UV gel extensions are the hottest word in the world of nail beauty. Unlike traditional artificial nails, which are stuck on over the real nail using a glue-like substance (and can easily snap or flake off), UV gel extensions use a hi tech polymer coat to “build” a nail extension out from the existing nail. UV gel is far more flexible than standard nail extensions, making it a more permanent and user friendly solution – technically speaking, if you’ve got UV gel extensions, you can use your longer, more beautiful nails every day without any fear of breakage or damage.

This is how it works: one of our nail technicians will apply a base coat of polymer solution to each nail. The polymer solution looks and feels much like a standard nail polish – it’s clear and smooth. Once the nails have been evenly covered, your hands will be placed under a UV light for three minutes. That cures the gel, which hardens into a pliable, reliable coat.

Subsequent coats are then added to each nail, building the length and shape of the nail up to the required specification. At each layer, the gel is again hardened under UV light.

Technically, once your UV gel extensions are in place, they can be “worn” for the life of the nail. UV gel extensions cannot be removed using normal solvents or organic preparations – only filing will get rid of them, or leaving them to grow out with the nail itself. That makes them much more like real nails than most traditional alternatives – they can even be shaped and styled like real nails. UV gel extensions can be performed as natural look nails, coloured nails or even exotically contoured and decorated nails. Whatever you want, the UV nail extension process can achieve it.

The advantages of UV gel extensions are obvious enough – if you’re looking for nail enhancements on a permanent basis, they offer a complete solution that will last until the nail grows them out. That means you only need to come in for a re-treatment when the nail starts to get too long. UV gel extension treatments are not suitable for customers who want a temporary nail enhancement – for a party, or for a wedding or hen weekend. If that’s what you’re looking for, take a tour around our other nail services and you’re sure to find something more in line with what you need.

Because UV gel extensions are effectively permanent, there are several care options you need to consider. Your nail technician will apply a protective coat to the top of the extension as a matter of course – this coat is designed to resist intrusion from common everyday pollutants (including household cleaners and nail polish), which can discolour the UV polymer. Normal nail colouring routines can be applied directly to the polymer (our technicians will advise you on the best brands and types to use, to minimise chances of damage to the extension) – or you can opt for a pre-coloured polymer, which will guaranteed gorgeous, shimmering nails for months. If you go for a French polish look, your nail technician will create the pink and white nail for you: all you need to do is follow his or her care instructions and you’ll have perfect Gallic fingers.