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Nail Extensions

Gel nail extensions add length and structure in a single appointment, with a finish that holds for two to four weeks without chipping or losing shape. At PIED-DE-POULE, extensions are built using professional UV gel and applied by trained nail technicians across both London locations — South Kensington and Oxford Circus — open daily from 9am to 9pm.

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Length Without the Wait

Reach your ideal nail length in one appointment

Weeks of Wear

Chip-free finish that holds for two to four weeks

Corrected Imperfections

Uneven or damaged nails reshaped from the start

Design From Day One

Colour, French, ombre, or nail art applied immediately

What are Nail Extensions?

Natural nails break, stay short, or grow unevenly — extensions solve all three at once. A layer of gel or acrylic is built over the natural nail and shaped to the length and form you want, creating a solid structure that the decorative finish sits on. The result looks like a natural nail, holds its shape under daily use, and gives you a consistent length across all ten fingers from the moment you leave the salon.

Extensions last two to four weeks before an infill appointment is needed to maintain structure as the natural nail grows.

Gel Nail Extensions

Gel extensions use UV gel applied in layers, with each coat cured under a UV or LED lamp to set hard. The material is flexible enough to move with the natural nail, which makes it less likely to crack under everyday pressure. Gel produces a high-gloss, natural-looking finish and has no chemical odour during application. Application takes approximately one hour.

Acrylic Nail Extensions

The acrylic method uses a powder and liquid monomer system applied over a tip to create length before being shaped and finished with gel or regular polish. Acrylic is harder and more rigid than gel — better suited to clients who need a more durable structure. Application time is around one hour and ten minutes. Like gel, acrylic extensions require infills every two to three weeks as the natural nail grows.

Tip Extensions

Tip extensions use a pre-made artificial tip bonded to the end of the natural nail, which is then overlaid and shaped to blend seamlessly. This is a faster format for adding immediate length and can be finished with gel polish or regular colour.

Finish and Design Options

Once the extension is shaped, any decorative finish can be applied — solid colour, French edge, ombre, or nail art with glitter and rhinestones. Nail art is available as an add-on and should be requested at the time of booking. Clients who prefer a stripped-back result can finish with a Shellac Nail Treatment coat over the extension for a clean, high-gloss look without additional design.

How Nail Extensions Are Performed at PIED-DE-POULE

Consultation

The technician assesses the current condition of your nails — length, surface health, and any existing product — and confirms which extension format and finish you want. Design requests including nail art, ombre, or French edge are confirmed at this stage so materials are prepared before the procedure begins.

Cleaning and Surface

Preparation Nails are cleaned, shaped, and lightly filed. A dehydrator is applied to remove surface moisture and oils from the nail plate, which is the step that determines how well the extension material bonds and how long it holds.

Primer Application

A primer is applied to each nail and cured under the lamp. This creates the chemical foundation the gel or acrylic adheres to — skipping or rushing this step is the most common reason extensions lift prematurely.

Extension Building

Nail molds or tips are placed to guide the shape, then the modelling material — gel or acrylic — is applied in layers. Each gel layer is cured under the UV or LED lamp before the next is added. Once the structure is built, the molds are removed and the nail is filed and shaped to the agreed length and form.

Finish and Design

The surface is buffed smooth, then the decorative finish is applied: base coat, colour coats, and topcoat, each cured in sequence. Nail art, glitter, or rhinestones are added at this stage if requested. Avoid applying oil-based products to the nails in the 24 hours before your appointment — surface oils reduce primer adhesion.

Aftercare Guidance

The technician confirms the next appointment window — an infill is recommended every two to three weeks as the natural nail grows. Wear gloves for cleaning and household tasks to protect the coating from harsh chemicals. Apply nail oil or hand cream regularly to keep the surrounding skin and cuticles in good condition between visits. If a nail breaks before your next appointment, book a repair rather than attempting to remove it at home — professional removal protects the nail plate underneath.

Why Choose Nail Extensions at PIED-DE-POULE

Gel and Acrylic, Both Available
The salon works with gel, acrylic, and tip extension systems, so the format is matched to the condition of your natural nails and the result you want — not limited to a single method.
Full Design Service
Included Colour, French finish, ombre, and nail art with glitter or rhinestones are all available within the same appointment. Design options are discussed at consultation so nothing needs to be added as an afterthought.
Central London, Open Daily
South Kensington and Oxford Circus are both accessible by tube and open from 9am to 9pm seven days a week. Evening and weekend availability means extension appointments fit around a full schedule without requiring time off.
Infill Appointments at the Same Locations
The follow-up infill every two to three weeks is available at the same salons, with technicians familiar with the extension system already in place. Consistency across the initial set and subsequent maintenance reduces the risk of lifting or structural mismatch.

FAQ

How long do nails extensions last?

Extensions hold their structure and finish for two to four weeks. After that, the natural nail growth creates a gap at the cuticle that needs to be addressed with an infill to maintain both the appearance and the structural integrity of the extension.
How do I know my extensions need an infill?

The clearest signs are a visible gap between the cuticle and the base of the extension, any lifting at the sides or edges, or a change in the nail’s rigidity. A gap of around 2–3mm is the standard indicator that an infill appointment is due.
What is the difference between gel and acrylic extensions?

Gel is flexible, odour-free, and produces a finish closer to a natural nail. Acrylic is harder and more rigid, suited to clients who put more physical stress on their hands. The technician can advise on the better option based on your nail condition at consultation.
How long does the application take?

A gel extension set takes approximately one hour. Acrylic extensions take around one hour and ten minutes. Appointments with nail art or more complex design work take longer — confirm at the time of booking.
Can I get nail art on extensions?

Yes, solid colour, French edge, ombre, glitter, and rhinestones are all available as part of the same appointment. Request nail art when booking so the technician can prepare the materials in advance.
Will extensions damage my natural nails?

Applied and removed correctly, extensions do not damage the natural nail plate. The risk of damage comes primarily from mechanical removal — peeling or picking the extension off rather than having it soaked off professionally.
What should I avoid after getting extensions for nails?

Wear gloves when cleaning or using household products containing chemicals or detergents. Avoid using your nails as tools to open or pick at things. Apply nail oil or hand cream regularly, and keep the nails away from prolonged hot water exposure — all of these extend how long the finish holds.

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