If you're after a manicure that lasts forever, race to New York City's Henri Bendel.

British beauty company Nails, Inc. is operating a pop-up salon now through May 10 and is offering its signature Three-Week manicure, its exclusive Minx manicure (you've seen this cool, metallic look on stars like Rihanna) as well as a "Buff and Polish," its version of a standard manicure.

This is the first time these Nails, Inc. services are being offered in the United States, though company reps admitted if this limited time trial is successful, they would love to work with Bendel's to create something more permanent.

The Three-Week manicure is the most requested of this companies services at its Bendel's outpost, and it should be – it's kind of a remarkable thing for $45.


The nails are shaped and painted with acetone to remove any excess oils, a clear coat of gel is applied to protect the nail from being stained, two coats of color gel are applied (they have many variations and can even custom blend on request) and then a simple top coat. In between each gel application, the nails are set under UV lamp, so that when you leave, your nails are as dry as a bone.

It's recommended that the wearer reapply a plain top coat every five or so days after rubbing each nail with a non-acetone nail polish remover to keep the nails super shiny. And three weeks is an average – the color will not chip off – nail growth is what makes the nails look less than perfect, though one technician admitted to having a Three-Week pedicure last 12 weeks last summer.

We're happy to report that so far, the manicure has withstood a dinner-making and dish-washing session, and is currently holding its own while stripping paint off a wall. In other words, this baby stays put.

To remove the gel, simply run a file over the nails to break the seal and soak the nails in acetone. It should just come right off. It's kind of revolutionary.