About This Treatment
This set was created by our nailist Mami at lull. in Harajuku. The menu was a magnetic gel design applied directly to the natural nails, with no extensions added. Our guest was visiting from the United Kingdom.
Design Points
Magnetic gel is what gives this set its depth. A magnetic tool is held near the gel while it’s still soft, pulling the metallic particles into a band of light that catches and shifts as the hand moves. The result reads flat and quiet from one angle, then lights up with a liquid streak from another. Applied over bare nails, the finish stays close to the natural nail shape, which keeps the look sleek rather than bulky.
A Note From the Visit
Our guest teaches chemistry to high school students at an international school, so the play of light across the gel made for good conversation. She mentioned this summer has been unusually hot back home, and that most houses in the UK don’t have air conditioning, which made the heat harder to escape. She also shared how she got drawn into Japan through J-pop and Japanese dramas. She looked genuinely pleased with the finished nails.
Care and Style Notes
Magnetic gel worn on natural nails tends to hold well for around three to four weeks, depending on how quickly your nails grow and how much daily wear your hands take. Because there’s no extension involved, the set stays lightweight and easy to live with. To keep the metallic shift looking crisp, a little cuticle oil each day helps the surface stay smooth and reflective. This style suits anyone who likes a finish with movement but prefers to keep things understated, and it works well for those who’d rather not add length to their own nails.
Comment From Your Nailist
Magnetic gel is one of those designs where the angle of the magnet decides everything. On bare nails there’s nowhere to hide, so getting the metallic band to sit evenly across each nail takes a steady hand and good timing before the gel sets. Chatting about the chemistry behind the pigments while working on them was a nice bonus — Mami enjoyed the overlap between the science and the craft.
Book Your Visit at lull.
You can book with us online. We’re an English-friendly salon in Harajuku, and we’d be glad to help you find a design that fits. For our latest work, take a look at our Instagram (@nail_lull.tokyo) and TikTok (@nail_lull.tokyo).
