Gel-polish manicure in Tallinn: everything you need to know

Gel polish does what ordinary nail polish never managed: three weeks of work, washing, training and everyday life with no chips or dullness. That is why a gel-polish manicure is the most booked service we have at the T1 mall. Below I explain honestly what gel polish is, how long it really lasts, how to care for your nails and what the different options cost.

What is a gel-polish manicure?

Gel polish is a coating between gel and lacquer that cures under a UV or LED lamp, which is why it stays hard, glossy and durable. Unlike regular polish, it does not dry in the air but sets in the lamp within seconds, so you can pack your bag or grab the wheel right after the session. A gel-polish manicure usually includes shaping the nails, cuticle care and applying the coating.

Well-kept nails are not just a pretty detail — they keep the nail strong and protect it from breaking. With a proper manicure, the finish is even, smooth and lasts for weeks.

How does the session work?

A gel-polish session takes around 45–60 minutes and follows clear steps:

1. Removing the old coating. If there is already gel polish on the nails, it is removed carefully without damaging the nail.
2. Shaping. The stylist gives the nails the shape and length you want and tends to the cuticles.
3. Prep. The nail surface is cleaned and dried so the coating bonds firmly.
4. Applying the coating. Base, colour and a protective layer are applied in thin coats and cured in the lamp.
5. Design. If you wish, an accent nail, a French finish or another design is added.
6. Care. A cuticle oil is applied at the end to keep the skin around the nail soft and healthy.

The treatment is painless, and many clients use it simply as a calm pause in the day.

How long does gel polish last?

Gel polish stays flawless for 3 weeks on average, four for some clients — it depends on how fast your nails grow and how much your hands meet water and chemicals. If you wait five weeks or more, the coating starts lifting at the edge and becomes harder to remove without damaging the nail. That is why we recommend a new session every 2–3 weeks — many of our clients have kept that rhythm for years.

How to care for your nails afterwards?

Gel polish is durable, but a few simple habits keep the result looking good for longer:

• Apply cuticle oil a couple of times a week — it keeps the skin around the nail soft and stops the coating from lifting.
• Wear gloves for housework, as hot water and detergents wear the coating down faster.
• Do not use your nails as a tool (opening stickers or jars) — that helps you avoid chips.
• Do not peel or pick the coating off yourself — it takes the top layer of the nail with it. Let the stylist remove it properly.

Gel polish or gel nails — what is the difference?

Gel polish is a thin colour coat on your own nail and suits you if your nails are healthy and long enough. Gel nails, on the other hand, extend and strengthen the nail with gel and suit those whose nails break or grow unevenly. Gel nails are usually filled once a month. At the consultation we help you choose the option that best fits the state of your nails.

How much does a gel-polish manicure cost?

Prices at the Ketyswit salon start from €25 for a classic care manicure without polish. A manicure with gel polish costs €35 and is our most popular service. Gel-nail fills are €45–50 and gel-nail extensions €55–80 depending on length. A design can be added for €2–10 and a paraffin SPA treatment for €10. We give you the exact price at the consultation, based on the state of your nails. You can pick a time that suits you in our online booking.