What Is Considered a Basic Manicure?

An affordable way to keep your nails looking their best, a basic manicure offers an effective solution. Your nail technician will buff, trim and shape your nails before pushing back cuticles before finishing up with polish.

With a paraffin manicure, your nail technician will melt paraffin wax before coating your hands in its warm liquid state. After it cools down, she may dip or brush powder onto each fingernail as part of her service.

Classic Manicure

Classic manicures provide an indulgent spa-like experience that includes nail shaping, cuticle care, lotion application and polish application – the ideal manicure choice for those looking for something traditional that won’t chip as easily than other varieties of polishes.

Your nails are an integral component of expressing your personal style. From wedding ceremonies and celebratory parties, to everyday wear and tear, perfectly manicured nails add the final touch.

If you’re on the search for new nail polish colors to add to your collection, try something neutral such as taupe or white. Neutral tones give nails an effortless and polished appearance that pairs nicely with any outfit. To keep them looking their best use a clear top coat as protection from chips and stains; for an additional boost use a base coat which helps strengthen and grow stronger nails.

Acrylic Manicure

No matter your nail art goals – from subtle enhancements to dramatic claws – an acrylic manicure can help add length and surface area for nail art creation. However, be mindful – improper care from an unqualified technician could cause irreparable harm, according to Lee.

For a successful application of acrylic nails, technicians use liquid monomer and powder polymer solutions applied by hand and dried under UV lighting to your natural nails, creating a hardened layer on which you can paint or create nail art designs, according to your technician. This layer provides the ideal canvas on which to display paints or nail art designs on them.

Prepping for an application, a manicurist begins by buffing and removing shine with either polish brush, acetone on a lint-free pad, or nail tips for Dua Lipa-esque long nail extensions, or skipping them altogether. A color is then applied, and any excess product removed with cuticle oil. Finally, top coat is added for protection.

Dip Manicure

Dip manicures (commonly referred to as SNS nails) involve coating nails in liquid base before dipping them in powder for up to one month-long durability and less damage to natural nails, according to Joy Terrell who runs a salon that specializes in this service. “This unique method minimizes damage,” notes Terrell.

Start a dip manicure at home by immersing your hands in water to soften cuticles and nails, and once dry file nails with coarse-grit file to even them out and buff surface using buffer block.

Before applying your first coat of powder, ensure each nail is carefully cleansed with a damp swab to eliminate dirt or debris from its tips. Avoid filling in any bare areas as doing so could trap moisture underneath and potentially lead to mold or fungus growth; ensure you choose a manicure technician and salon who practice hygienic practices for best results.

Nail Art Manicure

Nail art can be an attractive way to update your manicure with glittery polish or test out a different hue, making it one of the more sought-after manicure options. However, its application should be executed carefully so your nails do not appear damaged or messy.

Press-on nails provide an affordable solution for quick manicures with little downtime or maintenance required, lasting anywhere between one week to seven depending on how well they’re maintained.

As much as salon manicures are enjoyable experiences, learning how to give one yourself at home can save money and be a satisfying experience! Simply start with a clean canvas before applying base coat, your desired nail color and then a clear top coat. Finally, regularly applying cuticle oil will keep your manicure healthy and complete your task!