Holly Hilliger - The Manicurist

The studio is at 3111 W Armitage Avenue in Chicago's Logan Square neighborhood. Its work centers on gel nails: soft gel overlays, structured gel manicures, Apres Gel X extensions, and the IBX treatment for weak or damaged nails.

The studio uses the Bio Sculpture gel system, which the site describes as a soft gel suited to short and medium nails. It is not expected to replace acrylic, hard gel or dip powder on extreme lengths. The studio says its products are vegan, cruelty free, and free of dehydrators, primers and bonders.

A basic soft gel overlay is four layers of self-leveling gel with soak-off removal included, and it takes about an hour and a half. Structured overlays use a five-step process with builder gel for added strength, and include a dry e-file cuticle service where nails are filled rather than soaked off. Nail art is priced in minimal, moderate and extensive tiers, and designs are sealed in gel.

Clients are asked to text for appointments, since texts get a quicker reply, and to send inspiration photos by email, text or Instagram before their appointment date. The studio does not take walk-ins, and the last appointment of the day is at 4:30 PM. Online bookings require a credit or debit card on file, which is not charged at booking. Cancellations or changes need 24 hours' notice, otherwise 50% of the appointment is charged, though cancellations for feeling unwell are free. Venmo, Zelle and cash are accepted. The studio is not handicap accessible.

The studio says it follows state board sanitation rules. Metal tools are washed with soapy water and disinfected with hospital-grade disinfectant, files and buffers are thrown away after each use, instruments are kept in sealed pouches, and the table and non-porous items are wiped down with disinfectant.

Focuses on keeping clients' natural nails intact, or building a plan to restore nail health, with education on healthy gel manicures and aftercare.