Journal

Guides, colour and technique from the studio.

Two hands with short natural nails wearing a clear, glossy gel overlay, the nails smooth and softly domed, on pale linen

Gel Overlay on Natural Nails: What It Is, Which Gel to Use and How …

A gel overlay gives thin, bendy or peeling nails the strength to grow, with no added length. This guide covers which gel to choose, what to buy and how to apply and remove it.

A nail technician in black gloves smoothing milky white builder gel over a client’s natural nail

HEMA-Free Builder Gel: How to Choose One for Natural Nails and Extensions

HEMA-free builder gel takes one major allergen out of your routine, but it is no guarantee against allergy. Learn what to check on the label and which shade suits each client.

A hand with glossy beige gel nails curing inside a white LED nail lamp

TPO-Free Gel Polish: What the TPO Ban Means and How to Choose Your …

TPO has been banned from EU cosmetics since 1 September 2025. Find out how to spot it on a label and how to pick TPO-free gels that still cure fully, from base coat to builder gel.

Two hands with short nails in a glossy nude gel manicure, in hard sunlight on light grey paper

HEMA-Free Gel Polish: What It Means, What It Doesn't and How to Cho…

HEMA-free gel polish takes one major allergen out of your manicure. Learn what the label tells you, why technique still matters and what to buy for each layer.

Hands with coral nails resting on wet, sparkling sand

Vacation Nails: 12 Beach and Holiday Nail Ideas, Plus How to Make T…

Turquoise, coral, sea-glass green or a sunset fade: 12 beach nail ideas with the shades and techniques we'd use, and the prep that helps gel hold up on holiday.

Hand with soft, sheer nude nails against a pale blush background

Classy Nails: 15 Elegant Nail Designs for Work, Evenings and Weddings

Find out what makes nails classy, from shape to shine, then pick from 15 elegant designs for the office, evenings out and weddings, each with its shade and technique.

Hand with long bright orange nails held to the face against an orange-red background

Summer Nails: 20 Summer Nail Designs and Colours, from Neon to Turquoise

Neon pink over white, turquoise with coral, gold on a tan or a lemon on one nail: 20 summer nail ideas to paint in gel, with the shade, steps and skin tones for each.

A calm, minimalist nail technician's workstation in a bright studio with a light oak desk, a folded towel and a plant

Nail Technician Equipment: The Complete Checklist for Beginners (2026)

Workstation, hygiene, tools, lamp, e-file, prep, bases, colours and top coat: the complete equipment list for new nail technicians, and what can wait.

Hand with bright blue nails holding a red hand-painted Easter egg

Easter Nails: 12 Easter Nail Ideas, from Speckled Eggs to Bunny Ears

Speckled eggs, pastel French tips, a single pearl or tiny bunny ears: 12 Easter nail ideas, each with its shades, its method and who it suits.

Hand with lilac nails among white spring blossom

Spring Nails: 15 Spring Nail Ideas and Colours, from Lilac to Coral

Pastel French tips, tiny daisies, a lavender cat eye or coral for May: 15 spring nail ideas to paint in gel, plus the tricks that stop pale shades from streaking.

Two hands with coral pink nails against a peach background

Coral Nails: 10 Coral and Peach Nail Ideas for Spring and Summer

Find the coral, salmon or peach that suits your skin tone, then pick from ten ideas, from short glossy nails and coral French tips to a peach aura, navy accents and pearl chrome.

Hands with bright orange nails resting on the knees of ripped denim shorts

Orange Nails: 10 Designs, from Burnt Orange and Terracotta to Peach

From terracotta with gold to coral French tips and orange chrome: ten orange nail designs by season, plus how to choose your orange and paint it without streaks.

Hands with pale yellow nails raised against a white wall

Yellow Nails: 10 Ideas, from Butter Yellow and Lemon to Mustard

Yellow is one of the hardest colours to paint evenly and to match to your skin. Find your shade, from butter yellow to mustard, then choose from 10 designs, from daisies to gingham.

Hands with pastel blue, white and yellow nails holding two macarons against a pink background

Pastel Nails: 12 Ideas and How to Paint Pastels Without Streaks

Pastels show every brush stroke, so start with the method for an even finish, then pick from 12 ideas: lilac and mint, skittle nails, a gold line or pastel French tips.

Hand with soft pink nails holding a sprig of pink blossom

Flower Nail Designs: How to Paint Flowers with Gel, Plus 15 Ideas

Dot daisies, brush-stroke petals and line-art outlines sit behind most floral nail art. Learn all three in gel, then try 15 designs, from sunflowers to pressed flowers.

Legs in black strappy heels, with pink toenails and a matching pink manicure

Gel Pedicure: How to Do It at Home, Plus Toe Nail Colours and Desig…

Gel polish often lasts several weeks on toes. Learn how to do a gel pedicure at home, from straight-across shaping to curing your feet under the lamp, plus colours and designs to try.

Hand holding a dropper of golden oil against a pale grey background

Cuticle Oil: How to Use It and Push Back Your Cuticles Safely

A drop of cuticle oil each evening and gentle pushing back once a week keep cuticles neat, as long as you know which skin to remove and which to leave alone.

Bride's hands with a soft French manicure resting on a lace and satin dress

Wedding Nails: 8 Bridal Nail Ideas and 6 Colours for Wedding Guests

Milky pink, ivory pearl or a single crystal: eight bridal nail ideas made for ring close-ups, when to book the trial and final manicure, and six colours for wedding guests.