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.
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 and TPO-free, from Lecente and OPI. Gel Polish Manicure starts from £43. Book online any time.
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, and it holds its shine far better than regular polish, which can fade or go patchy after a week. Two to three weeks later, your nails can still look freshly done.
When it's time for a new set, the colour and top coat are taken off carefully with an e-file, then the rest is softened with acetone wraps and gently pushed off. It is never peeled off.
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.
Correct application and professional removal help protect the natural nail. Many people have seen photos of thin, peeling nails after gel removal and assumed the gel did it, but damage usually comes from 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, taking the product down in thin layers to protect the natural nail underneath.
Two to three weeks of glossy 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. 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. The products are also TPO-free, and the formula is low-heat, designed to reduce heat during curing.
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 helps your gel manicure last the full two to three weeks.
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.
All gel polish at Aesthete Beauty is HEMA-free and TPO-free, from Lecente and OPI.
Lecente and OPI both produce professional-grade formulas that bond properly without HEMA.
The formula is also low-heat, designed to reduce heat during curing.
HEMA-free does not mean allergy-free, so if you have ever reacted to gel nail products, please message us before booking.
TPO (trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide) is a photoinitiator that some gel polishes use to help them cure under the lamp. The gel polish at Aesthete Beauty is TPO-free.
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's about colour and shine rather than strength or length. If your nails are already healthy and you just want them to look polished and put together, gel is the one. It's one of the most popular services 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 adds structure that protects the natural nail while it grows, which can reduce everyday breakage. 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, BIAB or Builder Gel. 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
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 thoroughly cleaned and hygienically prepared 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 helps the gel bond well 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 an even more refined finish? Add Russian manicure preparation. Russian Manicure with Gel Polish starts from £65. The dry e-file cuticle technique gives a very clean cuticle area, for a refined finish and less noticeable regrowth.
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. If you have a question before booking, message us on WhatsApp (for questions only; appointments are booked online).
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 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 keeps its glossy finish, and you will be advised individually when to come back.
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.
Correct application and professional removal help protect the natural nail. Damage is more likely when gel gets picked or peeled off, which tears layers from the nail plate. At Aesthete Beauty, the colour and top coat are taken off carefully with an e-file and the rest is softened with acetone wraps, never peeled or scraped off.
Gel polish is a colour coating. It looks great but is about colour rather than strength. BIAB is a structural overlay that protects the natural nail while it grows, which can reduce everyday breakage. 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, designed to reduce heat during curing.
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.
The colour and top coat are taken off carefully with an e-file, then the remaining gel is softened with acetone wraps and gently pushed off, without scraping the nail plate. Proper removal takes a bit longer but helps protect your nails. 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 prepare the cuticle area precisely before the gel goes on. It gives a visibly cleaner cuticle line and less noticeable regrowth as your nails grow.
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 to protect the nail underneath.
TPO is a chemical used in some gel polishes to help them cure under the lamp. The gel polish at Aesthete Beauty is TPO-free.
Not necessarily. If the gel is applied and removed correctly, your nails can handle regular gel manicures without needing breaks. Damage usually 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 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 St, Dundee
If you want nails that look freshly done for two to three weeks, 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.
