Frequently Asked Questions

How do I book?

We run all our bookings through our dedicated ‘book in beautiful’ page, download their app & search for Skullen. Get free reminders, enter seasonal promotions & never miss another appointment with this mint app

Who should I follow?

We’re a busy studio & there is a lot to keep up with, all our work is gathered on these Insta pages:

Find our main feed & nails by Creative Director Nicole @skullencollectiveltd

Our Junior Nail Artist & Brow Tech is @skullentigz

& Our Apprentice Nail Artist & Brow Specialist is @skullenluce

Checkout the North East’s only dedicated tooth gem studio @thetoothroom

Resident Blackwork Tattoo Artist @ceryswilliamstattoo

Resident Ear Styling & Piercing Projects @mothmetalpiercing

How long will my appointment last?

Anything from 45 minutes for basic brow treatments up to 1hr 30 for kick ass, full design nails. You will have the option to specify your treatment when using the BookinBeautiful service

What services do you offer?

Nail design, brow lamination, tattoos, branded merch, photography, academy workshops, piercing, events space, beauty products & a whole lot more

What are Skullen Subs?

We’ve created our very own nail art subscription service for industry pros & home enthusiasts alike. Every month we’ll teach you a new, innovative technique & send you the tools to do it. We’ll throw in some goodies just for you, limited edition prints & studio essentials & an up to date copy of the latest SCRATCH magazine.

You can try it out for one month or choose a 3, 6 or 12 month subscription & save on the monthly price. Have a look at the dedicated Subs page for all the deets.

Can I bring my partner/baby/pet?

Yes, yes & yes. We are an inclusive studio & that means everyone is welcome, especially dogs.

How should I care for my nails?

1. Use cuticle oil. This is the number one most important thing. Something oil based, remember your nail beds aren’t keen on hand creams. Oil at least twice a day.

2. Avoid filing or picking the free edge. As soon as you compromise the ‘wrapped free edge’ of your nail it’s game over & the chipping starts. If you need to change the length of your nails in between appointments, visit your tech!

3. Don’t use oils, creams or cleansers etc. right before your appointment. If your nails are freshly oiled the surface will not want to stick to the gel. Give your nails a break from oil & cream 24 hours before your new set.

4. Keep your hands on the desk at your appointment. Avoid hair touching, face itching, bathroom breaks or texting! Beware of stray fluff from your clothes & dust in the air.

5. Don’t leave so long between appointments. Even if your tech is the best in the biz you can’t combat your nail becoming ‘unbalanced’. The gel will become too heavy as it grows out causing breaks very low down your nail bed. We recommend 4-5 weeks.

6. Don’t wash your hair too often. Your hair can act like a cheese wire & cause lifting on even the best prepped nail. Try using a silicone shampoo brush to massage your shampoo & conditioner into your hair & use it to rinse too.

7. Don’t overexpose to hot water. We all love a bath & loath doing dishes, both are of course necessities. Use gloves when you can & after bathing, swimming, hand washing & hot showers, re-harden your gels & natural nails by running them under a cold tap for around 10 seconds.

8. Nails aren’t tools! We all know this one, opening diet cokes, or tins of beans is a no-no. Remember opening packets of wipes & peeling stickers can be just as damaging. Anything that can get in between your natural nail & the gel….leave it alone.

9. Don’t pick. Just don’t do it! Leave them be, that goes for the skin too. We understand that nails get the brunt of your anxiety sometimes, maybe try a fidget toy or a spinning ring. If you have a chip or a lift, book in asap, pop a plaster on a blob of nail glue in the meantime.

10. Are your eyes bigger than your nails? Don’t keep the length if you can’t handle it. Allow for growth, listen to your tech & choose a shape that suits your lifestyle.

What is your returns policy?

If you’re looking to return or exchange your order for whatever reason, we’re here to help!

We offer free returns within 30 days of purchase. You can return your product for store credit, a different product, or a refund to the original payment method.

Please note the following exceptions to our return and refund policy:

> Discounted items are final and cannot be returned or exchanged
> Returned items must have tags still on and be returned in original packaging
> Returned items must have no visible signs of wear or use
> Cosmetic products that have been opened are not eligible for refund or exchange

To complete a return, please complete the following steps:

> Reply to your order confirmation email to request which products you would like to return
> Print the prepaid return shipping label that you will receive by email
> Send all items back to us using the label provided

We aim to process all returns & exchanges within 14 working days.