Healthiest Manicure to Get

“Like painting on canvas, your natural nail quality determines the results,” Stern states.

Selecting a salon that observes proper sanitation practices is crucial in order to prevent the spread of bacteria and infection, and extend the longevity of your manicure by adopting healthy habits between appointments.

Paraffin Manicure

A paraffin manicure is a luxurious skin-softening treatment ideal for anyone looking to repair dry, cracked hands or feet. The penetrating heat of wax hydrates skin and nails while soothing joint pain caused by arthritis or fibromyalgia conditions. Hot wax also draws out impurities from skin layers while healing hangnails and cuticles before relaxing manicure or pedicure treatments are applied.

Choi advises this type of manicure is perfect for winter or any time when hands and cuticles are dry, as a salon technician dips your fingers or toes in heated paraffin wax that has been enhanced with essential oils such as lavender, tea tree oil, peppermint or aloe vera to enhance the experience. Once the wax cools down further, he or she applies lotion to seal in moisture.

Dip Powder Manicure

Dipping powder manicures differ from gel nails in that there’s no UV light required to cure them; thus making this type of manicure much less damaging on natural nails.

Russell and Parvatova estimate that it’s not uncommon for a professionally applied and high-quality dip manicure to last four to five weeks with proper application and care. If after getting one using one of their products you notice your natural nails have started growing out or becoming brittle it would be wise to remove it immediately and get another treatment instead.

Aaron advises clients that a dip powder manicure can be extremely durable and minimally damage your natural nails as long as the proper application and removal steps are followed. She suggests always using clean nail files, pure acetone and not picking at your nails when wearing a dip manicure; in order to keep hydration levels consistent. She suggests regularly applying Olive & June Nail & Cuticle Serum or L’Occitane Shea Nourishing Nail & Cuticle Oil daily as additional options to keep hydration.

Gel Manicure

However, although gel manicures are an increasingly popular choice, some individuals worry that they’re bad for nails. While frequent gel manicures may exacerbate dry nails and cause brittleness due to frequent soaking in acetone, which dries out both nails and skin over time, the effects are generally limited unless performed too often or without following proper nail care practices.

Gel polish curing lights emit the same DNA-damaging rays that tanning beds do, according to a 2020 study. However, you can reduce your risk by wearing sunscreen or using special gloves that only expose your hands.

Other concerns with gel manicures include breaking or chipping more easily than regular polish and that they prevent oxygen exchange with your natural nail plate (one of our favorite nail myths!). You can prevent this problem by not applying hot water directly onto your nails, applying cuticle oil post appointment, and waiting a minimum of 24 hours after air drying to begin working with them.

Acrylic Manicure

Acrylic nails may get a bad rap, but they’re actually far less dangerous than people think. “When applied by an experienced nail artist instead of home application,” they can actually strengthen natural nails while lasting up to three weeks before needing refilling,” according to Dixon.

Acrylic nails can be damaging if not maintained properly. Never try to remove acrylics yourself; professionals have spent years perfecting this art form and any attempts could lead to permanent nail damage.

To prevent this from happening, always do your research before visiting a salon you trust. Pay attention to aesthetics of the space, how well technicians clean and sanitize tools, experience of nail technicians and any discomfort you feel when visiting the place – if this feels wrong for any reason at all, leave. Experts such as Bui recommend moisturizing daily with something like The Body Shop Almond Hand & Nail Cream as this could prevent future infections of the nail beds.