Gel nail aftercare

How to look after your gel nails

We often get asked the best way to keep up your gel nail aftercare and how to keep your gel nails in tip top condition so this blog is all about that.

Gel systems have only been around in the UK for a little under 10 years and in that time they have become super popular because of their quick drying time and chip free shine.

The number of shades increases all the time which means there is always a colour to match your every mood.

So what exactly is gel polish?

Gel polish is a thin brush on formula, it literally goes on your nails just like ordinary nail polish but without the chipping and dulling you see with regular polish.

We use Gelish for ourgel polish treatments, not only because it is the number 1 brand of gel polish in the world but because it stays on your nails, chip free, for up to two weeks.
(Providing you look after your nails).

Formulated to harden (cure) under light, each coat of gel polish needs to be cured under an LED lamp. The specially created top coat gives your nails the amazing shine.
Gel polish is also applied dry. If you add water to the nails or any products that contain moisture, the fingernails will absorb the water and expand.
The nail will then contract once dry causing the gel polish to chip.

We use our own single use nail files which you can take home with you and won’t use any e-files/drills on your nails either.
All other single use items are just that, used once. Everything else goes into an autoclave so they are sterilised the right way and the pouch they are in, remains sealed until it is opened in front of the guest.

We only use official Gelish lamps that have been created specifically for Gelish treatments.

Now we have got that out the way, how do you maintain gel nail aftercare?

Queen B Luxury Nail & Beauty Lounge is widely recognised as a leading salon for natural nail care, in fact, we have been voted The Best Nail Salon in London more than once.

We always get asked for help and assistance and the most popular question remains the same – How can I get my nails longer without using acrylics?

As we focus only on natural nails, we do not offer acrylic extensions, sns or hard gels and we absolutely love to work with our guests to maintain their nails but it is also a 2 person job.

Yes you also need to put in some work too!

Gel nail aftercare - How to look after gel nails | Natural nail care (2)

Looking after your nails starts from the moment you leave the salon.

Gel Nail Aftercare starts with daily use of the award winning Dadi’Oil cuticle oil is essential.We use it in all of our nail treatments and it is perfect for nail aftercare.

Dadi’Oil is 95% Certified Organic and made up of more than 20 different ingredients and essential oils. They are blended with lavender, bergamont and vanilla to deliver flexibility and toughness to the nail.

Why does your gel polish need to be flexible?

If you imagine the amount of stress you put your nails through, they need to move with your hands so if your nails are not flexible and hydrated, they may split and break.

The formula in Gelish allows for the gel polish to be flexible. Mixed with your daily dose of Dadi’Oil, your nails are able to withstand pretty much everything you do to them.

Your gels will last longer, they will be stronger which means they will not split or chip and they will continue to look amazing.

If your nails are weak and brittle and you are wanting to make your nails stronger, read our blog about IBX Nail Strengthening

Gelish is a porous product so if you have a really light shade, please be careful when cooking especially when using spices.

This rule also works when applying make up, tanning lotion and anything else that can colour run.
Bottom line, always wear gloves whenever possible, especially when washing up or cleaning!

If you have any questions, or if you would like a free consultation, please do not hesitate to call or email us.

We will love to help and assist you to grow your own natural nails.

We only focus on natural nails so you are in good hands (Pardon the pun) and we stock a huge range of products of ensure your hands and feet are in the best possible condition.

Nail Services and Aftercare

aDo gel lamps cause cancer?

This has been proven to be untrue.
The risk of developing non-melanoma skin cancer was 11-46 times lower than the risks of being exposed to natural sunlight. Nail lamps are actually safer than both natural sunlight and sunbeds.

aDo you do acrylics or infills?

We do not perform acrylic enhancements, dipping powders, SNS or infills.

Queen B Luxury Nail & Beauty Lounge provide luxury manicure and pedicure treatments on natural nails only.

Should you have acrylics or nail extensions and require a treatment with us, please ensure they are removed before your treatment as we will not be able to remove them, however, you will still be charged for your appointment.

aDo you use blades or cheese graters to remove dead skin?

We use a stainless steel foot rasp with disposable files. The 2 grits used are 80 and 180 abrasive.

After each use, the rasp is hygienically washed and then sterilised after each use and each foot file disposed of.

During your pedicure, we will remove as much hard skin as possible without causing discomfort, however, in extreme cases, we will advise you to return for another treatment.

aDo you use electric files or drills at Queen B?

We use nail files on your natural nails and do not use any electric files whatsoever.
The use of electric files or drills is not recommended on natural nails.

aDoes gel polish damage your nails?

Gel polish should not weaken your nails when applied & removed properly.
It provides extra strength and prevents your nails from ripping and breaking, allowing them to grow longer and stronger.
The key is proper removal using a soak-off technique.
Don’t chisel, chip, file or peel your polish off… doing this will absolutely damage your nails.

aHow can my nails grow faster?

There is no way to make your nails grow faster, the only things to do are to ensure you have a good diet and use cuticle oil.

Using cuticle oil won’t grow your nails faster, but it will make them stronger and more flexible.
They will break less and therefore get longer.

aHow long do I have to wait for gel polish to dry?

Gel nails are cured in a LED lamp and will be dry as soon as your treatment is complete.

aI am a nail biter, can you help me?

We have worked with a number of guests who used to bite their nails,
through a little bit of TLC, some determination and will power on your part, together we can make sure your nails look and feel amazing.
Read our blog aboutIBXas this will help you too!

aI don’t like the colour I picked, can I change it?

Should you not like the colour of your nail lacquer after it has been painted on your first nail, please let us know and we will be happy to change it for you.

Due to timings and product use, if you decide after your nails have been painted that you are not happy with the colour, we can change it for you however there will be an additional charge for this.

If you have a gel treatment and decide you do not like the colour and the first nail had been cured, we can change it for you however there will be a charge for soaking off the gel and re-applying.

Please ensure you arrive a minimum of 5 minutes before your appointment to select your desired colours.
(We do have over 400 lacquers and gels so there are plenty of decisions to be made).

aI picked off my gel polish

This is something we highly recommend you do not do.
We offer a soak off treatment for our gel clients which involve lightly buffing the gels to break the seal and then soaking your nails in acetone.

Nails are tiny cells called keratinocytes, by peeling off a gel manicure, you are not only removing the gel,
but also the top layers of these delicate cells.
This can result in white patches and textural irregularities throughout the nails.
It also makes us cringe when we hear this. Please do not do it.
Read our blogWhat happens when you pick off your gels?

aMy nails have chipped, can you re-do them?

We offer a free nail repair service if your nail polish chips within 24 hours or gel polish within 72 hours.
Please call us as soon as possible and send us pics so we can make your nails pretty again.
If it’s our fault, there will be no charge.

As all of our services include so much more than just an application of polish, we do not offer refunds.

aWhich gel lamps do you use?

We only use official Gelish lamps for our gel treatments.

aWhy do you ask if I am using Dadi’Oil?

When your nails are hydrated with the perfect mix of 18% water and 5% oil, they become flexible and can endure the brutal forces of living life.
When they are dried out from way too much hand washing, they get stiff and fragile.
Your nails snapinstantly with barely any pressure. This is why we constantly ask if you use it.
We also stock and use the number 1 best selling brand in the worldDadi’Oil.

We can only do so much in the salon, using cuticle oil, wearing gloves when washing up and cleaning will help you get the nails you want.

What Our Guests Say

Love my nails every time and always impressed by the creativity and skill of the girls!! 💖 Queen B!! X

Jen Parker

Love, love, love!!! Thank you to everyone at Queen B for giving 120% as usual!!

Mahsa Balaie

It was my first time today at Queen B but it won’t be the last! The team is very nice and welcoming. I love the colour and I already know which one I’ll get next time! Can’t wait to go back! Thank you :)

Clarence Mérelle

The therapists are very friendly, made me feel welcome and did an excellent job on my nails. I will be back :)

Laura Hudson

Fabulous and personable as always 😁High quality service and products. Very welcoming nail bar highly recommended can’t wait to return!

Valeria Milanesio

A lovely way to start the morning! Really pleased with my nails – excellent selection of colours to choose, did a great job on the shape and cuticle touch up as it had been a while since I was last in a salon. I’ve already booked up a load of future appointments!

Emily Summers

Without a doubt the best salon on the planet!!! Very professional and positive.
Talent with passion. Very thorough and attentive and her attention to detail was spot on.
I would not trust anywhere else and the vibe is brilliant.
I am really happy with the end result – my nails look gorgeous.

Angelika Migodzinska

I won’t go anywhere else to get my nails done since discovering Queen B.
They don’t use electric files which damage your nails, instead they really care about looking after your natural nails which a lot of nail shops don’t do!
Everyone is friendly and it’s such a relaxing and fun atmosphere.

Rebecca Noble

A much more pleasant experience at Queen B than my usual trip to a nail salon.

Hygiene is top priority for me and it’s clear to see that it is for the staff here too. No overcrowding or being kept waiting, and no drills or acrylic here.

Just great service, attention to detail, friendly and professional staff and a great pedicure and manicure to top it all off.

One very happy customer that has already rebooked

Amanda Collins

Just discovered this place. Really friendly and did a fantastic job soaking off my shellac nails and doing the new Gelish set. Really like this place and will be back.

Kee Strawson