What's the difference between gel and a builder base?

Plain gel is colour only. A moding builder base adds a thin reinforcing layer under the colour, so weak or peeling nails hold up and can grow out longer without snapping.

How long does gel last?

Two to three weeks typically. Washing up, gym chalk and picking at the edges shorten it; a builder base extends it.

Can I remove gel at home?

Please don't peel it — that takes layers of your nail with it. Book a removal, it's quick and cheap and keeps your nails healthy.

Nails

Gel nails in Nairobi

From KES 2,350 · mobile appointment at your home, hotel or Airbnb

Gel is what you want when you like your own nail length and just want it to look finished for a fortnight. Colour goes on thin, cures hard under the lamp, and comes out of the appointment already dry — no smudged thumb in the car, no waiting around with your hands in the air.

There are two ways we do it. Plain gel is straight colour on a prepped nail. A moding builder base adds a thin structural layer underneath, which is the fix if your nails are soft, peel at the free edge, or keep snapping just as they get long. The builder base costs a little more and buys you noticeably more wear.

You can have gel on its own, or as part of a full manicure with cuticle work and shaping first. Both come to you — home, office, hotel — anywhere in Nairobi.

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Long square grey chrome nails with black star art by Eilish Bratz

Blue almond nails with silver chrome swirl art by Eilish Bratz

Deep red square nails with black leopard print art by Eilish Bratz

Almond nails with pastel yellow French tips and cherry art by Eilish Bratz

Nude stiletto nails with silver chrome tips and gems by Eilish Bratz

Short almond nails with glitter French tips and black polka dots by Eilish Bratz

What to expect

Shaping, cuticle work and buffing before colour
Plain gel, or a moding builder base underneath for soft or peeling nails
Two to three weeks of chip-free wear on most people
Any colour, French, cat eye or ombré finish on request
Fully cured and touch-dry when the artist packs up

Questions

What's the difference between gel and a builder base?: Plain gel is colour only. A moding builder base adds a thin reinforcing layer under the colour, so weak or peeling nails hold up and can grow out longer without snapping.
How long does gel last?: Two to three weeks typically. Washing up, gym chalk and picking at the edges shorten it; a builder base extends it.
Can I remove gel at home?: Please don't peel it — that takes layers of your nail with it. Book a removal, it's quick and cheap and keeps your nails healthy.