Different Types of Manicures

No matter the occasion or your needs, a manicure can provide the ideal way to pamper and display your nails. However, there are various different kinds of manicures to choose from.

Gel manicures are becoming increasingly popular. Your nail tech paints your nails with gel polish, then dries it using UV or LED lights.

Basic Manicure

A standard or natural nail manicure (often called just “basic manicure”) involves several essential steps: Your nails are soaked in polish remover, then the nail tech trims, files, shapes, and buffs them before pushing back cuticles and adding hand massage as part of their service.

Finish them with color; this could include regular polish or Vinylux from CND’s long-wear nail polish range which lasts a week with no base coat necessary.

This type of manicure should not cause harm if it is properly removed. Therefore, it’s essential that when at home using this kind of manicure you use non-acetone polish remover as well as regularly moisturizing nails and cuticles with moisturizer containing biotin to ensure their health and strength are preserved. Adding biotin-rich fruits, veggies and proteins may also help strengthen them further.

Classic Manicure

A classic manicure is the ideal solution for those who want to experiment with different nail polish colors or styles without making an irrevocable commitment. With it, you will gain a polished, professional appearance that makes you feel put-together and ready to face each day with confidence.

At this treatment, nails are filed and buffed before cuticles are properly cared for and polished applied. Most places offer top coat to ensure the polish doesn’t chip and add extra shine.

This type of manicure lasts for one to seven days and can easily be removed with nail polish remover or cotton pads, making it the ideal solution for those who work with their hands often, such as office workers or chefs, or with weaker natural nails more likely to chip quickly.

Acrylic Manicure

Acrylic nails are made up of a mixture of liquid and powder that are applied directly onto natural nails for shaping. Once complete, acrylics look attractive while lasting long term; however they can be difficult to remove, causing damage to natural nail in some instances if removed improperly.

Finding a nail technician who regularly uses sterilized tools is the best way to safeguard natural nail beds when getting acrylics, and this prevents bacteria from spreading and leading to infections that could lift acrylic nails prematurely. Furthermore, cuticle oil should also be applied and regular infill visits scheduled.

Shellac Manicure

Shellac nails are an increasingly popular manicure style, lasting two to four weeks with high shine and featuring amazing resistance against fading and discoloration – so your manicure will stay vibrant until your next salon visit.

As UV nail polish dries more quickly than traditional polish, you can leave the salon and immediately return to your everyday activities without fear of smudged or smeared nails.

Another key advantage of Shellac manicures is that they won’t damage natural nails as long as it is removed correctly; however, frequent Shellac applications (especially if not done so correctly) could cause thin and brittle nails over time.

Paraffin Wax Manicure

A paraffin manicure can be an uplifting treat for dry skin. Added as an add-on or as an individual treatment, its warm application pushes in moisture and leaves your hands hydrated and soft.

An appointment at a spa offering paraffin bath treatments is ideal for dry skin conditions and stiff joints and muscles (such as arthritis or fibromyalgia). Your manicurist may exfoliate your hands or feet before soaking them in melted paraffin wax heated to an agreeable but not scorching temperature.

Once your hands have been submerged in wax, they’re covered with something resembling an oven mitt and left to cool for about 20 minutes while you relax. After this time has elapsed, the manicurist removes the excess wax and applies moisturizer before finally taking away.