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Nails · Pacific Beach

European Dry Manicure in Pacific Beach

The European manicure — often called the Russian manicure — is a dry, waterless technique focused on meticulous cuticle care and precise shaping. Because the nail isn't soaked, polish adheres better and results look clean and last.

At Del Rey Spa we don't use acrylics or acetone. Choose a natural buff-and-shine finish, a strengthening gel color, a hand-painted French tip, or our men's dry manicure for a neat, no-shine look.

Clean natural nails after a European dry manicure
Nails at Del Rey Spa

Nails

The European ("Russian") dry manicure: precise cuticle work, no water, no acrylics, no acetone — just clean, healthy, long-lasting nails.

Natural nails buffed to a soft sheen after a European dry manicure, no polish at Del Rey Spa, Pacific Beach, San Diego

European Manicure — Natural

$6060 min

Your own nails, at their best — nothing added, nothing to grow out.

Meticulous cuticle care, shaping and buffing to a natural sheen. Clear polish +$10.

Best forA clean, bare lookNail healthFirst visit with us
What’s included
  • Dry work from start to finish — no soaking, so the nail plate stays strong
  • Precise e-file cuticle work right to the fold
  • Shaping to suit your nail bed, not a template
  • Buffed to a soft natural sheen
  • Cuticle oil and a hand massage to finish
Close-up of a European gel manicure in a glossy true red at Del Rey Spa, Pacific Beach, San Diego

European Manicure — Gel Color

$8090 min

Gel that still looks new three weeks later — no lifting at the cuticle.

Cuticle care, strengthening hard-gel overlay and a solid color with high-gloss finish.

Best forEveryday wearWeak or peeling nailsThree to four weeks of color
What’s included
  • Full dry cuticle work before any product goes on
  • Strengthening hard-gel overlay for weak or peeling nails
  • Your color, applied thin and even to the edge
  • High-gloss top coat cured hard
  • Cuticle oil and a hand massage to finish
Square European gel manicure with a crisp hand-painted white French tip at Del Rey Spa, Pacific Beach, San Diego

European Manicure — French Tip

$120120 min

The French line painted by hand, nail by nail — crisp enough for ring shots.

Our full gel manicure, finished with a tip in classic white or a softer nude.

Best forWeddings and eventsA classic lookClose-up photos
What’s included
  • Everything in the gel manicure, plus the tip work
  • A hand-painted French line, not a sticker or a guide
  • Tip width matched to each nail so the set reads even
  • High-gloss top coat cured hard
  • Cuticle oil and a hand massage to finish
Long almond hard-gel nail extensions in a soft natural nude at Del Rey Spa, Pacific Beach, San Diego

Nail Extensions

$120120 min

Length and shape built in hard gel — no acrylic, no drilling into your nail.

Soaked off or infilled gently — we never file the natural nail thin. Choose gel color, a French tip or cat eye as the finish.

Best forShort or bitten nailsAdding lengthStrong, flexible wear
What’s included
  • Dry prep and cuticle work on your natural nail first
  • Hard gel built over a form to the length and shape you choose
  • Apex and structure shaped so the set wears evenly
  • Finished in gel color, French or cat eye
  • Infills every three to four weeks rather than a full removal
Rose cat-eye gel manicure with a shifting magnetic shimmer at Del Rey Spa, Pacific Beach, San Diego

Cat Eye Gel — add-on

+$20+15 min

A magnetic line of light that moves as your hand does — it photographs beautifully.

Works over nude, rose, grey or deep shades, on a manicure or a full set. Tell us when you book and we will hold the extra time.

Best forSomething differentEvenings and eventsPhotos
What’s included
  • Added to any gel manicure or set of extensions
  • Magnetic gel drawn with a magnet while it is still soft
  • The line placed to suit your nail shape
  • Works over nude, rose, grey or deep shades
  • Adds about fifteen minutes to your appointment
Clean, short nails after a men's dry manicure, shown with a suit cuff and watch at Del Rey Spa, Pacific Beach, San Diego

Men's Dry Manicure

$7060 min

Grooming, not a manicure — short, clean and completely matte.

Waterless grooming: trim, shape, cuticle care, buff and nourishing oil. Clean, no shine.

Best forBefore meetings or photosHangnails and rough cuticlesA first manicure
What’s included
  • Waterless throughout, so nothing softens or tears
  • Nails trimmed and shaped short and square
  • Cuticle work on hangnails and rough edges
  • Buffed smooth with no shine left behind
  • Nourishing oil worked into the cuticles

Prices in USD. A 3% processing fee applies to card payments — cash and Venmo are welcome.

Our work

Nail gallery

Questions

Nails FAQ

What is a Russian manicure?
It's a dry (waterless) manicure focused on detailed cuticle work and shaping. It's also called a European or dry manicure.
Why no water?
Nails absorb water and swell. Working dry lets us shape precisely and helps polish adhere better.
Do you use acrylics or acetone?
No. We use a gentle European technique and non-toxic gel products, with no acrylics and no acetone.
How long does a gel manicure take?
Plan for about 90 minutes for gel color and about 2 hours for a French tip. A natural manicure takes about an hour.
Do you offer manicures for men?
Yes. Our Men's Dry Manicure includes trimming, shaping, cuticle care, buffing and nourishing oil, with a clean, no-shine finish.

More questions? Call or text 619-736-4348 · Cancellation policy

Visit Del Rey Spa

3517 Del Rey St, Suite 107, San Diego, CA 92109 · Pacific Beach
Tue–Sun 10 am–7 pm · Closed Monday

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