Manicure

Well-groomed hands make an impression and a professional manicure is the most reliable way to keep them that way. PIED-DE-POULE offers a full range of manicure services, from precise cuticle work to gel finishes and nail art, each carried out by experienced nail technicians. Whatever condition your nails are in now, the right treatment leaves them looking clean, shaped, and cared for.

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Hands That Look Polished

Neat, shaped nails that hold their finish

Clean Cuticle Work

No overgrown edges, no untidy borders

Finish That Lasts

Colour or natural — stays intact for weeks

Expert Hands Every Time

Consistent results from trained technicians

What is Manicure?

A manicure covers the full care of the hands and nails — shaping the free edge, treating the cuticle, smoothing the nail plate, and finishing with whichever coating or natural look the client prefers. The scope of what that involves varies considerably by technique, which is why the choice of method matters as much as the appointment itself.

Cuticle and Shaping Techniques

Four approaches to cuticle treatment are available at PIED-DE-POULE:

Classic manicure — the hand is soaked before the cuticle is removed with cutting tools. Works on most nail conditions, including more severe cases.

Dry manicure — no soaking. The cuticle is removed directly using instruments, giving the technician greater control and producing a cleaner edge that holds its shape for longer.

European manicure — the cuticle is softened with a remover solution rather than cut. A gentler method suited to clients with sensitive skin around the nail.

Combined manicure — manual technique for the more delicate areas, machine-assisted for the rest. Suited to clients who want thorough treatment across the full nail surface.

Electric File Treatments

The nail drill handles shaping, cuticle removal, and nail plate polishing in a single continuous process. It removes old coatings efficiently, treats the side walls and nail grooves, and reduces rough skin around the fingers. Machine manicure sessions typically run 60 to 75 minutes and are particularly effective for clients who want a very smooth plate before shellac or gel is applied.

Nail Nourishment Without Coatings

Some clients want their nails to recover rather than be painted. The Japanese manicure uses mineral pastes, keratin, pearl powder, and beeswax applied manually into the nail plate, finishing with a buffed natural gloss. No colour, no UV lamp — the result is stronger, healthier nails with a shine that comes from within the plate rather than sitting on top of it.

Gel and Shellac Finishes

Gel polish and shellac are cured under a UV or LED lamp and typically last two to three weeks without chipping. They are available across all cuticle techniques — the finish is applied once the nail plate has been prepped, regardless of the method used beforehand. A wide range of colours, finishes, and nail art options is available at both salon locations.

Nail Art and Specialised Designs

French manicure remains one of the most requested finishes — the two-tone coverage with a defined free edge suits a wide range of nail lengths and occasions. Beyond that, the catalogue includes gradients, stamping, lace, geometric designs, and rhinestone work. For event-specific bookings, the wedding manicure is planned in consultation with the client, matched to the dress, accessories, and overall look.

Grooming for Men

The men’s manicure covers trimming, shaping, cuticle care, and a hand massage. The finish is natural — no colour, no visible product. Sessions run approximately 45 to 60 minutes.

Instrument Sterilisation

All instruments used at PIED-DE-POULE are processed between every client following a three-stage protocol: mechanical cleaning under running water, treatment with disinfectant solution, and full sterilisation using autoclave or UV equipment. Processed tools are stored in sealed bags until the next use.

How the Manicure Is Performed at PIED-DE-POULE

Consultation

The technician assesses current nail length, plate condition, cuticle overgrowth, and any prior coatings before starting. The preferred technique, shape, and finish are confirmed at this point.

Nail Shaping

The free edge is filed to the agreed shape and length. Any irregularities in the nail contour are corrected before cuticle work begins, so the overall silhouette is established from the start.

Cuticle Treatment

The cuticle is removed, softened, or pushed back depending on the technique selected. This step defines the cleanliness of the result — how it looks immediately and how well it holds over the following weeks.

Nail Plate Preparation

The plate is buffed to remove surface ridges and even out any texture. This step takes place regardless of the finish chosen and is what allows colour to sit flat and last without lifting.

Colour or Natural Finish

Polish, shellac, gel, or a bare buffed finish is applied according to preference. Gel and shellac coatings are cured under a lamp at this stage. Any nail art is completed before the final seal coat.

Aftercare and Next Appointment

The technician advises on maintenance — cuticle oil use, glove-wearing for cleaning, and when to return. Most gel and shellac finishes are revisited every two to three weeks; natural finishes every three to four.

Why Choose Manicure

Cuticle Clearance
Removing or softening the cuticle exposes the full nail plate surface, which improves both the appearance of the nail border and the adhesion of any coating applied afterward.
Nail Plate Smoothing
Buffing the nail surface removes ridges and layers left by previous coatings, creating an even base that holds polish or gel flat without lifting at the edges.
Free Edge Shaping
Filing the nail to the correct shape — square, oval, almond, or other — distributes mechanical stress more evenly across the nail plate, reducing the likelihood of breakage between appointments.
Cuticle Oil Application
Applying cuticle oil at the end of the session replenishes moisture to the skin around the nail, slowing the rate of cuticle regrowth and keeping the perimeter neat for longer.

FAQ

How long does a manicure take?

A standard session runs 45 to 75 minutes. Machine and combined techniques sit toward the longer end; a natural finish without coating is quicker.
What is the difference between a classic manicure and other types?

The main distinction is in how the cuticle is treated and whether instruments or solutions are used. Classic manicure involves soaking and cutting; dry techniques skip the soak for more precision; nourishing formats like Japanese manicure skip coatings entirely and focus on restoring the nail plate itself.
How often should I book a manicure?

Gel and shellac finishes are typically maintained every two to three weeks. Natural manicures can go three to four weeks, depending on how quickly your nails grow.
Is it safe to have my cuticles cut?

Yes, when performed by a trained technician using sterilised instruments. PIED-DE-POULE follows a three-stage sterilisation protocol for all tools used during the session.
Can I book a manicure if I currently have gel on my nails?

Yes. Gel removal can be added to your booking beforehand, or your technician will remove the existing coating at the start of the session.
Do you offer manicures without any colour or coating?

Yes. A natural finish — buffed and clean — is available across all techniques. The Japanese type is specifically designed to nourish the nail plate and leave a natural gloss without any polish.
What nail art options are available?

The range includes French designs, gradients, stamping, lace, geometric patterns, and rhinestone work. For specific events, nail art is planned in advance as part of the booking.
What services can I combine with a manicure?

Manicure is often booked alongside a pedicure to cover both hands and feet in a single visit. Clients also combine it with shellac application, nail art, or a hand massage within the same appointment.

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