Gel is the treatment most people mean when they say they want their nails done. It goes on like polish, sets hard under a lamp and leaves the salon completely dry, so there is no waiting around with your hands in the air or smudging it on your coat sleeve. If you are looking for gel nails in Croydon, the main question is not whether to have gel but which version suits you. At Shiny Nails Croydon there are three ways to wear it: gel colour on its own, a full gel manicure, or gel on your toes. Here is how they compare.
Gel, “Shellac” and regular polish
Many clients ask for “Shellac”, and the name has become shorthand for gel polish in general. Whatever you call it, gel polish is a coloured gel that is cured under a lamp after each coat. That curing is what makes it so much tougher than regular polish, which simply air-dries and tends to chip within days.
In practical terms, gel typically lasts two to three weeks, stays glossy, and is ready the moment you leave. Regular polish costs less (£10 on natural nails), is easy to change, and suits you if you like a new colour every few days. If you are weighing up the two, our guide to Shellac vs gel polish explains the terminology.
Which gel option is right for you?
Gel colour on natural nails – £20
The quick option. Your nails are tidied, shaped and prepped, then two coats of colour and a top coat go on. It is ideal if your cuticles are in good shape and you just want long-lasting colour, perhaps on a lunch break.
Gel manicure – £30
The full treatment. Alongside shaping and gel colour, your technician gives proper attention to cuticle care and finishes with cuticle oil, so the whole hand looks cared for, not just the nails. This is the one to choose before a holiday, an interview or an event when you want everything looking its best.
Gel toes – £25
Gel colour on your toenails. Toenails grow more slowly than fingernails, so gel on toes often looks fresh for longer. If your feet need more than colour, a spa pedicure with gel is £38 and includes a warm soak, exfoliation, hard-skin care, nail and cuticle care and a massage before the gel goes on. Read more in our guide to gel polish on toes.
Gel prices and timings
| Treatment | Price |
|---|---|
| Gel colour on natural nails | £20 |
| Gel manicure | £30 |
| Gel toes colour | £25 |
| Spa pedicure with gel | £38 |
| Take off | £10–£15 |
You can personalise any gel with French or white tips (£5–£10), chrome (£10), nail art from £7 or gems at £5 per 10. Prices may vary with length and design, and your technician confirms the total before starting. See the full manicures and gel menu for everything on offer.
Making your gel last, and taking it off
A good gel set should give you two to three weeks of wear. A few habits make a real difference:
- Oil your cuticles daily. Hydrated nails flex rather than crack, and the gel stays bonded.
- Wear gloves for washing up and cleaning; hot water and household products are hard on gel.
- Treat your nails as jewels, not tools. Use a fingertip pad rather than a nail edge to open cans or peel stickers.
- Don’t peel it off. When gel starts to grow out or lift, picking it off takes layers of your natural nail with it.
When it is time for a change, a professional take off costs £10–£15, or it can be done at the start of your next appointment. If your gel keeps chipping within a few days, or you find your nails bend easily, ask your technician whether BIAB might suit you better.
If your skin around the nails ever becomes itchy, red or swollen after a gel treatment, stop wearing gel products and speak to a pharmacist or your GP before having more.
Booking gel nails in Croydon
Shiny Nails Croydon is at 4 Norfolk House, Wellesley Road, CR0 1LH, next to the Wellesley Road tram stop and a short walk from East Croydon and West Croydon stations. We are open Monday to Saturday 10am–7pm and Sunday 11am–5pm.
Want hands and feet done together? Two of our four technicians can work on your manicure and pedicure at the same time, so you are not in the salon twice as long. Book a manicure or gel with a pedicure and the code MANIPEDI5 gives you £5 off (minimum £40); first-time online bookers can use WELCOME10 for 10% off (minimum £15). Check our current offers for details.
You can book online 24/7 with instant email confirmation, cancel free up to two hours before and pay after your treatment. Walk-ins are welcome when a technician is free, though evenings and weekends get busy.