Getting a manicure in Porto in English: services, Portuguese terms and booking
A guide for expats and visitors: what the Portuguese names for e-file manicure, gel polish and extensions mean, how booking works and what services cost at Noir Privé.
New to Porto? Booking a manicure in a new country comes with small hurdles: different service names, different booking habits, and not always an easy way to explain what you want. We're Noir Privé, a nail studio in Matosinhos next to Porto, and we work in English, Portuguese, Ukrainian and Russian. Here's what our clients usually ask.
A quick glossary: services in Portuguese
Useful if you search on Google or Portuguese sites:
- Manicure russa or manicure com micromotor — e-file (Russian) manicure.
- Manicure combinada — combined manicure (e-file plus classic tools).
- Verniz gel — gel polish. Verniz clássico — regular polish.
- Remoção — removal of the previous polish.
- Extensão de unhas em gel — gel nail extensions.
- Reforço com gel — gel overlay (strengthening).
- Manutenção — maintenance / infill.
- Marcação — appointment. Cutícula — cuticle.
Why "Russian manicure"
The e-file technique is known in Portugal as the "Russian" manicure. The cuticle is cleaned with an electric file and bits — no soaking, no cutting — and gel polish goes on very close to the cuticle. More on the Russian manicure page.
What it costs
Prices at Noir Privé:
- Manicure with gel polish and removal — €38
- Manicure without polish — €25
- Japanese manicure — €30
- Gel nail extensions — €60–75
Nail art is charged separately. The full, current list is on the price list.
How to book
- Online — choose a service and time in the booking system on our site.
- WhatsApp or Instagram (@noir.prive.pt) — write in English and send a photo of the design you like.
The studio is open daily from 11:00 to 19:00, by appointment only — no walk-ins.
Rules worth knowing in advance
- Free cancellation or rescheduling up to 24 hours before your visit.
- Up to 15 minutes late is fine; later than that, the service may be shortened or moved.
- Kids manicure only with a parent present; no cuticle cutting under 14.
- We don't currently offer pedicures.
All rules are in the FAQ.
Getting here
We're at Av. Comendador Ferreira de Matos 205, Matosinhos. Matosinhos is connected to central Porto by metro line A (blue). Map and contacts are on the contact page.
Liked the article?
Book a consultation and get personalized recommendations from our masters
Book a Visit