How Many Types of Manicure Are There?

An impressive manicure can add sophistication and make an impactful style statement, as well as providing numerous health advantages.

With so many choices available, selecting the appropriate manicure can be challenging. That’s why we consulted salon owners, nail techs and manicure experts in order to demystify these choices and help guide our decision.

Regular or Classic Manicure

Nail care can be an enjoyable treat or monthly ritual, and the options can vary widely between salon menus. We consulted experts to explore all the various kinds of manicures that exist and which would work best for each of us.

A regular or classic manicure uses traditional nail polish for a clean and polished appearance, including trimming and shaping of nails, cuticle care, hand massage and polish application. Plus you have the opportunity to select your perfect shade ranging from neutral to bold and vibrant options!

Gel Manicure

Gel polish has quickly become an indispensable beauty staple, thanks to its near indestructibility and glossy sheen. Plus, it stays put until it’s time for another mani! But for an extended lasting manicure experience consider getting structured gel manicures.

Ami Streets of London-based session manicurist Ami Streets provides this service by applying builder gel products that create long-lasting and super durable nail enhancements using thicker formulas allowing for shaping, lengthening and thickening the natural nails to add length and thickness to them.

This service may cost more than your typical manicure depending on the salon and what work is done on your nails (nail art is an option), but if you find that your polish chips as soon as you reach into your handbag for your phone it could be well worth your while.

French Manicure

A classic French manicure has long been considered a timeless style, for good reason. This elegant yet effortless look suits nails of any length or type; simply avoid overly long, square or stiletto nails, opting instead for soft oval or squoval shapes instead.

This style looks especially lovely on shorter nails and works especially well when combined with natural or gel nail extensions, while longer nails still look chic if chosen in neutral, pastel, or neon pink colors that suit your outfit rather than appearing overtly trendy.

French manicures require steady hands and precision in order to achieve those perfect white tips, yet can be completed at home easily with nail tape ($9) or regular scotch tape (which I prefer). Simply allow your base coat to dry fully before placing tip guides where your white stripe begins.

Hot Oil Manicure

This type of manicure involves immersing nails and cuticles in warm nourishing oils to provide deep nourishment to their nail beds. This approach is particularly useful when treating dry, brittle nails and cuticles as it provides deep hydration to their nail beds.

This method uses oil blends heated in a bowl or electric heater and applied directly to fingertips using this soaking technique. These could include Jojoba, Coconut or Olive oils.

Once the oil has cooled, it should be gently massaged into nails and hands until fully absorbed. Doing this regularly will help strengthen brittle nails and cuticles while moisturizing skin and increasing nail strength – you can even do this at home using essential oils mixed with body butter!

Shellac Manicure

As its name implies, shellac combines regular nail polish and gel in one product, making it more resilient against chipping than traditional manicures. Similar to gel nail polish application with base coat, color coats, and top coat layers but using UV light curing instead to preserve color saturation and prevent chipping.

Shellac, as opposed to gel polish, can be gentler on natural nails because it doesn’t wear off the surface of your nails like gel does; however, you must avoid picking at or peeling off shellac from your nails as this could remove vital layers that protect the top layer and leave weak and brittle nails behind.

Staying hydrated is key to prolonging the lifespan of a shellac manicure. Use hand cream with hydrating hyaluronic acid such as Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hand Gel Cream from CVS ($8.79), during the day, and nourish cuticle oil such as Essie Apricot Nail & Cuticle Conditioning Care Oil from Ulta ($11) before bedtime.