Dry manicure: what is it and why does it last?
A dry manicure is a manicure where the nails are not soaked in water. The cuticles and the dead skin around them are treated precisely with an electric nail file and small bits. The result is neat, and gel polish adheres better to a dry nail, so it lasts longer. At Salonki №1 all manicures are done with this technique. A manicure costs €49 (about 30 min) and a Japanese manicure €59 (about 60 min).
How is a dry manicure done?
- The nails are shaped with a file to the length and shape you want.
- The cuticles are treated with the e-file. Small bits of different shapes remove the dead skin around the cuticle and the thin film that has grown onto the nail surface. This leaves a smooth, clean nail base.
- If needed, the finish is refined with scissors or cuticle nippers.
- The surface is prepared for polish, or buffed to a shine if no polish is applied.
- To finish, cuticle oil and hand cream are applied, or a gel polish is done.
What are the benefits?
- Longer-lasting gel polish. A soaked nail swells and then shrinks as it dries, which can lift the edges of the gel. Gel adheres evenly to a dry nail.
- A neater cuticle line. The e-file lets us work precisely even on tiny areas, so polish can be applied close to the base and the nails look longer.
- Cuticles that grow back more evenly. When dead skin is removed carefully, the skin doesn't tear and the result stays neat for longer.
- Hygienic. No water bowl is needed, and metal tools are sterilised after every client.
Who is a dry manicure for?
Almost everyone, including men and people whose cuticles grow quickly. If your skin is very sensitive or has cuts, let us know in advance and the nail technician will adapt the treatment. For children (ages 5–12) we have a separate Princess manicure (€39).
Prices at Salonki №1
Manicure €49, manicure with regular nail polish €65, "old money" manicure €57 and Japanese manicure €59. Men's manicure €49. You can find all prices and add-ons on the manicure in Helsinki page and in the price list. A manicure can be done at the same time as a pedicure: up to three specialists work on you at once.