Manicure and pedicure in Hurghada: what to book for a beach holiday

Gel, almost always. Here is why:

• Durability: gel holds 2 to 3 weeks through pool, sea, sunscreen and sand. Classic polish chips in 2 to 4 days under the same conditions.
• Drying: gel cures under the lamp in 60 seconds, so you can grab your bag and get in the car. Classic needs 45 minutes before it is safe from smudges.
• Sun: quality gel does not yellow. Cheap classic polish can discolour in strong UV.

Choose classic if you want to change colour every few days, if you have a gel allergy, or if you will be home within 3 days and prefer to remove it yourself. Our classic manicure (EUR 22) and classic pedicure (EUR 22) come with classic polish by default; the gel manicure and pedicure combo (EUR 40, by appointment) is the holiday-proof option.

Classic manicure, by appointment, EUR 22:

1. 1Removal of old polish, including gel by soaking
2. 2Shaping with a single-use file, cuticle care with sterilised tools
3. 3Warm soak, sugar scrub and a hand massage
4. 4Base, two coats of colour and a top coat, or a buffed natural finish

Classic pedicure, by appointment, EUR 22:

1. 1Foot soak in a fresh disposable liner with sea salt and mint
2. 2Hard skin removal with a single-use foot file, cuticle work, shaping
3. 3Scrub, mask and a foot and calf massage
4. 4Polish or gel of your choice, with toe separators that are opened in front of you

The gel combo (by appointment, EUR 40) does both with gel colour and includes removal of any previous gel.

Foot infections and fungal nails are the real risk in any beach resort nail bar. Check these before you sit down:

• Files, buffers, orange sticks and toe separators are single-use and opened from a sealed pack in front of you.
• Metal tools (nippers, pushers) come out of a sealed autoclave pouch, not from a drawer or a jar of blue liquid.
• The pedicure basin has a disposable liner or is a bowl that is washed and disinfected between guests.
• Gel is removed by soaking, never by scraping with a metal tool, which damages the nail plate.
• The technician washes hands and wears fresh gloves for the pedicure.

Wellness-Hurghada does all five as standard. Ask to see the sealed pouch; we are happy to show it.

With our gel: 2 to 3 weeks, and the average guest flies home with them intact. Tips to get the full life:

• Wear the sunscreen, but wash hands before it dries on the nails; the oils lift gel edges over time.
• Use the cuticle oil we give you every evening, especially after the sea.
• Do not pick or peel; book a soak-off removal (free with a new set, EUR 3 alone) when you are done.
• Wear pool shoes in hotel showers to protect a fresh pedicure from fungal exposure.

With classic polish: expect 3 to 5 days for toes and 2 to 4 days for hands in Hurghada conditions.

• Day 1 or 2: gel manicure and pedicure so they last the whole stay. Morning start times from 10:00 leave the rest of the day for the pool.
• Mid-holiday: a classic pedicure after a few days of sand and sandals, ideally paired with foot reflexology (EUR 14) for tired feet.
• Last day: fresh gel, HydraFacial and blow dry as the Beauty Day package (EUR 69, by appointment) so you arrive home ready for work photos.

Same-day bookings are usually possible up to the salon's last appointment at 21:00, and the nail bar takes two guests side by side for friends or couples.

Wellness-Hurghada, pickup inside Hurghada included:

• Classic manicure, by appointment: EUR 22
• Classic pedicure, by appointment: EUR 22
• Gel manicure and pedicure combo, by appointment: EUR 40
• Gel removal only: EUR 3
• Simple nail art or French tips: from EUR 3 extra

Hotel salons in Hurghada usually charge EUR 35 to 55 for a manicure and EUR 45 to 65 for a pedicure. Reserve online or on WhatsApp +20 10 29844727 without a card, and pay after in EUR, EGP or card. Men are welcome; the classic pedicure is our most booked nail service for male guests.