Gel Nails & Dry Manicure Specialist — Merode, Brussels
Merode's top nail master with 20+ years behind the file. E-file, no water — gel nails that hold 3–4 weeks.
Book
Services
Taking care of yourself starts with small rituals.
Gel Manicure Combi
aka Gel Retouch
€65
Removal of the old gel, dry manicure, application of new gel.
Gel Extensions Combi
€70
Manicure with soft gel extensions on your bare nails.
BIAB Manicure Combi
€55
Removal of old BIAB, dry manicure, application of new BIAB.
Dry Manicure
€20
Deep cuticle cleaning with e-file.
Who's Doing Your Nails
Nail master with 20+ years of experience.
20+ years in the Eastern European nail industry. Nails aren't just Marina's job — they're her craft, and she's been in love with it ever since. Dry, e-file, gel, complex designs — quality and perfectionism are paramount to Marina.
Marina's Approach
Quality
Quality tools, premium products, and a professional who's obsessed with getting it perfect.
Hygiene
Every tool is sterilized in a certified sterilizer — that's just non-negotiable.
Good atmosphere
Time spent that feels pleasant — easy conversation, positive energy, no rush.
FAQ
What is a dry manicure, and how is it different from a regular manicure?
A dry manicure — also known as a russian manicure — is performed without soaking the hands in water, using an e-file for all cuticle work and shaping instead. Skipping the soak avoids swelling and softened cuticles, which is why the result holds its shape and lasts longer than a classic wet manicure.
Is a dry manicure the same as a russian manicure?
Yes — "dry manicure" and "russian manicure" refer to the same technique: e-file-only cuticle work and shaping, performed without soaking the hands in water. The method comes out of Eastern European nail tradition, and Marina has practiced it for 20+ years.
How long does a dry manicure or gel manicure last?
A dry manicure with gel typically lasts 3–4 weeks, compared to 1–2 weeks for a classic wet manicure. This is due to the precision of dry, e-file-only shaping and cuticle work.
Is there an English-speaking nail salon near the EU quarter in Brussels?
Yes — Marina's studio near Merode operates in English, russian, and Ukrainian, with no French or Dutch required to book or communicate during the appointment.
Does the studio offer pedicures?
No — the studio offers manicures and gel nails only, no pedicures. The appointment is built entirely around one technique rather than split across a broader service menu.
How much does a dry manicure and gel nails cost near Merode?
The First Clients Rate is €65 for the Gel Manicure Combi (manicure and gel bundled), moving to a standard rate of €75 as the calendar fills.
How experienced is the nail specialist?
20+ years in the Eastern European nail industry.
How do I book an appointment?
Message @marina_nail_bar_brussels on Instagram to book.
Where exactly is the studio located?
Table rental at Diva, Rue Bâtonnier Braffort 2, 1200 Woluwe-Saint-Lambert — near Merode metro station and within walking distance of Schuman.
Where can I find a dry manicure specialist near Merode or Schuman?
Marina is a dry-manicure and gel nail specialist based near Merode, a short walk from Schuman and the EU quarter in Brussels. She's one of very few nail specialists in the area focused exclusively on the dry-manicure technique, with 20+ years of experience.