๐๐๐ญ’๐ฌ ๐ญ๐๐ฅ๐ค ๐๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ญ ๐๐๐ง๐ข๐๐ฎ๐ซ๐๐ฌ & ๐๐๐๐ข๐๐ฎ๐ซ๐๐ฌ
Most manicures start out the same way, with some people choosing the most basic and others opting for creative options.ย We use only quality products in our manicures & pedicures and we love the long-lasting results from OPI nail polishes.ย We’ve put together a Pinterest board of the OPI nail colours we currently have availableย 
Take a browse and be inspired for your next appointmentย hereย 
Basic Manicure
Our nail technician starts by applying a cream, oil or lotion to soften your skin and cuticles. Next the nail shape is defined; You can choose from many nail shapes, most popular being Square, Oval, Squoval or Stiletto!
At this point in the manicure, the shape of the nails has been defined and it is time for a relaxing hand massage. Then onto the polish…A base coat is applied to the nail bed, then two coats of coloured polish once the base coat has dried, and finally a clear top coat to seal the colour and prolong the life of your manicure. Remember to let your manicure dry before you leave the salon to avoid smudging! You are not limited to one colour with a basic manicure, there is a continued nail trend of using more than one colour to give your manicure a bespoke look.
French Manicure
The ever classic French Manicure is guaranteed to give you the clean gorgeous look that remains timeless!ย Starting with the lotion, nail shape and hand massage as per the basic manicure, for this style, Monika will then apply a clear, pale pink or beige polish over the entire nail bed. Then white polish hand-applied along the tip with perfection before finishing the French manicure with a top coat. The end result is healthy, vibrant and perfect for all occasions. You can’t go wrong with this look!
Gel Polish Manicure
Gel polish or ‘Shellac’ nails are incredibly popular.ย Gel polish lasts for about 2-3 weeks with the right aftercare. It has a beautiful mirror finish and is resistant to chipping!ย Monika uses OPI GelColor for long-lasting results every time. As a gel polish manicure can last up to 3 weeks, making it the perfect nail service for holidays or special occasions.
Your natural nails are first cleaned, filed and shaped. Then a special base coat is applied, followed by 2 coats of OPI coloured gel polish and finished with a special top coat. In between each step, a LED lamp is used to set the gel 30-60 seconds at a time. This technique means that your nails are dry instantly and you don’t need to worry about smudging your nails as you leave the salon. Monika then finishes this manicure with an moisturising hand massage. You’ll be happy to hear that a French manicure is also available in gel polish too!
After your Gel polish manicure: Remember to wear rubber gloves when cleaning to help prolong the lifetime of the gel polish. Monika recommends using a cuticle oil to maintain healthy cuticles and in turn healthy nails and long lasting polish. Please note that gel polish cannot be removed with regular nail polish remover. We recommend that you return to Monika at the salon where she will file and soak off the gel polish before treating the nail bed with vitamin-enriched oil and then giving you a moisturising hand massage.
Nail Extensions
Nail extensions are a great way to gain length and strength whilst looking incredibly natural. A lightweight plastic plate that follows the shape of the nails is glued to the tip of the natural nail in order to add length. Acrylic or Gel is then applied on top of the nail extensions and is usually cured in order to secure the extensions and add strength and shine. Extensions can be filed into any nail shape in the same way natural nails can and both Regular and Gel Polish can then be applied as normal.
Full Pedicure
Our pedicures use non-aggressive techniques with amazing results!ย With your feet cooped up in boots all winter, treat them to an incredible pedicure by Monika. She prepares the toe nails, then uses lactic acid โ which is the gentler and more comfortable way to remove hard skin. Monika then uses a luxury foot scrub ensuring that all the hard skin is removed leaving super soft skin. She then paints your toe nails, leaving your pretty feet feeling soft and refreshed.
You can choose a pedicure without polish, with plain polish or with a french pedi. Or you can simply opt to have your toe nails shaped and polished without the pedicure.
Nail Art & Extras
Monika is incredibly creative and can offer you a totally unique look with your manicure or pedicure. There are add-on options of glitter, diamonds and nail art stamps or hand-painted designs. Nail art is costed per nail, so you can choose to have as much or as little as you like!
A simple splash of glitter or a diamond can also make any manicure perfect for a blushing bride.
How about adding something topical? Snowflakes and reindeers at Christmas, Cobwebs & skulls at Halloween, Chicks and Eggs at Easter, Hearts at Valentines, the list goes on and on…. Monika loves the challenge!
We hope this article gives you some guidance on the different type of manicures & pedicures we have to offer in our Cardiff salon. There are so many variations on these manicures and pedicures, see our beauty gallery for even more examples from our talented beautician, Monika.
Monika is our full-time beautician in our Cardiff salon, working Tuesday-Saturday 9am-6pm. She is qualified, experienced and very talented in many other beauty serives. See our full list of Beauty Therapy and our pricelistย here
