Manicure
Manicures in Estonia: 20–70 €, over a hundred salons in Tallinn, Tartu and Pärnu. Gel polish, gel manicure, classic. Find experienced nail technicians.
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Manicures are among the most popular services in Estonian beauty salons — our catalogue lists over a hundred salons offering them nationwide, with the widest choice in Tallinn, Tartu and Pärnu. A manicure is not just painted nails: it is care of the nail plate and cuticle that reduces breakage, keeps hands presentable and supports nail health. A quality manicure lasts 5–7 days with classic polish, 2–3 weeks with gel polish, and up to 4 weeks with a gel manicure or extension. Below we explain the different types of manicure, price levels in Estonia, and how to choose a reliable nail technician whose hygiene and skills meet professional standards.
What is a manicure and what types are there?
A manicure is a hand and nail treatment covering cuticle removal, nail shaping, buffing of the nail surface and finishing. A classic manicure softens the cuticle in water, removes it with nippers and applies conventional nail polish. The result is natural and lasts on average 5–7 days.
A gel polish manicure (gel polish, shellac) uses a special lacquer cured under a UV or LED lamp. The result is glossier, longer-lasting and more durable — 2–3 weeks without scratching or chipping. A gel manicure, or gel extension, lengthens the nail using a special gel applied over a form.
The e-file manicure has quickly grown in popularity in Estonia. The cuticle and nail surface are worked with specialised rotating bits. It is more hygienic, since less water is involved, and suits sensitive or thin nail plates particularly well.
Manicure prices in Estonia and how an appointment works
Prices in Estonia depend on the type of service and the standard of the salon. A classic manicure starts at 20–30 €. A gel polish manicure costs 30–45 €, a gel manicure with extensions 45–70 €. Nail art such as French, ombre or crystals is usually an extra 5–15 €.
A standard appointment lasts 45–90 minutes depending on complexity. An e-file manicure is often faster (40–60 minutes) than the classic wet method. Booking ahead is close to essential in Tallinn and Tartu salons — the wait for a popular nail technician is typically one to three weeks.
Hygiene is non-negotiable: all tools must be either autoclave-sterilised or single-use. Check that the technician uses a new file for every client, since reusing files is a direct route for spreading fungal infection.
How to choose a salon for manicures
Check Google reviews and the Instagram portfolio. A good nail technician shows their work openly: even gel polish, tidy cuticle work, straight edges and appropriate length. Signs of poor work are uneven polish, polish residue around the cuticle or an uneven nail plate.
A hygienic salon uses autoclave sterilisation and single-use files. Ask about hygiene practices before booking — a trustworthy technician will answer openly and show you their equipment.
Consider experienced salons such as Esimene Ilustuudio in Tallinn, Ilusalong Felicia in Tallinn, Ilusalong Duaal in Jõgeva, Ilusalong Le Salon in Narva and Ilukliinik Floris in Rapla. See the full list on the /salongid page.
How to look after a manicure at home
A classic polish manicure lasts longer if you wear rubber gloves when cleaning, especially with detergents. Apply cuticle oil in the evenings — it maintains elasticity and extends how long the finish looks fresh.
Removing gel polish at home is acceptable only carefully, with acetone. Scraping, picking or pulling it off damages the nail surface permanently. If gel polish starts lifting at the edges, it is better to have it removed at a salon.
Manicures in Estonia's larger cities
Tallinn has the widest choice of salons offering manicures — dozens in our catalogue. Tartu and Pärnu follow, each with dozens of salons. Keila, Rakvere and Kuressaare also offer a good local choice.
Smaller towns and rural areas typically have one to three salons with an experienced nail technician. See the full list on the /salongid page and filter by city to find what is near you.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a manicure cost in Estonia?
A classic manicure starts at 20–30 € in Estonia. A gel polish manicure costs 30–45 €, a gel manicure with extensions 45–70 €. Nail art is usually an extra 5–15 €. Prices in Tallinn and Tartu are slightly higher than in smaller towns.
How long does a gel polish manicure last?
A well-executed gel polish manicure lasts 2–3 weeks without scratching or chipping. A gel manicure with extensions lasts up to 4 weeks. Classic polish typically lasts 5–7 days.
Are manicures bad for your nails?
A properly performed manicure does not damage nails. Signs of poor technique include excessive buffing of the nail plate, aggressive cutting of the cuticle, or overuse of the UV lamp. A good technician knows how much work to do and where the limit lies.
How often should you have a manicure?
Every one to two weeks with classic polish, every three to four weeks with gel polish. For proper nail care a manicure at least every four weeks is recommended. In between you can apply cuticle oil at home and touch up the polish if needed.
Can you have a manicure while pregnant?
Yes. Manicures are safe during pregnancy, but favour a well-ventilated salon, as gel polish and acrylic fumes can feel unpleasant during the first trimester. Tell your technician you are pregnant so they can choose the most suitable products.
Do you need to book in advance?
At the more popular salons in Tallinn, Tartu and Pärnu booking is close to essential — the wait for a good nail technician can be one to three weeks. In smaller towns it is often possible to get an appointment the same week or even the same day.
What is the difference between an e-file and a classic manicure?
An e-file manicure uses an electric tool to work the cuticle and nail surface. It is more hygienic, as less water is involved, and suits thin or sensitive nail plates. The classic method uses soaking and nippers, which works particularly well for overgrown cuticles.
How do you remove gel polish at home?
Soak a cotton pad in acetone, place it on the nail, wrap in foil and wait 10–15 minutes. The gel polish should then be soft and removable with a wooden stick. Do not scrape or pull it off, as this damages the nail surface. If it does not come away easily, go to a salon.