Types of Manicures

Manicures offer more than just spa day indulgence; they’re an invaluable opportunity to test out color or nail design trends without making an irreversible commitment. But with so many looks available to you, how can you know which one to pick?

Gel polish (often known by its brand name Shellac) has become increasingly popular both in salons and at home. Not only does it last significantly longer than regular lacquer, but the curing process doesn’t involve having to place yourself under UV lights to cure.

Classic

A classic manicure is an ideal option for anyone seeking quick yet colourful refreshment. Your technician will shape and trim nails before applying a custom shade of nail polish that you choose – followed by applying a protective top coat that adds glossy shine.

Typically, this form of manicure will last around five days and is one of the more affordable solutions that is easily removed at home with nail polish remover.

Gel manicures have the potential to damage natural nails if worn for too long or removed improperly, so it is crucial that you find a salon specialized in this style of manicure and read reviews about other clients’ experiences before deciding if this is right for you. Hiring a good quality nail technician will help reduce potential damages to your nails.

French

French manicures have long been a go-to look for style icons like Paris Hilton, Reese Witherspoon and Victoria Beckham – and have even earned them style points themselves! But this style can sometimes result in less-than-ideal looks (think thickly painted white tips that smudged in the rain or looked out-dated and outdated).

Classic French manicure is achieved by applying a neutral pink or nude base hue, then layering white polish at the tip for an eye-catching, pointed or rounded appearance. An ombre French manicure adds another level of elegance; here, the tip color fades seamlessly into its base color for a stylish and subtle appearance.

A French manicure can work on any nail plate or shape, though shorter nails with visible white tips and cuticle areas work best. Manicures provide an opportunity to experiment with color and design trends without making permanent commitments, so take your French-tip manicure as an opportunity to have some creative fun! It should last about one week with proper care.

Gel

When your client needs a manicure that will stand the test of time and endure busy workweeks, family vacations, and days filled with hands-on projects, gel manicures are an ideal solution. They last about four times longer than traditional nail polish and provide exceptional chip resistance.

Gel nails are applied to natural nails and then cured using LED or UV lighting; their signature feature being their curing process that sets it apart from traditional nail polish that could dent or smudge under certain conditions.

Gel manicures differ from acrylics in that they do not utilize liquid and powder polymers to extend or sculpt natural nails before painting them, instead applying base coat, color coat and clear topcoat in order to give clients flawless looking nails that resist chipping, smudges and chipping for extended periods of time. There are two varieties of gels: soft gel and hard gel; the latter cannot be removed through soak off techniques but requires filing instead, increasing cost exponentially.

Acrylic

Acrylic nails are artificial nails designed to add length and strength to the natural nail plate, offering the potential to curb nail biting habits or cover broken, damaged, discolored or discolored nails. In addition, acrylics may provide the extra length that helps your natural nails grow naturally.

These fake nails are composed of liquid monomer and powder polymer that is applied directly onto your natural nail bed, then shaped into your desired shape by shaping the liquid monomer with powder polymer. They’re much stronger than gel nails and can even be customized into stilettos, squares or coffins to fit into any fashion aesthetic.

Manicure techniques that use harsh abrasives or are improperly performed can damage nails, making it essential to visit an experienced nail technician who adheres to sanitary procedures and practices. Furthermore, improper nail care may create moisture build-up between your toenails and footwear which acts as an ideal breeding ground for bacteria and fungi that lead to infections in feet and toenails.