In St Ives, the Manicure professionals listed here also serve the nearby towns of Frenchs Forest, Pymble, Belrose, Turramurra. Contact any of them directly on WhatsApp — no middleman, no commission.
About Manicure
Common problems and warning signs
Peeling within 3 days points to poor nail prep or oily residue. Bubbles in gel mean the polish was applied too thick or the lamp was underpowered. White spots often signal dehydration, not calcium loss. Burning under the lamp signals an incompatible gel formula or a curing time above 60 seconds per coat.
Tools the professional must bring
A full kit should include a 180-grit file, a 240-grit buffer, cuticle nippers, a metal pusher, nippers, a UV or LED lamp, acetone, lint-free wipes, and disposable buffers. Files and buffers must be single-use. Padded mats or armrests are optional but reduce smudges during the first 10 minutes of drying.
Aftercare that protects the result
Wear gloves for dishes and cleaning for at least 24 hours after gel. Apply cuticle oil every night for 7 days. Do not use nails as tools to open cans or peel stickers. Book a removal every 14 to 21 days to keep the nail plate healthy.
What usually goes wrong
The most common issue is lifting gel within 3 days, caused by oily nail plates or thick application. Bleeding cuticles happen when nippers are dull. White spots appear when nails stay wet too long. If polish chips within 24 hours, the base coat was likely skipped.
Tools the professional should bring
The pro should carry a sterilized metal file, a cuticle pusher, nippers, a buffer block, bowls for soaking, and a portable LED lamp for gel. Files and buffers are single-use. Reusable metal tools must arrive in an autoclave bag that is opened in front of you.
Aftercare that protects the result
Wear gloves for dishes and cleaning. Reapply cuticle oil 2 times a day for 7 days. Avoid picking lifted edges. Book the next visit every 2 to 3 weeks for gel, every 4 weeks for classic polish. Soak off gel only with acetone, never peel it, to keep the nail plate under 0.5 mm thick.
How to prepare your nails before the visit
Remove old polish 24 hours in advance. Avoid applying hand cream or cuticle oil on the day, since oils block adhesion and cause gel to lift within 48 hours. Trim long nails to 3 mm above the fingertip to shorten filing time. Wash hands with soap, not alcohol-based sanitiser, right before the appointment.
Time required for an at-home session
Plan 40 minutes for a classic polish, 60 minutes for gel, and 80 minutes for shellac or builder gel extensions. Add 10 minutes if both hands and feet are booked. Professionals need a ventilated spot, a flat surface at chair height, and access to at least 2 electrical outlets for lamps and tools.
When to skip the appointment
Reschedule if you have open cuts near the nail, an active fungal infection, or fresh gel that was applied less than 2 weeks ago. Pregnant clients can book normally, but ask for a well-ventilated room if strong acrylic or acetone smells are a concern.
How to prepare your nails before the visit
Remove old polish at home with a non-acetone remover the night before. Push back cuticles gently with a wooden stick after a shower. Do not cut your own cuticles. Leave nails bare so the pro can see the natural plate and choose the right prep.