewhere and your nails felt wrecked afterwards, it was the prep or the removal. Not the product.
Two to three weeks of chip-free colour. This is the whole point. Regular polish starts chipping within days. Gel polish stays put for two to three weeks because it's chemically bonded to the nail. No flaking at the tips, no peeling at the edges. You get your nails done and you don't think about them again until your next appointment.
HEMA-free formula. The gel polish used at Aesthete Beauty is HEMA-free from Lecente and OPI. HEMA is the most common allergen in gel products. If you've ever had itchy cuticles, redness, or swelling after a gel manicure, it was likely caused by HEMA. Our formula reduces that risk significantly. We also use TPO-free products, which means no burning sensation under the lamp.
Instant dry. The moment your nails come out from under the LED lamp, they're done. Fully cured, fully hard. You can put your coat on, dig in your bag for your keys, and get on with your day without worrying about smudges or dents. No more sitting around waving your hands in the air.
Professional dry preparation. Every gel polish manicure at Aesthete Beauty starts with dry e-file cuticle preparation. No water soaking. The nail plate is prepped in its natural, stable state so the gel bonds properly from the first layer. It's the reason our gel manicures last the full two to three weeks without lifting at the edges.
Huge colour range. Hundreds of shades from Lecente and OPI, plus seasonal collections. Classic reds, nudes, pastels, darks, brights, whatever suits your mood. Radina can also mix and match or suggest colours that work with your skin tone.
Over 230 gel polish colours. All HEMA-free. Lecente and OPI ranges on display in the salon so you can compare in natural light.
Gel polish with abstract nail art accent design
I decided to start getting gel manicures and had my first appointment at Aesthete this week. I'm so happy with the beautiful manicure done by Radina, who is also really lovely to chat to! I would 100% recommend this salon to my friends. Looking forward to coming back.
This is something most people don't know about until they have a reaction.
HEMA (2-Hydroxyethyl methacrylate) is an ingredient in most standard gel polishes. It's what helps the product bond to the nail. The problem is, it's also the most common cause of allergic reactions in gel nail products. Itchy cuticles, red skin around the nail, swelling, sometimes even blistering. Once you develop a sensitivity to HEMA, it tends to get worse with each exposure. Some people end up unable to wear gel at all.
At Aesthete Beauty, all gel polish is HEMA-free. Lecente and OPI both produce professional-grade formulas that bond properly without HEMA. The products are also TPO-free, which means the formula is low-heat and doesn't produce that sharp burning feeling under the lamp that some people experience with standard gel.
If you've had reactions to gel in the past, or you want to avoid developing one, book a patch test at least 48 hours before your appointment. Better to check beforehand than find out during the treatment.
There's another ingredient worth knowing about: TPO (trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide). It's a photoinitiator that helps gel cure under the lamp. The EU banned TPO from cosmetics in April 2026 after classifying it as a potential reproductive toxicant. The UK is following with a ban from August 2026. The products at Aesthete Beauty are already TPO-free, so this doesn't affect your appointments here. But if you're getting gel done elsewhere, it's worth checking what formula they're using.
HEMA-free and TPO-free gel polish in a deep plum
As for UV lamp safety, the LED lamps used at Aesthete Beauty cure faster and emit less UV radiation than older UV lamps. The exposure during a gel manicure is brief, about 30 to 60 seconds per coat. If you're still concerned, applying sunscreen to your hands before the appointment or wearing fingerless UV gloves (available at the salon) reduces exposure further. Dermatologists consider the risk from LED gel lamps to be very low for the vast majority of people.
This is the question Radina gets asked most. All three involve sitting down and having your nails done, but they do very different things.
Gel polish manicure is colour. That's it. It goes on thin, looks glossy, and lasts two to three weeks. It doesn't add strength and it doesn't add length. If your nails are already healthy and you just want them to look polished and put together, gel is the one. It's the most popular service at the salon for a reason.
BIAB is a builder gel overlay that adds structural support to your natural nail. It's thicker than gel polish and it actually reinforces the nail plate so weak or brittle nails can grow to lengths they wouldn't reach on their own. Choose BIAB if your nails snap, peel, or won't hold any length. You can have gel colour on top of BIAB too.
Nail extensions add actual length beyond the end of your natural nail using polygel or soft gel tips. Choose extensions if you want long nails right now without waiting for them to grow.
Not sure which one's for you? Radina will talk it through with you when you arrive. No pressure, no rushing.
Gel polish with Russian manicure preparation for maximum wear time
Had a gel manicure, eyebrow threading and tinting. First class experience for all treatments and have booked again. Radina was lovely from start to finish. Would definitely recommend.
If you've never had a gel polish manicure before, here's exactly what happens.
A gel polish manicure takes about 45 minutes. That includes cuticle preparation, shaping, polish application, and curing. If you're having a redo (removal of existing gel plus new application), allow about 1 hour. Gel toes take about 40 minutes.
The salon uses Vodex dust extraction during all e-file preparation. It pulls dust from the air at the source so there's no visible cloud and no chemical smell in the room. Fresh disposable files and buffers for every client. Metal tools cleaned and sterilised between appointments. Gloves worn throughout. "A friendly, clean boutique salon" and "a very clean place" come up again and again in client reviews. The tray you see when you sit down has your tools laid out individually, ready before you arrive.
You'll get a digital consultation form by email before your appointment. Takes two minutes. It asks about your nail health, any sensitivities, and whether you're using products like retinol or taking medications that might affect your skin. Radina reads it before you arrive so the appointment starts the moment you sit down.
Every client gets a freshly prepared tool tray
Your nails get filed to whatever shape you prefer. Square, round, almond, whatever you like.
Professional dry preparation using an e-file to clean up the cuticle area and prepare the nail plate. No water soaking. This is what makes the gel bond properly and last the full two to three weeks.
Base coat goes on first, then your chosen colour in two thin layers, then a top coat. Each layer is cured under the LED lamp for about 30-60 seconds. By the time the top coat is cured, your nails are completely dry and ready to go.
If you've picked a straight colour, you're done. If you want French tips, chrome, cat-eye, or nail art, that gets added as part of the process.
Cuticle oil every day. Gloves when you're cleaning. Don't pick or peel the gel off. When it's time for a new set, come back and have it removed properly. Picking damages the nail plate.
Gel Polish Manicure starts from £43. Gel Polish Redo from £48. Gel Toes from £40.
Gel Removal starts from £15. Toes Removal £15. Nail Repair £6.
Add-ons: French tips £5, chrome from £7, cat-eye from £7, nail art from £7.
Want it to last even longer? Add Russian manicure preparation. Russian Manicure with Gel Polish starts from £65. The dry e-file cuticle technique gives the gel a perfectly clean surface to bond to, which extends wear time significantly.
Making your gel last the full two to three weeks. Cuticle oil every day keeps the skin around your nails healthy and reduces the chance of the gel lifting at the edges. Wear rubber gloves when washing dishes or using cleaning products. Avoid soaking your hands in hot water for long periods. Don't use your nails as tools to open things. And when the gel starts to grow out, book your next appointment rather than picking at it.
Gel polish with proper aftercare lasting the full wear time
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 any of these sound familiar, a gel polish manicure is what you're looking for:
A gel polish manicure isn't the right choice if your nails are weak, thin, or breaking. For that, BIAB is better because it adds structural support. And if you want added length, nail extensions are the way to go. Gel polish is colour on healthy nails.
If you're not sure, Radina will help you decide when you arrive. She'd rather you get the right service for your nails than book the wrong thing.
Amazing nails. Radina pays such close attention to detail, spending time to prep the nails properly which means they last really well. Won't go anywhere else from now on. Thanks so much Radina.
A gel polish manicure uses a special gel formula that's applied in thin layers and cured under an LED lamp. The result is a glossy, chip-free finish that lasts two to three weeks. Unlike regular polish that air dries and chips easily, gel polish is chemically cured so it stays hard and durable from day one.
Two to three weeks with proper aftercare. The gel stays glossy and chip-free for the full wear time. Clients who upgrade to Russian manicure preparation often get even longer wear because the cuticle prep creates a cleaner bond.
Gel Polish Manicure starts from £43. Gel Polish Redo from £48. Gel Toes from £40. Add-ons include French tips (£5), chrome (from £7), cat-eye (from £7), and nail art (from £7). All current pricing is in the online booking system.
No. When applied and removed correctly, gel polish does not damage the natural nail. Damage happens when gel gets picked or peeled off, which tears layers from the nail plate. At Aesthete Beauty, gel is always soaked off properly using acetone wraps, not filed or scraped off.
Gel polish is a colour coating. It looks great but doesn't add strength. BIAB is a structural overlay that reinforces the nail plate and allows weak nails to grow longer. If your nails are healthy and you just want colour, gel polish is right. If your nails are weak or breaking, BIAB is the better choice. You can have gel polish colour on top of BIAB.
Yes. All gel polish at Aesthete Beauty is HEMA-free from Lecente and OPI. The formula is also TPO-free and low-heat, meaning no burning sensation under the lamp and reduced risk of allergic reactions.
Yes. Gel Toes starts from £40. The same HEMA-free formula and professional preparation applies. Gel on toes tends to last even longer because toenails grow slower and get less daily wear than fingernails.
Gel polish is soaked off using acetone wraps. The gel gets softened and gently removed without buffing or scraping the nail plate. Proper removal takes a bit longer but it keeps your nails healthy. Never pick or peel gel off yourself.
Yes. French tips (£5), chrome mirror finish (from £7), cat-eye shimmer (from £7), and nail art designs (from £7) are all available as add-ons. Radina can show you options and help you choose.
Yes. Russian Manicure with Gel Polish starts from £65. The Russian technique uses an e-file with specialist cuticle powder to create a perfectly clean nail plate before the gel goes on. It extends wear time and gives a visibly cleaner cuticle line. It's the single biggest upgrade you can make to any gel manicure.
The LED lamps at Aesthete Beauty cure faster and emit less UV radiation than older UV lamps. Exposure during a gel manicure is brief, about 30 to 60 seconds per coat. Dermatologists consider the risk from LED gel lamps to be very low. If you're concerned, applying sunscreen to your hands before your appointment or wearing fingerless UV gloves reduces exposure further.
A gel polish manicure takes about 45 minutes. A gel polish redo (removal plus new application) takes about 1 hour. Gel toes take about 40 minutes. If you're adding nail art, chrome, or French tips, allow a little extra time.
When you pick or peel gel polish off, it takes the top layers of your nail plate with it. That leaves the nail thin, rough, and prone to splitting. It can take months of growth for the damage to move out completely. If your gel starts lifting at the edges, book a removal appointment. Professional removal soaks the gel off gently without damaging the nail underneath.
TPO is a chemical used in some gel polishes to help them cure under the lamp. The EU banned it in April 2026 after classifying it as a potential reproductive toxicant, and the UK ban takes effect in August 2026. The gel polish at Aesthete Beauty is already TPO-free, so your appointments are not affected. If you're getting gel done elsewhere, it's worth asking what products they use.
Not necessarily. If the gel is applied and removed correctly, your nails can handle regular gel manicures without needing breaks. Damage comes from improper removal (picking, peeling, over-filing) rather than the product itself. If you notice your nails becoming thin or weak, a break combined with daily cuticle oil can help them recover. Radina will let you know if she thinks your nails need a rest.
Shellac is a brand name by CND for their gel polish. When people say "shellac" they usually mean gel polish in general, the same way people say "Hoover" when they mean vacuum cleaner. At Aesthete Beauty we use Lecente and OPI gel polish, both HEMA-free. The application and results are the same as what you'd expect from a shellac manicure.
Yes. Gel polish works on any nail length. You don't need long nails for a gel manicure. Short nails actually tend to hold gel polish longer because there's less surface area exposed to daily wear. If you bite your nails or keep them very short, gel can still go on and will look neat and polished.
The EU has been tightening regulations on HEMA, a chemical found in many gel polish products that can cause allergic reactions with repeated exposure. Reformulations are happening across the industry. At Aesthete Beauty all gel polish is already HEMA-free because Lecente and OPI switched their formulations ahead of the regulatory changes. This isn't something you need to worry about here.
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.
Emma Craigan
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★★★★★
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Google Review
Every set photographed in the salon. HEMA-free Lecente and OPI gel polish in a range of colours and finishes.
All photos taken at Aesthete Beauty, 76 Bell Street, Dundee
If you want nails that look freshly done for two to three weeks without worrying about chips, this is it. HEMA-free gel polish, professional dry preparation, and hundreds of colours to choose from.
We serve clients from across Dundee and the surrounding areas including the West End, Broughty Ferry, Newport-on-Tay, Monifieth, Carnoustie, and further afield.
