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Treatment guide

Manicures, gels and extensions: what to look for

Nail treatments cover manicures, pedicures, gel polish and extensions, typically 45–90 minutes. They sit outside England's proposed cosmetic-procedure licensing scheme. The risks that do exist are practical ones: infection control, over-filing, and reactions to uncured gel.

Last reviewed · How we research and check this

Outside the scheme

Is it regulated?

No licence is required to perform this anywhere in the UK. Sits outside the licensing scheme as drafted — it does not penetrate the skin or apply light, electricity, cold or heat in the way the scheme defines. Qualification and insurance still matter, and no law requires either.

Basis: Section 180, Health and Care Act 2022 and the Government's consultation response of 7 August 2025, tracked in House of Commons Library briefing CBP-10331.

What the practitioner should hold

Level 2 or 3 nail technology, plus system-specific training for gel and acrylic ranges.

Insurance

Standard salon cover. Ask if they work mobile — some policies restrict location.

What it costs

Guide price: we do not yet have enough member listings to publish a reliable range for nail treatments. We publish this figure only when there is real data behind it.

Questions to ask before you book

  1. How do you sterilise your tools between clients?
  2. Which gel system do you use?
  3. How do you remove gel — soak-off or filing?
  4. What do you do if I have a nail infection?

Red flags

  • Tools not visibly sterilised or single-use
  • Filing that hurts or leaves nails thin and sore
  • Drills used on the natural nail plate by an untrained hand
  • No ventilation in a small room with acrylic in use

Common questions

Is gel polish bad for your nails?

The polish itself is not the problem; removal usually is. Filing off gel rather than soaking removes nail plate with it. Ask how they remove it before you book a set.

How do I know the tools are clean?

Ask. Metal tools should be sterilised between clients and files should be single-use or personal to you. A practitioner who welcomes the question is one you can trust.

Are nail salons regulated?

Not through the cosmetic licensing scheme. Local authorities can act on health and safety and infection control, and premises using certain chemicals have obligations, but there is no licence for nail treatments themselves.

Members offering nail treatments

Related guides

Waxing

Sources

  1. Section 180, Health and Care Act 2022
  2. House of Commons Library briefing CBP-10331