Question 1

Where is the studio?

Accepted Answer

Nata Beauty is at 10 Chandos Road, Redland, Bristol BS6 6PE, on the Cotham border and a short walk from Whiteladies Road and Gloucester Road. Street parking is available nearby and several bus routes stop within a few minutes' walk.

Question 2

How do I book?

Accepted Answer

You can book online via the Book page, or contact Nata directly by phone or email. All permanent makeup appointments include a free pre-treatment consultation either in person or over WhatsApp.

Question 3

Do you offer consultations before booking permanent makeup?

Accepted Answer

Yes — every permanent makeup booking includes a thorough consultation. We discuss your goals, assess suitability, choose a shape and colour together, and answer any questions before any pigment is applied.

Question 4

What is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

Please give as much notice as possible if you need to cancel or reschedule. A small deposit secures your appointment and is transferable to a rebooked date with reasonable notice.

Question 5

Are you fully insured and licensed?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Nata is fully insured and licensed by Bristol City Council for skin-piercing/permanent makeup treatments. The studio uses single-use, sterile needles and disposable cartridges for every client.

Question 6

What is BIAB and how is it different from gel polish?

Accepted Answer

BIAB (Builder In A Bottle) is a thicker, structural gel that's brushed on like a polish but cures into a flexible reinforcing layer. Gel polish (Shellac, OPI gel, etc.) is colour only — it doesn't add structure. BIAB strengthens the natural nail underneath, can be sculpted for length, and lasts 3–4 weeks before an infill. It's the right choice for clients whose own nails are weak, peeling or breaking; gel polish is the right choice for clients with strong natural nails who only want colour.

Question 7

Why does BIAB at this studio cost £48 when other studios charge £35?

Accepted Answer

Every BIAB appointment at Nata Beauty Bristol includes a full Russian dry manicure as prep — cuticle work with an electric file, shaping, and cleanup that takes around 25 minutes on its own. Most Bristol studios apply BIAB straight over a quick file-and-push routine. The Russian manicure prep is what gives BIAB nails their ultra-neat cuticle line and what makes the result last 3–4 weeks without lifting at the cuticle base.

Question 8

How long does BIAB actually last?

Accepted Answer

Typically 3–4 weeks before an infill. Lifestyle is the variable — clients who work with their hands (cleaning, gardening, lots of typing) see closer to 3 weeks; clients with desk-based work see 4. Beyond 4 weeks the grown-out gap at the cuticle becomes visible and the nail looks unfinished rather than worn-out.

Question 9

Does BIAB damage your natural nails?

Accepted Answer

Applied correctly and removed correctly, no. BIAB is structurally a reinforcing layer; it protects the nail underneath rather than weakening it. The damage stories usually come from one of two things: (1) BIAB filed off rather than soaked off, which thins the natural nail, or (2) clients who pick or peel the BIAB off, which removes a layer of the nail plate with it. The studio's removal service (£30) is the safe soak-off route.

Question 10

Can I combine BIAB with IBX nail strengthening?

Accepted Answer

Yes — it's one of the most common combinations at the studio for clients with weak or peeling natural nails. IBX (£15 as an add-on) is applied to the natural nail before the BIAB overlay; it bonds into the upper nail plate layers and provides additional internal strengthening. The IBX adds about 15 minutes to the appointment. See the [IBX page](/services/ibx-nail-strengthening-bristol) for detail.

Question 11

Can BIAB be done over acrylic or after acrylic removal?

Accepted Answer

BIAB can be applied over fresh natural nails or after acrylic removal — but the natural nail must be in reasonable condition. If you're recovering from a long acrylic cycle and your nails are thin or peeling, an IBX course (£24 standalone, 4 sessions) for two months is usually the right step before booking BIAB. Don't apply BIAB over an existing acrylic set.

Question 12

How much does BIAB cost at Nata Beauty Bristol?

Accepted Answer

First-time BIAB + Russian manicure: £48 (75 min). Infill: £51 (85 min). Removal: £30 (30 min). Nail art add-on: £5 per finger. Current rates on `/pricing`.

Question 13

Who shouldn't get BIAB?

Accepted Answer

Anyone with active fungal or bacterial nail infections, broken skin around the cuticle, allergy to gel chemistry (uncommon — patch test available), or who plans to keep biting the cuticle line during the wear cycle. Pregnancy and breastfeeding are fine for BIAB.

Question 14

Why would I book lamination without tint?

Accepted Answer

Two main reasons. First — you already tint your brows at home and want the lifted shape without paying for tint twice. Second — your natural brow colour is already dark enough that adding tint doesn't change the visual result much. If neither applies to you, lamination + tint is the better-value option at £65 — see [brow lamination + tint](/services/brow-lamination-tint-bristol).

Question 15

How long does brow lamination last?

Accepted Answer

Brow lamination typically lasts 4–8 weeks before the lift relaxes — closer to 4–5 weeks for clients with very coarse or naturally curly brow hair, closer to 6–8 weeks for finer brow hair. Avoiding water on the brows for the first 24 hours and skipping cleanser/oil through the brow area for 48 hours extends the lift.

Question 16

Does brow lamination damage the hair?

Accepted Answer

Brow lamination uses the same family of chemistry as keratin hair treatments — a softening (lifting) lotion that breaks the hair's disulphide bonds, followed by a setting lotion that re-locks them in the new direction. Used correctly with a nourishing post-treatment serum, it doesn't damage the hair. Used too frequently (back-to-back without rest) or processed too long, it can dry the hair out. Maximum recommended cadence is every 6 weeks; 8 is healthier.

Question 17

Is brow lamination the same as a 'brow lift' or 'brow perm'?

Accepted Answer

Yes — those terms are used interchangeably. 'Brow lamination', 'brow lift' and 'brow perm' all refer to the same chemistry. 'Feathered brows' refers to the *look* you get after lamination, not the procedure itself.

Question 18

Can I get lamination if I've had brow PMU?

Accepted Answer

Yes — lamination doesn't interfere with PMU pigment in any way. Many PMU clients book lamination during the 'in-between' months when their PMU is faded enough that they want fuller-looking brows but not enough to book a colour boost yet.

Question 19

How much does brow lamination cost in Bristol?

Accepted Answer

Lamination only (no tint): from £55. Lamination + tint: from £65. Current rates on `/pricing`.

Question 20

Who shouldn't get brow lamination?

Accepted Answer

Anyone with active skin conditions in the brow area (eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis), allergies to lamination chemistry (patch test offered), pregnancy or breastfeeding, very damaged/dry brow hair, or who's had a chemical brow treatment in the last 4 weeks.

Question 21

How is brow lamination different from brow lamination + tint?

Accepted Answer

Brow lamination only lifts and sets the hair direction — giving you shape without added colour. Brow lamination + tint adds a custom-mixed semi-permanent colour to match or deepen your brow at the same appointment. Lamination only is the right choice if you already tint your brows at home; brow lamination + tint is better value for most clients who want shape and colour together. See the [brow lamination + tint page](/services/brow-lamination-tint-bristol) for the comparison.

Question 22

What's the difference between lamination + tint and lamination only?

Accepted Answer

Lamination + tint adds a custom-mixed semi-permanent tint to the brow at the same appointment as the lift. The lift gives you the shape; the tint gives you fuller-looking colour for 4–6 weeks. Lamination + tint at £65 is the more popular booking. Lamination only at £55 is for clients who already tint their brows at home or whose natural brow colour is already dark enough.

Question 23

How long does the tint last vs the lamination?

Accepted Answer

The tint lasts 4–6 weeks before fading noticeably. The lamination lift lasts 4–8 weeks. They're complementary timelines — the tint will usually fade just before the lift starts to relax, which is why the full re-treatment cadence is 5–6 weeks for most clients. If you want to refresh the tint between lamination sessions, a £15 tint-only top-up takes 20 minutes.

Question 24

Will the tint be too dark for my hair colour?

Accepted Answer

The tint is custom-mixed at consultation, not pre-chosen from a single shade. Pale blonde clients usually get a warm-blonde or taupe tint; brunettes get warm or cool browns; very dark or grey-haired clients get dark brown or black depending on undertone. The shade is mixed to be one to two tones deeper than your existing brow hair colour, not a full step darker.

Question 25

Will this look like 'IG brows' or natural?

Accepted Answer

Both finishes are available — it depends how you ask Nata to comb the lifted hairs and how dark the tint is mixed. The 'lifted-up Instagram brow' look is achievable; so is a more natural brushed-through finish. Brow lamination + tint is more flexible in this respect than microblading, where the look is locked in at mapping.

Question 26

Is the tint safe? Does it go near the eye?

Accepted Answer

Brow tint is applied to the brow hair and the immediate skin around it. It's allergy-tested before first-time clients are booked (patch test 48 hours before the appointment). Brow tints are formulated differently from hair-dye — lower concentration, shorter processing time — and are designed for use this close to the eye. A patch test catches the small percentage of clients who react to PPD or other components.

Question 27

How is this different from microblading or powder brows?

Accepted Answer

Brow lamination + tint is non-permanent — colour fades in 4–6 weeks, lift relaxes in 4–8 weeks. Powder, ombre and combo brows are semi-permanent (they last 12 to 24 months) and deposit pigment into the skin, not just onto the hair. Lamination + tint is often booked by clients in the 'trial' phase before committing to brow PMU. The [permanent makeup hub](/services/permanent-makeup-bristol) and our [powder brows vs microblading guide](/blog/powder-brows-vs-microblading) cover the comparison in detail.

Question 28

How much does brow lamination + tint cost in Bristol?

Accepted Answer

First appointment £65 (45–60 min, includes lamination + tint). Tint-only top-up between laminations: £15 (20 min). Lamination-only (no tint): £55.

Question 29

Who shouldn't book brow lamination + tint?

Accepted Answer

Anyone with active skin conditions through the brow area, allergic reaction to the patch test, pregnancy or breastfeeding (chemistry caution), recent chemical brow treatment within 4 weeks, very damaged brow hair, or a known PPD allergy.

Question 30

Are combo brows and ombre brows the same thing?

Accepted Answer

At Nata Beauty, yes. Combo brows and ombre brows are the same machine-shaded treatment: a soft, natural front blended into a defined arch and tail. We keep separate pages because some clients search 'combo brows' and others search 'ombre brows', but you will get the same result whichever you book.

Question 31

Do you use hair-strokes or microblading for combo brows?

Accepted Answer

No. We build the whole brow, front included, with a gentle digital machine that deposits pigment as fine dots, not with a blade. You still get a soft, natural-looking front, but without the cut strokes that blur on many skin types. We do not offer microblading at all.

Question 32

Who do combo brows suit best?

Accepted Answer

Clients who want the most natural, real-brow finish rather than an obvious makeup look. They work well on normal, dry and combination skin and on soft or sparse fronts. If your skin is very oily, powder brows usually hold their finish better, and we will talk that through at your consultation.

Question 33

How long do combo brows last?

Accepted Answer

Typically 18 to 24 months before a colour boost is recommended, the same as powder and ombre brows. The 6 to 8 week perfecting session and a refresh every 18 to 24 months keep them looking sharp.

Question 34

How much do combo brows cost in Bristol?

Accepted Answer

From £330 first-time, including the 6 to 8 week perfecting session. A colour boost for existing Nata Beauty clients is £150. Current rates are on the /pricing page, and pricing is confirmed at your free consultation.

Question 35

Do combo brows suit oily skin?

Accepted Answer

They can suit combination skin well. On very oily skin, a soft machine-shaded finish still holds far better than blade microblading would, though powder brows are often the most reliable choice of all. The honest way to decide is a free consultation, where Nata will look at your skin and recommend what will last for you.

Question 36

Can I have combo brows over old microblading?

Accepted Answer

Often yes, if the old microblading has faded enough that the strokes are no longer strongly defined. If the old work is still saturated, you may need a fade session first before fresh pigment can be placed cleanly. Send a close-up photo to the studio before booking and Nata will advise.

Question 37

What's the difference between eyeliner tattoo and lash enhancement?

Accepted Answer

Eyeliner tattoo creates a visible liner line *above* the lashes. The healed result looks like you're wearing eyeliner. Lash enhancement deposits pigment *between* the lashes only — no visible line, just a darker base that makes lashes look denser. Eyeliner tattoo is the right service if you want to wake up with the look of eyeliner; lash enhancement is the right service if you want a subtler 'fuller lashes' effect without a visible liner. Both are at this studio — see the [lash enhancement page](/services/lash-enhancement-bristol) for the alternative.

Question 38

What styles of eyeliner tattoo can I have?

Accepted Answer

Three styles are most commonly booked: (1) Classic thin line — a fine defined liner along the upper lash base, ~1–2mm thick, no wing. (2) Graduated thickness — thinner at the inner corner, fuller through the eye, no wing. (3) Winged — any of the above with a subtle flick at the outer corner. Lower-lid liner is also possible but typically not recommended; it ages less gracefully than upper-lid liner.

Question 39

Will the line travel down my lid as my eye ages?

Accepted Answer

If applied at the correct depth — into the upper dermis, exactly at the lash base, not into the loose tissue above — the line stays put. The migration you sometimes see in older PMU is the result of pigment placed too high or too deep. Nata works at single-needle depth right at the lash root, which is why the healed result reads as 'denser lashes plus a defined edge' rather than a separate line floating above the eye.

Question 40

Does eyeliner tattoo hurt?

Accepted Answer

Eyeliner tattoo is typically described as a 3–4 out of 10 — comparable to brow PMU. The skin around the lash line is sensitive but the session is short. Topical numbing is applied for 20 minutes pre-session and re-applied mid-way through. The most common feedback is that it feels like a strong tickle rather than a needle.

Question 41

How long does eyeliner tattoo last?

Accepted Answer

Eyeliner tattoo typically lasts 2–3 years before a colour boost is recommended. It fades slowest of the PMU services because the lash line is one of the lowest-friction areas of the face. Colour boost at year two restores the original definition.

Question 42

Can I wear contact lenses or eyelash extensions afterwards?

Accepted Answer

Contact lenses can be reinserted 48 hours after the session. Eyelash extensions need to be removed 48 hours before the session and not reapplied for at least 14 days after — the adhesive interferes with pigment retention along the lash base. Mascara can be reapplied at day 14.

Question 43

How much does eyeliner tattoo cost in Bristol?

Accepted Answer

£330 first-time including the 6–8 week perfecting session. £150 colour boost for existing Nata Beauty clients. Current rates on `/pricing`.

Question 44

Who shouldn't get eyeliner tattoo?

Accepted Answer

Anyone with active eye conditions (conjunctivitis, blepharitis, dry-eye syndrome under active treatment), recent eye surgery (LASIK within 6 months, cataract surgery within 6 months), latex or anaesthetic allergies, pregnancy, breastfeeding, Roaccutane within 12 months, or a history of keloid scarring. Patch testing is offered for sensitive clients at consultation.

Question 45

What's the difference between a gel manicure and BIAB?

Accepted Answer

Gel polish is colour only — it sits on top of the nail as a long-wear coloured film that lasts 2–3 weeks. BIAB is a thicker structural gel that strengthens the natural nail underneath and lasts 3–4 weeks. Choose gel manicure if your own nails are strong and you mainly want colour that doesn't chip; choose BIAB if your nails are weak, peeling, or breaking and you want both reinforcement and a longer wear cycle. The full comparison is in the section below.

Question 46

Is gel polish the same as Shellac?

Accepted Answer

Shellac is a brand name (CND Shellac) within the gel polish category — like Kleenex within tissues. The studio uses professional-grade soak-off gel polishes from brands including OPI, Gellish and The GelBottle. The application method and wear time are similar to Shellac. If you specifically want a CND Shellac formula, message ahead so we can confirm stock.

Question 47

How long does a gel manicure actually last?

Accepted Answer

2–3 weeks before visible chipping or lifting. Wear varies with lifestyle — desk-based work lands closer to 3 weeks; manual work (cleaning, gardening, frequent hand-washing without gloves) closer to 2. Wearing rubber gloves for washing up significantly extends gel wear.

Question 48

Will the gel polish damage my natural nails?

Accepted Answer

Not when applied and removed correctly. Damage usually comes from two things: (1) gel filed off with a coarse file rather than soaked off — this thins the natural nail plate, or (2) peeling the gel polish off impatiently — this removes a layer of the nail with it. The studio's removal service uses safe soak-off only; never file or peel gel at home.

Question 49

Can I have nail art on top of a gel manicure?

Accepted Answer

Yes — gel polish is the standard base for nail art at the studio. The art is built on top of the colour layer before the top coat seals everything. Simple art (line work, dots, accent nails) is £5 per accent finger; full-set art is priced separately. See [nail art](/services/nail-art-bristol).

Question 50

How much is a gel manicure in Bristol?

Accepted Answer

From £33 for a standard gel manicure (45–60 min). £38 for removal of old gel followed by a fresh application. £15 for soak-off removal only. Current rates on `/pricing`.

Question 51

Can I get a gel manicure if I have weak or peeling nails?

Accepted Answer

Honestly — BIAB or an IBX course would serve you better. Gel polish is a colour layer, not a strengthening layer. If your nails are breaking or peeling, the gel will chip with them. Look at [BIAB](/services/biab-nails-bristol) or [IBX nail strengthening](/services/ibx-nail-strengthening-bristol) first; come back to gel manicure when the natural nail is healthier.

Question 52

Who shouldn't get a gel manicure?

Accepted Answer

Anyone with active fungal or bacterial nail infections, broken skin around the cuticle, allergy to gel chemistry, or pregnancy in the first trimester (caution — patch test available). For pregnant clients beyond trimester 1, gel manicures are fine; the studio uses well-ventilated treatment areas.

Question 53

How long does a gel pedicure actually last?

Accepted Answer

Gel polish on toenails typically holds 6–8 weeks before noticeable grown-out — significantly longer than on fingernails because toenails grow more slowly and toes don't go through the same daily friction that fingers do. Most clients re-book their next pedicure at week 6 if they want the polish to look fresh, or push to week 8 if a softer grown-out look is fine.

Question 54

I heard your pedicure is a 'dry pedicure' — does that mean no water soak?

Accepted Answer

The 'dry pedicure' terminology refers to the cuticle removal technique (done on dry hands with gentle tools), not the absence of a foot soak. Every gel pedicure at this studio includes a warm foot soak at the start — about 8–10 minutes to soften the hard skin on heels and around toenails so the rest of the work can be done thoroughly. After the soak, the client's feet are dried and the cuticle work happens on dry skin for precision. This two-step approach (soak + dry prep) is what gives the cleanest results.

Question 55

What does the 'full' pedicure include?

Accepted Answer

Warm soak, exfoliating scrub, hard-skin removal on heels and balls of feet with a sterilised steel rasp, cuticle work, toenail shaping, nail-plate prep, gel polish (two layers + base + top), cuticle oil, foot moisturiser. The 70 minutes covers all of this — no individual extras to add on except the optional IBX strengthening for weak toenails.

Question 56

How often should I book a pedicure in Bristol?

Accepted Answer

Every 5–8 weeks for clients who wear closed shoes most of the year (autumn/winter wardrobe). Every 4–5 weeks in summer or for clients who wear open footwear daily. Closer than 4 weeks rarely needed unless you have a specific event.

Question 57

How much is a gel pedicure in Bristol?

Accepted Answer

£45 for the full 70-minute service. £50 with removal of previous gel polish. £60 with an IBX toenail strengthening add-on. Current rates on `/pricing`.

Question 58

Will the gel polish damage my toenails?

Accepted Answer

When removed correctly (soak-off, not filed off), no. The most common cause of toenail damage from gel polish is picking or peeling it off as it starts to grow out — this removes the upper nail-plate layer with the gel. Always book a removal (£15) if you can't make it to a re-polish appointment.

Question 59

Can you treat dry heels and calluses?

Accepted Answer

Yes — hard-skin removal is part of the standard pedicure. The studio uses sterilised steel rasps; no blades or callus shavers (those are unsafe and not legal in most UK contexts). Severely dry heels (deep cracks, painful fissures) are managed across 2–3 sessions and may need referral to a podiatrist if there's any pain or infection.

Question 60

Who shouldn't get a gel pedicure?

Accepted Answer

Anyone with active fungal toenail infections, diabetic clients without GP approval (peripheral neuropathy makes hard-skin removal risky), peripheral vascular disease, open wounds or unhealed cuts on the foot, allergy to gel chemistry, or pregnancy in trimester 1 (caution — the studio uses well-ventilated treatment areas; trimester 2 and 3 are fine).

Question 61

What does IBX actually do to the nail?

Accepted Answer

IBX is a two-step penetrating treatment. The first solution (IBX Repair) is applied to the natural nail plate and warmed under a low-heat lamp, which opens the upper nail-plate layers and allows the solution to bond into them. The second solution (IBX Strengthen) is then applied and cured under LED, locking a flexible reinforcing layer into the upper nail plate. Unlike a coating (gel polish, nail hardener), IBX bonds *inside* the upper layers of the nail itself — so it grows out with the nail rather than sitting on top of it.

Question 62

How many sessions do I actually need?

Accepted Answer

4–6 sessions is the typical course for visible structural improvement. The exact number depends on the starting condition — clients recovering from a long acrylic cycle or fungal treatment often need 6 sessions; clients with mild peeling can see meaningful improvement in 4. Sessions are booked 7–14 days apart. After the initial course, monthly maintenance sessions (or as a £15 add-on with a gel/BIAB/pedicure) keep the strengthening in place.

Question 63

Will I see results after one session?

Accepted Answer

After a single session the nail surface feels smoother and looks slightly more uniform — that's the immediate cosmetic effect. The structural strengthening (reduced peeling, harder nail plate, fewer breaks) is cumulative across the course. Most clients notice a clear difference by session 3, with the full result emerging at sessions 5–6.

Question 64

Can IBX be used while I still have BIAB or gel on my nails?

Accepted Answer

Yes — IBX as a £15 add-on is applied to the natural nail plate *before* a BIAB or gel layer goes on top. The IBX bonds into the upper nail plate, then the structural BIAB or coloured gel is applied over it. The combination is one of the most popular at the studio for clients who want a long-wear manicure plus genuine strengthening underneath.

FAQ

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