Weird question but how do I ask for gel polish only at nail bar?

[abblesss]

I've had a pay rise and decided I want to start getting my nails done, I have naturally quite long and strong nails so I don't want the fake ones put on top, I'd like just a shape up and gel polish (is it called shellac?) anyway I had this done once at a spa but I've not been into a nail bar so I don't know the etiquette!

Do I go in like a barbers or do I book an appointment? And how do I ask for gel polish only? Might be a really obvious one but thought I'd ask the wise ladies (and hopefully nail bar goers) of mumsnet!

Some you book, many you can just walk in. Just say you want grl polish. It's very simple! Try not to use one that appears to use slave labour though! Also money laundering is rife!

When they ask what you’d like, just say “just gels please!” and they’ll give you the colours to pick from, or you can show them any pictures if you have any that they can try and replicate.

Enjoy!

I’ve had loads of manicures with gel polish and never had a false nail in my life. I didn’t even know it was a thing that you had both together.

Just book a gel manicure? Where I live you do need to book in advance so that probably safer than just dropping in on spec

You ask for a gel polish manicure. Be warned that if you do this, especially regularly, it will weaken your lovely strong nails. It damaged mine and made them thin and soft with a vertical ridge in each nail where the gel had been. It took them a while to recover
so I won't have gel polish done again.

Find a nail technician and avoid the walk in places. A good nail technician will have appointments to book and often the practices are much better and cleaner.

There is a link between the UV lamps for gel nails and an increased risk of skin cancer. I think it is low but worth knowing about if you are planning to get them done regularly.