What happens during a refill
A refill renews acrylic where your natural nail has grown out. Your technician inspects the nail edge and cuticle area, removes any loose product, refills the grown-out zone, refines the transition, and finishes with shaping and polish as requested. This service emphasizes a tidy, secure transition rather than a quick surface touch-up.
Because a refill works with the existing acrylic, the final shape reflects prior length, nail health, and the technician’s blending. If you want a major length or shape change, that choice affects time and outcome; sometimes a different service is a better fit for dramatic reshaping.
Cuticle-first process and benefits
At Studio Chique the cuticle is a prioritized step—cuticle care is performed before the refill to create a clean, even foundation. That attention helps the technician seat the new product neatly at the nail root and reduces visible gaps or catches at the edge, delivering a more polished, comfortable result than a basic refill.
There is a trade-off between aggressive removal and gentle maintenance: preserving healthy cuticle tissue avoids irritation, while careful tidying improves adhesion and appearance. Your technician will balance those choices with your comfort, skin sensitivity, and the current condition of the natural nail.
Timing, price, and planning
This service is scheduled for 90 minutes and is quoted Starting at $69. Appointment duration accommodates inspection, cuticle care, blending, shaping, and polish. If additional repairs or length adjustments are needed, the technician will discuss options and any impact on time during your visit.
We offer flexible early-morning and evening booking for parents and shift workers, and convenient access for commuters using the Rhode Island Ave–Brentwood and Brookland-CUA Metro stations. Consider pairing a refill with one of our self-care packages if you’re visiting the U.S. National Arboretum or Union Market on weekends.
