Sculpted acrylic and polygel sets, builder gel and hand-painted nail art: meet the nail technician behind some of Aura on Chester's boldest (and most beautifully subtle) sets.
If you're looking for a nail technician in Parkwood who can do it all, from a clean, natural overlay to a full set of hand-painted nail art, you'll want to meet Kitso. She's one of the nail specialists at Aura on Chester, our day spa at 16 Chester Road, Parkwood, Johannesburg, and her chair is where many of our most-photographed sets are made.
Who is Kitso?
Kitso is a professional nail technician at Aura on Chester. In her own words:
"I love creating beautiful, long-lasting nails that make you feel confident the moment you leave the salon. I specialise in Acrylic, Gel Manicures, Rubber Base, Polygel, Gel Tips, Nail Art and Pedicures, with a strong focus on clean, hygienic work and attention to detail. Whether you're after something natural and classy or bold and glamorous, I'm here to create a set that feels completely you."
That mix of precision and personality is what clients come back for. Kitso takes time to understand the look you want, checks the condition of your natural nails, and then builds a set that suits your hands, your lifestyle and how long you want it to last.
Kitso's favourite treatments
Kitso's real love is sculpted nails: building shape, length and strength that looks flawless and lasts. These are the treatments she enjoys most.
Acrylic nails
Acrylic is the classic choice for length and a strong, sculpted shape. Kitso does full sets with tips, overlays on your natural nails, French tip acrylic and fills.
- Acrylic tips and gel mani: R550 (about 90 minutes)
- Acrylic overlay: R300
- French tip acrylic: R380
- Acrylic fill: R450
Polygel nails
Polygel combines the strength of acrylic with the flexibility of gel. It's a lovely option if you want length and structure with a lighter feel.
- Polygel full set: R550
- Polygel fill: R450
Bio Sculpture builder gel
Builder gel adds strength and a smooth, structured shape to your own nails, or to tips for extra length. It's ideal if you want stronger-looking nails that still look natural.
Rubber base and soft gel tips
Rubber base gives flexible support to thin or weak nails without a full enhancement. Soft gel tips with rubber base are a quick, lightweight way to add length.
Gel manicures with Lola Lee and CND Shellac
For colour without enhancements, Kitso loves working with Lola Lee gel and CND Shellac, both long-wearing and high-shine.
- Gel Lola Lee manicure: R410
- Shellac manicure: R450
Kitso's nail art
This is where Kitso's creativity really shows. Every nail art set is painted by hand, so no two are exactly alike. A few recent looks from her chair:
- Green swirl almond nails. Long almond-shaped nails on a sheer nude base, hand-painted with flowing emerald and jade swirls, fine line-work and tiny dot accents. Bold, artistic and completely one of a kind.
- Orange micro French. Short, natural nails with a sheer pink base and a whisper-thin neon orange tip. Clean, modern and perfect if you want a little colour without going all-out.
Whether you bring a Pinterest picture or just a colour and a mood, Kitso will help you turn it into a design that suits your nail shape and length.
- Nail art set: R200
- Nail art per nail: R25
See more inspiration on our nail art page.
Acrylic, polygel or builder gel: which is right for you?
| You want... | Kitso may suggest | | --- | --- | | Real length and a strong, sculpted shape | Acrylic tips or polygel | | Length with a lighter, more flexible feel | Polygel | | Stronger-looking natural nails, no extra length | Bio Sculpture builder gel or rubber base | | Quick, lightweight length | Soft gel tips with rubber base | | Just colour that lasts | Lola Lee gel or CND Shellac |
Not sure? Book the treatment closest to what you want and Kitso will assess your nails and talk you through the options before she starts.
Kitso's tips for making your set last
- Never pick or peel off gel or acrylic. It takes layers of your natural nail with it. Book a professional soak-off instead (acrylic soak-off: R200).
- Book your fill on time. Fills keep your set balanced and strong as your natural nail grows out.
- Oil your cuticles daily to keep the skin around your nails soft and healthy.
- Wear gloves for cleaning and gardening. Your nails are jewels, not tools.
- Wearing an old set? Mention it when you book so we can allow time to remove it.
If a nail is lifting, painful, or looks discoloured or green, please don't cover it. Show Kitso first, and see a doctor if you're worried about an infection.
When can you book Kitso?
Kitso works Tuesday to Saturday: Tuesday to Friday from 08:00 to 18:00, and Saturday from 08:00 to 16:00.
At Aura on Chester every visit comes with a complimentary welcome wine or your favourite cappuccino, served with Granny's Melting Delights, plus safe on-site parking.
Book your nails with Kitso
Book online and choose Kitso as your therapist, or WhatsApp us on 071 889 8572. We're at 16 Chester Road, Parkwood, Johannesburg, a few minutes from Rosebank, Parktown North and Craighall Park.