Manicure · 30–45 min · From $20
Classic Manicure in Katy, TX
The basics, done right. Soak, shape, cuticle care, hand massage, polish — every step, every time, no shortcuts.
A classic manicure sounds simple, but it's the test of any salon. Our prep is unhurried: warm soak, nail shaping to your preference, careful cuticle work, a real hand and forearm massage, and a polish you'll like for a week.
Want it to last longer? Upgrade to a collagen manicure for hydration, or add shellac for two-week wear.
Who it's for
- You want clean, healthy hands without enhancement.
- Your nails feel ragged and need a reset.
- You're new to nail care and want a low-commitment first visit.
What's included
- Warm soak
- Cuticle and shape work
- Hand and forearm massage
- Polish (your color choice)
Where most clients start
The $20 manicure is the test of any salon.
It's our cheapest service, and it's our hardest one to fake. The shortcuts that don't show up on a $50 dip set show up on a $20 polish manicure within a week. Here's what we don't skip — and what to look for at any salon you visit.
Soak depth
5 minutes minimum, not the 60-second dip
Cuticles need warm water and time to soften. A real soak makes the next 25 minutes possible. Watch the soak bowl at any salon — if it's room-temperature tap water and you're in it for 90 seconds, the cuticle work that follows is going to leave a hangnail.
The massage
Forearm, not just hand
Our hand massage runs from fingertips to mid-forearm, 5+ minutes, with our house lotion. We added forearm work after enough KISD teachers and Cinco Ranch real-estate agents asked for it. Cost? Same $20. We absorbed the time because the regulars stayed.
Polish that lasts
OPI and CND base coats — never store-brand
Cheap base coat is why polish chips by day four. We keep OPI Natural Nail Strengthener and CND Stickey Base in rotation; the application is identical, the wear is 3+ days longer. If a salon's base coat doesn't have a brand name on the bottle, that's where they're saving money.
Aftercare
Make it last.
- Cuticle oil daily
- Hand cream after washing
- Gloves when cleaning
Common questions
Asked & answered.
5–7 days for most people. Add shellac for two-week wear.
Often booked with
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