If you have the tendency to scroll aesthetically pleasing beauty content on Instagram, I can bet you’ve come across Townhouse Nail Salons. We recently shared the news about Townhouse expanding into the US, while touching on how this nail salon chain has got ambiance and decor down to a T.
I had to test this social media phenomenon salon out for myself, so I booked in at the Manchester King Street salon for Biab Gel Nails. Nestled in the heart of the city, between the more business and foodie area of Deansgate, and the shopping central of Market Street, it’s easy to see why this salon has rapidly become a favorite among Manchester nail enthusiasts.
The exterior of Townhouse boasts a modern design, with a sleek interior and a calm, inviting atmosphere. You feel pretty special when you walk in, which I do think we all secretly love, and seek that from places. Kind of feels like you have a luxury pampering session ahead of you.
Ambiance and First Impressions
Not sure how this goes down for everyone, but when you enter a Townhouse salon, you check in via their touchscreens. It’s super simple, although I know some people do crave a full ‘person’ service. However, I was greeted as I was checking in, and taken to a plush seating area.
The Gel BIAB Experience
Once I’d gotten over the beautiful and uber stylish interior, it was time to focus on my nails. I was going for Gel BIAB, but how is it that I am today years old discovering it means Builder In A Bottle, I mean I knew it was a builder gel but, haha!). I’ve been aware that you can also get a BIAB nail kit for at-home use too, but it’s something I’ve just never really experimenting with before.
As I sit down at the nail bar, my nail artist shown me the impressive touchscreens which have a ‘menu’ of all the treatments, and a catalogue of all the colours and finishes.
I picked a very bright barbie pink colour, after looking through the ‘ipad’ style colour swatches and figuring out which pink I needed on my nails. If you’ve never thought about BIAB before, it is a revolutionary gel that provides the strength of acrylics without the bulk. It’s said to care for your nails and strengthen them at the same time, so it’s a perfect treatment for anyone looking to enhance the durability and appearance of their natural nails.
The process began with a thorough consultation, and my nail technician, Olivia, took the time to understand my preferences and nail goals. After a gentle yet meticulous nail prep, with lots of pushing back on the cuticles, the Gel BIAB application commenced. The gel was applied in layers, each cured under a UV lamp to ensure a strong and lasting finish.
Attention to Detail
What stood out most during the application was the attention to detail. The whole experience did last around 1 hour 30 mins, which I did not factor in for (it’s mostly been around 45 mins for a BIAB appointment), I was late to my next meeting, and I’m trying to figure out if I was just not clued up enough to have factored in 90 minutes for BIAB gel nails. However, the detail and perfectionism was not compromised one bit. Olivia’s expertise was second to none, and very evident in the precise application and shaping of the gel. Each layer was applied smoothly, creating a natural and elegant look. The final result was a set of beautifully sculpted nails that felt both sturdy and lightweight, in the most girly and bright shade of Barbie Pink.
Durability and Maintenance
One of the key benefits of Gel BIAB nails is their durability. Having tested the nails over several weeks, I can confidently say that they lived up to their promise. They did not start to chip away or ‘come off’ until 2 weeks later. Actually one nail did chip off after around 10 days, but the rest didn’t start to show signs until after two weeks. If you’re going on holiday, this is a must-have.
Final Thoughts
To sum up Townhouse Nail Salon in Manchester, well it is definitley a luxury experience. It’s such a beautiful place, and I think thats what women are wanting these days. We go to hair salons, nail bars and skin clinics to be looked after (well I certainly do), as it’s a break from our busy lives. We want to pampered, and we want that touch of luxury.
It’s on the pricier side of nail salons, and if it would take 90 mins every time I wanted BIAB gel nails I might have to re-think about when I slot this in, but that aside, it’s a place I’d look forward to returning to. I cannot deny that Townhouse offers a luxurious escape with top-tier services, that prioritise both beauty and nail health.
The excellent news is that this chain seems to expand rapidly like wildfire, so do check to see if there is a salon near you here.
