Guides & reads

Honest, local guides to picking salons, services, and nail care in Los Angeles.

Builder Gel Aftercare in LA: A Local Guide to Lasting Wear

How to make builder gel manicures last in Los Angeles — from beach days in Santa Monica to dry Hollywood Hills air and busy West Hollywood schedules.

Builder Gel Nails in Los Angeles: Cost, Wear & Timing

An LA editor's take on builder gel: what it costs across neighborhoods like West Hollywood and DTLA, how long it lasts, and how to plan your appointment.

Builder Gel Nails in Los Angeles: A Local's Guide

An LA editor's guide to builder gel nails — how the treatment holds up across Hollywood, Santa Monica, and DTLA, plus what to ask for at the salon.