What is a collagen manicure?

What the name means

Salons use the phrase for a manicure with a collagen-labeled product somewhere in it, and the details vary. It might be a sheet mask shaped like a glove, a cream worked into the hands or a soak before the polish. The nail care itself follows the usual pattern of shaping, cuticle tidying and a finish.

Since the term has no standard definition, one question covers it when you book or sit down: what is the collagen step, and when does it happen in the service? The answer tells you how long your hands will be wrapped or massaged and whether the step comes before or after your color.

Collagen drinks and powders are a separate subject, and this service has nothing to do with them. Any question about supplements belongs with your doctor.

Two ways to book it

The Collagen Mani is a service of its own, starting at $39 for about 30 minutes. Separately, Collagen is listed on the manicure menu as an add-on, starting at $15 for about 5 minutes, and it is added to another service.

Go with the add-on if you already have a manicure in mind and want that step included. Go with the Collagen Mani if that step is the reason you are coming in and half an hour suits your day. It is the shortest of the four services below, which helps on a lunch break, so weigh the time you have as well as the price.

• Collagen Mani: $39 and up, about 30 minutes
• Deluxe Manicure: $45 and up, about 40 minutes
• Gel Manicure: $45 and up, about 45 minutes
• Emerald Escape Manicure: $55 and up, about 50 minutes

What to expect, and what not to

Collagen is a protein found throughout the body, and it is a common ingredient name on hand products. We make no promises about what it does for your skin. Book this service because a slower, more hands-on manicure sounds nice.

How your skin looks or feels over time is a question for a dermatologist. Your tech's job here is tidy nails and a pleasant half hour, and that is what to judge the visit by.

Allergies and sensitive hands

Collagen in cosmetic products can come from animal or marine sources, and hand products often contain fragrance and other ingredients too. If you have allergies, avoid animal-derived ingredients or have reacted to a hand product before, ask to see what will be used before it touches you. A photo of the label from anything that bothered you in the past makes the comparison easier.

Speak up if anything stings or itches so it can be wiped off. Cuts, a rash or irritated skin are good reasons to skip that step and check with your doctor.

Picking your finish and planning time

Ask what polish comes with your service when you book, since the finish you want can change the total. For color that stays glossy for weeks, look at the Gel Manicure, and ask about adding the Collagen step to it. If you pick regular polish, have your keys out and your bag zipped before the top coat goes on, since it stays soft for a while.

Have old gel on your nails? Taking it off with a service starts at $10 and adds about 15 minutes. The plus sign on our menu means a starting price, so shape changes, repairs and extras can raise the total.

Walk-ins are welcome when an artist is free, and you can also book online. Element is on Sunrise Boulevard just west of University Drive in Plantation, with an on-site parking lot.

Questions guests ask

Does a collagen manicure help with wrinkles or age spots?

We do not make that claim, and you should not book it expecting a change in wrinkles, spots or firmness. A dermatologist is the right person to ask about those.

Can I get the Collagen add-on with a pedicure?

Collagen is listed on the manicure menu, so plan on it for your hands. Tell us what you would like when you book and we can go over which services it can be added to.

How often should I get a collagen manicure?

No set schedule applies. Book one when your nails need shaping or new color, which for many people lands around every two weeks. If your polish still looks good, there is no reason to rush back.