In Stanton Harcourt, the Manicure professionals listed here also serve the nearby towns of Northmoor, Eynsham, Farmoor, Ducklington. Contact any of them directly on WhatsApp — no middleman, no commission.
About Manicure
Classic, gel, or shellac: which one to pick
Classic polish dries in air and lasts about 4 to 5 days without chips. Gel polish cures under UV or LED and holds 10 to 14 days. Shellac is a softer gel hybrid, easier on the nail plate, but the base coat must be soaked off, not filed.
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.
Price factors you should know
Rates depend on polish brand, technique, and add-ons. Classic polish starts lower than gel, while builder gel or extensions can cost 2 to 3 times more. Add-ons like nail art, French tips, or removal of old gel add 10 to 20 minutes and a fixed surcharge. Travel distance and last-minute bookings also raise the final bill.
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.
Questions to ask before booking
Confirm the brand of polish, the lamp wattage, and whether products are 5-free or 10-free. Ask if the professional carries their own table, lamp, and sanitizer. Request a portfolio of at least 5 recent sets. Clarify travel fees, cancellation terms, and whether a 30 % deposit is required for weekend slots.
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.
Nail shape and cuticle care
A standard manicure covers 6 steps: shaping the free edge, softening cuticles, pushing back excess skin, trimming hangnails, buffing the surface, and hydrating with cuticle oil. Ask whether cuticle nippers are used or only gel removers. Nippers require more precision and raise the risk of micro-cuts if your skin is sensitive.
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.
Price factors you should know
Prices vary by technique, nail condition, and add-ons. Gel costs about 30% to 50% more than classic polish. French tips, chrome powder, or hand-painted art add time, so each nail art design can raise the total by 15% to 25%. Travel distance matters.
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.