About This Treatment
This set was done by our nail artist Nami at lull. in Harajuku. The menu was Magnet, applied directly onto the client’s natural nails with no removal needed beforehand. The client was visiting us from Norway.
Design Highlights
Magnetic gel contains fine metallic particles. While the gel is still soft, a magnet is held close to the surface, and the particles gather into a band of light that runs across each nail. Depending on where the magnet is held, that band can sit straight across the center, curve along the smile line, or pool toward the cuticle.
Because the gel went on bare nails, the finish stays close to the natural nail shape — slim, with no added bulk. The light band shifts as the hand moves, so the nails read differently under shop lighting, daylight, and a phone camera. It’s a design that looks calm at a glance and then catches the eye when the hand turns.
A Note from the Visit
Our guest is Norwegian and currently based in Copenhagen, where she works as an architect. The conversation flowed easily throughout the appointment, and she looked genuinely pleased when the magnet effect appeared on each nail. Talking about shapes and surfaces with someone who works with them professionally made the session a memorable one for us.
Care and Styling Tips
Magnetic gel usually holds its look for around three to four weeks, in line with standard gel. The metallic particles are sealed under the top coat, so the effect itself doesn’t fade with washing — what changes first is the regrowth at the base.
A few things that help:
- Apply cuticle oil once or twice a day. Dry skin around the nail makes the edge of the gel more noticeable.
- Wear gloves for dishwashing and cleaning. Hot water and detergent shorten the life of any gel.
- Don’t use your nails as tools. Magnetic gel is applied thinly on natural nails, so impact goes straight to the nail plate.
- Avoid picking or peeling. Have the gel removed properly to protect the natural nail underneath.
This menu suits anyone who wants movement and depth in a single colour, prefers a low-maintenance finish while travelling, or likes short natural-length nails. It also photographs well, which makes it a good choice if you’re documenting your trip.
Comment from Your Nail Artist
Nami’s note: the fun part of magnet work is that you can’t fully predict it. The particles respond to the angle and distance of the magnet, so each nail ends up with its own line of light. Working through them one by one, checking the reflection from a few angles before curing, is the part that takes the most attention.
English is welcome at lull., and sessions like this one — where the talking is as good as the nails — are a real part of why we enjoy working with visitors in Harajuku.
Book Your Visit to lull.
Bookings can be made online.— we’re in Harajuku and English-speaking guests are always welcome. Our latest work is posted on Instagram (@nail_lull.tokyo) and TikTok (@nail_lull.tokyo).
