Hand-painted nail art in Burwood.

What happens during your appointment

1. 01Design chat: references, colours, which nails get art.
2. 02Prep: shaping, cuticles pushed back and tidied, a light buff of the surface.
3. 03Gel base, builder gel and background colour, each layer cured under the lamp.
4. 04Hand-painting layer by layer with fine brushes, curing between details.
5. 05Gel top coat to seal the design.

How long it lasts and adding length

Expect about 4 weeks of wear before regrowth shows at the cuticle. Most clients rebook at around 4 weeks.

Want longer nails under your art? Add nail extensions when you book: $6 per nail.

Before you come in

• ✦Add your reference photos or ideas to the booking notes.
• ✦Come with bare nails, or tell Abby if there’s gel or extensions to remove first.
• ✦Skip hand cream right before your appointment; oils can stop gel from bonding.

Aftercare: Abby’s steps

• ✦Wear gloves for cleaning and washing up.
• ✦Don’t pick or peel the gel: it takes layers of your nail with it.
• ✦Book a professional soak-off rather than removing it yourself.

Gel allergy and UV lamps

Gel colour, builder gel and the gel used with nail tips all contain (meth)acrylates. The British Association of Dermatologists has warned about a rise in (meth)acrylate allergy: it can develop when uncured product touches the skin, and the risk is higher with home kits, insufficient technician training, or a lamp that doesn’t match the gel. Abby keeps product off your skin and cuticles and cures each layer with the lamp made for the gel system she uses.

Nail lamps give off UV. Cancer Council Australia says nail lamps emit low levels of radiation for short exposure times, and suggests SPF50 or SPF50+ sunscreen on your hands 20 minutes beforehand, or fingerless gloves, if you’re concerned. You’re welcome to bring either.

If you’ve had itching, redness, swelling or nails lifting after gel before, tell Abby before you book; she may suggest seeing your GP about patch testing before having gel again.