Two distinct families: nail extensions (adding length — tips €65, Gel-X €75, forms €85) and strengthening (solidifying the natural nail — BIAB kapping €70, gel overlay €50, BIAB with colour €60). The right choice depends on your goal: length or strength. Our team guides you at the first consultation.
Many clients walk in with an imprecise ask: "I want something for my nails". Our role is to clarify the actual goal before recommending a service. The first question is simple: do you want to lengthen, or to strengthen? Each answer opens a separate technical universe.
Family 1: strengthening (solidifying the natural nail)
Strengthening keeps the natural nail and makes it sturdier by adding a gel layer. Length doesn't change. It's the right option if your nails:
- Crack or peel.
- Break at the slightest knock.
- Don't hold semi-permanent beyond 2 weeks.
- Feel too soft or too thin.
Gel overlay + semi-permanent — €60 / 60 min
A clear gel layer is applied across the entire natural nail, then semi-permanent goes on top. Strengthens without changing visual thickness. Ideal when nails crack easily.
Gel overlay only — €50 / 50 min
The same gel overlay, but without colour. Clear or natural-nude finish. For those wanting strength without colour.
BIAB kapping + semi-permanent — €70 / 75 min
BIAB (Builder In A Bottle) is a self-levelling gel denser than the classic overlay. Result: stronger nail, slightly thicker, ideal for pronounced fragility. Hold up to 4 weeks.
BIAB kapping with integrated colour — €60 / 60 min
BIAB variant with colour built into the gel. Fewer layers, faster process. A solid compromise for daily wear.
Family 2: extensions (adding length)
Extensions add length to your natural nail. The right solution if you want:
- Nails longer than nature gave you.
- An almond, stiletto or coffin shape impossible on short nails.
- Uniform length across all fingers (useful when certain nails break often).
Tip extensions + semi-permanent — €65 / 75 min
Pre-formed tips are glued onto the natural nail then covered in gel and colour. Quick and accessible method. The tip is filed and shaped to the final form.
Gel-X extensions + semi-permanent — €75 / 75 min
Gel-X are pre-shaped gel extensions applied in a single move across the whole nail. More natural than tips, stronger, longer-lasting. The most modern technique.
Form extensions + semi-permanent — €85 / 90 min
The form technique is the most precise. A paper guide is slid under the nail, and gel is sculpted directly onto it. Result: custom length, custom shape, maximum strength. The premium service at the salon — suited for complex shapes (long stiletto, elongated coffin).
Full comparison table
| Service | Family | Goal | Duration | Price | Hold |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gel overlay only | Strengthening | Solidify natural nail | 50 min | €50 | 3-4 wks |
| Gel overlay + semi-perm. | Strengthening | Strength + colour | 60 min | €60 | 3-4 wks |
| BIAB kapping w/ colour | Strengthening | Strengthen + integrated colour | 60 min | €60 | 3-4 wks |
| BIAB kapping + semi-perm. | Strengthening | Reinforced strength | 75 min | €70 | 4 wks |
| Tips + semi-perm. | Extensions | Quick length | 75 min | €65 | 3-4 wks |
| Gel-X + semi-perm. | Extensions | Lasting length | 75 min | €75 | 4 wks |
| Forms + semi-perm. | Extensions | Custom shape and length | 90 min | €85 | 4-5 wks |
How to choose: 3 questions to ask yourself
1. Is my natural nail fragile or strong?
If fragile (breaks, peels, won't hold semi-permanent) → strengthening family. Extensions won't mask the problem, they'll cover it temporarily.
2. Do I want to change my length?
If yes → extensions (tips, Gel-X, forms). If no and the natural length suits me → strengthening.
3. What's my time and upkeep budget?
Extensions require a €60 fill every 3-4 weeks to stay impeccable. BIAB strengthening also renews, but the rhythm is more flexible. Budget accordingly.
💡 Tip: Still hesitating? Book a short first appointment with a classic manicure (€30) — gives Dodo or Xin a chance to look at your nails and orient you precisely before the next step.
Special case: emergency repair
Broke a nail the day before an event? No need to redo everything. The broken nail repair at €10 (20 min) rebuilds the isolated nail with the same form or gel technique. Very useful as a quick service.
And removal?
All these techniques are removed in salon. Pricing:
- Hands semi-permanent removal — 15 min — €10
- Extension / overlay removal — 20 min — €20
Never pull off at home. It's the leading cause of lasting damage to the natural nail.
Book your consultation
Mention "first application" at booking — our team takes time to look at your nails before applying. Salon at 7 rue d'Argenteuil, 3 minutes from Tuileries metro.
Book →