Is gel polish safe? Lamps, allergies and nail thinning
A calm look at the three concerns people raise about gel polish: UV and LED lamp exposure, gel allergy and HEMA sensitisation, and nails thinned by removal.
Mavka
A one-chair nail studio led by Mavi Ka. Careful preparation, an unhurried appointment, and a result meant to last.
Book on MindbodyThe name
Mavi Ka, known as Mavka
真弥花 — Mavi Ka — means something close to “true, beautiful blossom.” It is a name from her Japanese heritage, and the short form her clients have always used for it.
The studio carries her name because the work is hers — one technician, one chair, appointments booked one at a time.
真弥花
ma·vi·ka
“true, beautiful blossom”
Treatments
Nail care, done properly
Manicure, pedicure, and the finishes that go with them — full pricing on Mindbody.
Manicure
Shaping, cuticle care and your choice of finish — polish, gel, or a structural overlay.
More about manicurePedicure
Careful, unhurried, and finished with the polish or gel of your choice.
More about pedicureFinishing touches
French, chrome and other small details, added to any appointment.
More about finishing touchesBetween visits
Caring for your nails at home
A few habits that make an appointment last longer, whoever does the work.
Oil, daily
Cuticle oil worked in each evening keeps the skin around the nail supple, which slows lifting and peeling.
Gloves for cleaning
Detergent and hot water are harder on gel and polish than almost anything else you do with your hands.
Don’t pick, don’t peel
Lifting a corner takes healthy nail with it. If something starts to lift, book a fix rather than working at it.
Rebook before empty
Three to four weeks is a natural rhythm for gel. Booking your next visit before you leave keeps that rhythm easy.
Questions
Before your first visit
How long does an appointment take?
Most manicures and pedicures run 45 minutes to just over an hour, depending on finish and condition. Exact timing is on Mindbody.
How are tools sterilised?
Metal tools are cleaned and sterilised between every guest; files and buffers are single-use.
Can I bring my own design?
Bring a reference photo. Simple requests are usually no extra charge; more intricate art is quoted at the chair.
Journal
Notes from the studio
Longer answers to the questions asked most often at the chair. All articles
How to choose a nail colour that suits you
A practical guide to choosing a nail colour: skin undertones, occasion, nail length, hands versus toes, sheer versus opaque finishes, and everyday upkeep.
Toenail care at home: trimming, filing and prevention
How to trim toenails straight across, which tools to use, how to file without weakening the nail, and when to see a podiatrist instead of treating at home.