Townhouse

Do your hands really need their own skincare routine?

Anwar Elharabi — Tue, 21 Jan 2025 15:23:06 +0000

If you’re guilty of giving your face all the attention, you might want to invest in a hand cream and cuticle oil…

Is it us, or did skincare get really elaborate? Scroll through social media and you’ll find endless skincare routines, harnessing massage tools, lip masks, essences, creams, spot stickers and more. While we applaud this commitment to self-care (we can’t stress how important it is), we’re here to carry out a lil’ welfare check on your hands… they’re doing ok, are they? Applied any hand cream recently? Treated your nails to a smidge of cuticle oil?

The truth is, our hands don’t get half as much TLC as our faces. While this is understandable to some degree (the skin on our faces is thinner and more prone to moisture loss), it’s a no-brainer that all skin requires maintenance to protect it from external aggressors that can cause dryness and premature ageing. At Townhouse, we provide treatments with long-term nail health in mind, and we want our Guests to continue this commitment when they get home. So, how can you guarantee your hand care routine is as efficient as your face care? Step one: treat yourself to a good hand cream gift set, that’s what…

The Ultimate Hand-Care Routine

There are five steps to work into your week (or day) when maintaining nail and hand health at home:

Step 1. Soak hands in warm water

Step 2. Exfoliate the skin

Step 3. Gently push back your cuticles

Step 4. Apply cuticle oil

Step 5. Massage in hand cream

1. Soak your hands in warm water

While exposure to water should be limited where possible (read why in the ‘What to Avoid’ section below), a weekly soak will help to soften the cuticles, making them easier to push back. A few minutes once a week will do – you could even add a few drops of olive oil to your water for added moisture.

2. Exfoliate the skin

Like the skin on your face, your hands collect invisible dead skin cells that linger on the surface, dulling the skin and blocking the absorption of your hydrating hand cream. After soaking, apply a scrub to the backs of both hands and gently massage in using circular motions to lift dirt and debris, before washing away to leave the ultimate skin glow. Our SCRUB #1, £22 is a gentle sugar-based exfoliant packed with fatty-acid-rich shea butter and coconut oils. Hard-working humectant glycerin also works to lock in moisture, delivering long-term hydration and softness before you’ve even applied your hand cream.

3. Gently push back your cuticles

After you’ve soaked your cuticles to soften them, use a cuticle pusher or orange wood stick to gently nudge them back. Avoid cutting or trimming to avoid infection or damage – your overall nail health depends on these tiny protective seals.

4. Apply cuticle oil

Just one drop of a dedicated oil massaged into each cuticle will leave them (and the skin around the nails) looking soft and conditioned. Our fast-absorbing Cuticle Oil, £12.50 contains bakuchiol, vegan squalene and sunflower oil, delivering next-level nourishment enveloped in a tropical coconut scent.

5. Massage in a hand cream

Hand cream is a no-brainer when it comes to maintaining hand and nail health. Our Cream #1, from £9 is infused with oat to smooth and soothe the skin, and can be used throughout the day, to reintroduce hydration as and when your hands need it. Take a moment before bed to massage it in as you wind down for sleep – the perfect self-care moment after a long, busy day.

And What to Avoid…

A good hand care routine is as much about what you avoid as what you apply. Here are some of the daily aggressors to be mindful of as you go about your day-to-day activities…

Excessive water exposure

If you’ve found yourself washing your hands way more since the pandemic, it’s likely your skin has suffered for it. Avoid dryness and irritation by keeping the water temperature tepid, not hot, and patting your hands dry rather than rubbing them. Avoid hand wash containing harsh surfactants such as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) or sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), which can dry out the skin.

Drying chemicals

Household chores are unavoidable (unfortunately), but the cleaning products formulated to cut through grease and grime can wreak havoc on your skin’s delicate lipid layer. Always wear protective gloves when washing up and save the use of handy alcohol-based sanitisers (such as our rinse-free Hand Cleanser, £22) for when you’re out and about.

Cold weather

You’ve probably noticed the effects of an icy winter on your skin, interspersed with blasts of central heating. Applying a hand cream regularly will reinforce the skin’s natural moisture barrier, keeping hydration in and environmental irritants out.

UV exposure

Just like winter, the summer can have its skin drawbacks too. UV rays are said to be responsible for around 80% of premature skin ageing, so when you’re smothering your face in SPF, be sure to give your hands a little love too.

Sabotaging your nail health

We’re all guilty of opening lids with our nails, peeling stickers, and in some cases, biting and peeling them. You don’t need us to tell you why this is a bad idea if you want to keep your nails looking long and strong. A good nail ritual helps to reinforce the idea that your hands and nails are worthy of special care and attention (and should not be used as tools!) It’s also worth considering BIAB (Builder in a Bottle). This soft-gel treatment acts like a protective overlay on weak and brittle nails, enabling them to grow naturally over time, without the damage associated with acrylics.

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Soap Nails: The Squeaky-Clean New Mani Trend

Anwar Elharabi — Mon, 20 Jan 2025 16:52:50 +0000

There’s polished-looking nails… and then there’s ‘soap nails.’ Buffed, scrubbed, and trimmed to perfection, with a milky, wet-look finish that makes it look like you’ve just stepped out of a bubble bath. Think: clean girl nails, but supercharged.

What are soap nails?

“Clean girl aesthetic” dominated our beauty algorithms in 2024 – a trend brought to life by sleek hair, dewy skin, and less-is-more makeup. This infatuation with all things flawless looks set to continue, and nails in particular are having a squeaky-clean moment.

Celebrities such as Selena Gomez, Zendaya, and Victoria Beckham have all worn this effortless nail look, opting for either a neutral, pale pink, or milky shade, with a high-shine finish that emulates that fresh-from-the-water glimmer. The look can be worn on long or short nails, but the trend lends itself to more “minimalist” lengths. So, how best to recreate the look?

“Good cuticle care is essential for maintaining a neat and polished nail look, but Builder Gel is the obvious choice for that beautifully buffed, sudsy finish,” explains Founder and Creative Director at Townhouse, Juanita Huber-Millet. “Our Super Gel Overlay comes in a range of barely-there shades, with a translucent quality that mimics the high shine of water and bubbles.” Juanita goes on to add that while maximalist trends are fabulous for those who like to experiment with nail art, soap nails are elegant, understated, and wearable for literally everyone. And the bonus? Builder Gel – also known as BIAB – is the go-to treatment for achieving longer and stronger nails, naturally.

Want to try the Soap Nail trend for yourself? Select the BIAB/Super Gel Overlay add-on for an extra £20 when you book a Signature or Luxury Manicure with Polish or Gel at Townhouse.

What is the best colour for soap nails?

As mentioned, BIAB offers the perfect selection of pared-back, high-shine shades for this look, with the bonus of lasting 3-4 weeks. If you prefer polish or gel, we recommend our Old Street, Holland Park, or Covent Garden shades.

Achieving the soap nails look at home is of course doable, but we would always recommend a professional manicure, especially for a look that’s so focused on impeccable cuticle work. Being overzealous when trimming cuticles or buffing the nail plate can lead to trauma of the nail and even infection, so using one of our expert-trained Nail Artists is always a good idea.

That said, if you decide to opt for an at-home mani, here’s our failsafe step-by-step routine:

1. Remove: Delicately remove any existing nail polish using cotton pads and nail polish remover to ensure a clean base. You’ll find acetone-free remover less dehydrating for the skin and nails.

2. Shape: Use a nail file to shape your nails to the desired style. ‘Squoval’ (square with rounded edges) suits all nail lengths, while almond (teardrop-shaped with a rounded tip) is the nail shape of the moment. File in one direction rather than a “seesaw” effect, which can cause the nail edge to split.

3. Cuticles: Leave cuticle trimming to the professionals. Instead, use an orangewood stick, cuticle pusher, or damp cotton bud to gently push them back. Even better, get into the habit of pushing them back daily after your shower or bath, when the cuticles are softer from the water and heat.

4. Buff: Gently smooth out any ridges or scratches on your nail plate with a buffer, ensuring a flawless surface for your polish.

5. Polish: Apply one or two coats of pale pink polish for that clean ‘just stepped out of a bubble bath’ effect.

6. Correct: Use a cotton bud dipped in nail polish remover to clean up any mistakes or excess polish on your skin.

7. Topcoat: Once all the polish is dry, apply a topcoat to seal and protect your manicure.

8. Finish: Massage a drop of oil into your cuticles (daily, ideally). Our coconut-scented Cuticle Oil, £12.50 contains bakuchiol, vegan squalene and sunflower oil to soften the cuticle and surrounding skin. Finally, make hand cream your other daily habit. Our Cream #1, from £9 is infused with oat to smooth and soothe the skin for long-term hydration.

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Everything You Need to Know About BIAB

Anwar Elharabi — Mon, 20 Jan 2025 15:06:56 +0000

It’s The Go-To Treatment for Stronger and Longer Nails – Here’s How to Find BIAB Near You

If beauty algorithms are anything to go by, strong, healthy-looking nails are the new status symbol. But how is everyone managing to grow theirs so long? BIAB (AKA Builder in a Bottle) has revolutionised manicures around the world, offering a durable, natural-looking alternative to traditional gels and acrylics. But the benefits don’t end there. It’s become the go-to service for people suffering from weak, brittle nails that refuse to grow. So, how does it work, is it for everyone, and where can you find the best salon for BIAB? Read on to discover if having a regular Super Gel Overlay at Townhouse could transform the strength and length of your natural nails, and where to find BIAB near you…

What is BIAB?

It’s like gel… only it’s not. BIAB is applied like a traditional gel, with each coat cured under a lamp. The key difference is its thicker consistency, which acts as a protective overlay for nails prone to splitting and breaking. It’s also softer and more flexible, meaning it’s able to move with the nail plate to prevent breakage. And if that wasn’t enough, it lasts 3-4 weeks (compared to the two-week lifespan of your average gel manicure). While builder gel can be soaked off with acetone, professional removal is recommended. Some salons offer the option of infilling new nail growth every 2-3 weeks, but be sure to have your BIAB removed every 3-4 appointments to check in on the health of your nails before treating yourself to a fresh set.

Is BIAB Better Than Gel?

If you want an on-point mani that lasts longer than traditional gel and strengthens your natural nails, then yes. BIAB fans find it less likely to lift at the edges (perfect for pickers!) and the thicker consistency is also a great deterrent for nail biters. That said, BIAB colours tend to be stocked in more neutral pink and nude shades, so you might not find a direct BIAB replacement for your favourite gel colour. But there’s good news: builder gel can be applied as a base coat before your gel manicure, giving you the best of both worlds!

BIAB Vs Acrylic

Acrylics continue to serve a very specific need: dramatic nail extensions and 3D art. If you’ve ever had them, or you’re an acrylic technician, you’ll know the skill and time required to create the perfect set. A liquid monomer and powder polymer are mixed to form a bead that’s carefully blended over the nail and extension tip using a brush, before being encapsulated and shaped. BIAB comes in a bottle and is applied like a traditional polish, and cured like a gel. It can also be soaked off with acetone, which is less likely to cause trauma to the nail bed compared to the drilling required to remove acrylics. Some salons offer a wider range of BIAB shades but bear in mind these require a rubber base coat, which would need to be filed off like acrylics. The BIAB colours we offer at Townhouse are: Mayflower Road, Poland Street, Greek Street, Chiltern Street, Brook Street, and Heddon Street.

Can I extend BIAB or use it with tips?

BIAB can be extended over the natural nail, but short to mid-length extensions are recommended. GelPot is a hard-gel version that can be used for longer extensions (but without the restorative promise of its softer sibling). BIAB can also be extended over tips or nail forms (worth knowing if you’re making the switch from acrylics but want to keep your XL nails). All of the above options can be shaped as you wish, whether you’re a coffin nail enthusiast or an elegant almond girl.

Is BIAB good for your nails?

If your nails are weak, brittle, and prone to splitting or breaking, BIAB is a great way to get the longer, stronger nails you’ve always dreamed of. But bear in mind it’s an overlay, meaning it doesn’t work below the surface of the nail. For inside-out strengthening, you may want to try our IBX Strengthening Treatment, which penetrates the nail plate to bond keratin layers within the nail. You can request this treatment before your BIAB for a double whammy of nail-strengthening benefits.

How long does BIAB take?

It’ll take around an hour and a half if you’re having a fresh set rather than infills. Your Townhouse Nail Artist will start by thoroughly prepping each nail: neatening the cuticles, filing, and buffing. A thin base layer of BIAB is then applied over the natural nail and cured under a lamp. Next, a thicker bead is spread over the nail side-to-side, creating a raised apex. This thicker layer mimics the nail plate’s natural shape, protecting its stress point to prevent breakage. Finally, the nails are shaped, buffed, and wiped, followed by gel colour or nail art (if requested), and a thin layer of topcoat.

Where can I find BIAB Near Me?

We may be biased, but our highly trained Nail Artists and commitment to excellence make Townhouse the best Salon for BIAB. Simply go to the Townhouse website, type in your location, and find your nearest salon. You’ll find the service listed as BIAB/ Super Gel Overlay on our treatment menu. It can be worn alone or purchased as an add-on to any gel or polish manicure for an extra £20. As mentioned, complete removal and a fresh set are recommended every 3-4 appointments.

Are you ready to join the BIAB-lievers? Book in now at your nearest Townhouse.