Gel nails
Gel nails at dozens of salons across Estonia — a strong, glossy manicure that lasts up to 3–4 weeks. Price usually 30–50 €. Book in Tallinn and Rakvere.
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Gel nails are a popular nail treatment in which a strong, glossy and long-lasting coating or extension is built onto the natural nail from gel. Our catalogue lists dozens of salons offering gel nail services across Estonia, with the largest choice in Tallinn, plus a technician to be found in Rakvere. On this page you can see which salons offer gel nails in your area, compare prices and services, and book an appointment at a place that suits you.
What are gel nails and how are they done?
Gel nails are a technique in which gel is applied to the natural nail in layers and cured under a UV or LED lamp. This creates a strong, durable coating that protects the nail from breaking and stays flawless and glossy for several weeks without daily upkeep.
With gel you can either just strengthen and coat the natural nail or extend it. For extensions, either tips (ready-made plastic nails attached to the end) or forms (the desired length is built from gel on a template) are used. The technician then shapes the nail's form and length according to the client's wishes.
Gel nails should not be confused with gel polish. Gel polish is a thin layer of colour on the natural nail that also lasts several weeks, but it does not strengthen or extend the nail the way building gel does. Gel nails are a thicker and more durable solution.
What gel nail options are there?
The most common is a single-colour glossy or matte coating that gives a tidy, well-groomed look. Also popular are the French manicure with a white tip, ombré gradients and various decorations such as foils, rhinestones and hand-painted designs.
The shape can be chosen to match the character of your hand and your lifestyle: a short round or square nail is practical for everyday wear, while a longer almond or stiletto shape gives a more elegant look. The technician will suggest a shape that fits the proportions of your nail bed and fingers.
The length of the extension can be adjusted to your wishes and daily activities. If your natural nails are short or break easily, a gel extension helps achieve an even, strong result that would be hard to get by growing them naturally.
How is the application done and who are gel nails suitable for?
The procedure begins with a care manicure: the cuticle is pushed back, the nail surface is filed matte and cleaned so the gel adheres well. The technician then applies a base coat, building or colour gel and a top coat, curing each layer under the lamp. Finally the shape is created and the desired design is added.
The whole procedure usually takes 1–2 hours, depending on whether it is just a coating or an extension with a design. The application is painless, though some clients may feel a slight warmth under the lamp during curing.
Gel nails suit those who want strong, long-lasting, well-groomed nails without daily polishing. They also help people who habitually bite their nails or who have brittle, breaking nails. If the cuticle is inflamed or the nail has a fungal infection, this must be treated first.
How long do gel nails last and how should they be cared for?
Gel nails usually last 3–4 weeks, after which the growth of your own nail leaves a visible gap at the base and it is time for a refill. During a refill the technician removes the top layer, rebuilds the base and refreshes the coating – this is faster and cheaper than a completely new application.
Gel nails should not be picked at or peeled off yourself, because this tears away the surface layer of the natural nail and weakens it. For removal you should go to a technician, who files the nails down or gently removes them by soaking in acetone, preserving the health of the nail bed.
For daily care, cuticle oil helps, keeping the cuticle soft and the edges of the coating sealed. It's worth wearing gloves for housework and chemicals, as these can dull the coating. A regular refill every 3–4 weeks keeps the nails tidy and healthy.
How much do gel nails cost in Estonia?
In Estonia, the initial application of gel nails usually costs 30–50 €, depending on whether it is a simple coating or an extension with a design. A refill, i.e. a maintenance visit, is cheaper, mostly 25–40 €.
A more complex design, long extensions and hand-painted decorations add to the price. Applying gel polish to the natural nail is generally cheaper than built-up gel nails, because less material and work are needed.
In Tallinn the prices are as a rule slightly higher than in smaller towns such as Rakvere. When booking, it's worth checking whether the price includes removing the previous nails and the design, to avoid unexpected extra charges.
Frequently asked questions
How long do gel nails last?
Gel nails usually last 3–4 weeks, after which the growth of your own nail leaves a visible gap at the base and it is time for a refill. Longevity is affected by nail growth rate, care and daily wear. Proper aftercare helps keep the coating flawless for longer.
What is the difference between gel nails and gel polish?
Gel nails are a thicker built-up coating or extension that strengthens and lengthens the nail. Gel polish is a thin layer of colour on the natural nail that also lasts several weeks, but does not extend or strengthen the nail as much. Gel nails are the more durable solution, gel polish the cheaper and thinner one.
Do gel nails damage the natural nails?
Gel nails that are applied correctly and removed by a technician do not significantly damage the nails. Damage mainly arises from picking or peeling off the coating yourself, which tears away the surface layer of the nail. For removal you should always turn to a technician.
How often should gel nails be refilled?
A refill is recommended every 3–4 weeks, once a visible grown-out section has appeared at the base. During a refill the base is rebuilt and the coating is refreshed. A regular refill is cheaper and gentler on the nail than fully removing the coating and a new application.
How much do gel nails cost in Estonia?
The initial application in Estonia usually costs 30–50 €, depending on the complexity of the coating and design. A refill is cheaper, mostly 25–40 €. A complex design and long extensions add to the price, and in Tallinn the prices are generally slightly higher than in smaller towns.
Can gel nails be removed at home yourself?
Removing them yourself is not recommended, because ripping off the coating tears away the surface layer of the natural nail and weakens it. The safest option is to let a technician file the nails down or gently remove them by soaking in acetone. This preserves the health of the nail bed for the next application.