An average manicure typically involves soaking, clipping, filing, shaping and buffing the nails before trimming and cuticle care as well as nail polish application.
Nails seem to be expanding in scope these days, yet what exactly are all the options out there? We spoke with salon owners, nail artists and one beauty writer who have all experienced different forms of manicure to find out.
Manicure
A manicure is a cosmetic treatment designed to keep nails healthy and looking their best. This process involves the cleaning, shaping and polishing of nails as well as exfoliation around them to remove dead skin cells. Furthermore, some manicures include hand massage therapy which may relieve stress while improving circulation.
Manicurists use two main forms of nail polish: traditional (which lasts longer than traditional nail polish), and gel nail polish (which contains resin to strengthen nails and make them more resilient).
Manicures are available for both hands and feet, though women are more likely to receive one on their fingernails than men. Men may choose to have their toenails painted instead. Nail polish comes in any hue; many people like to match it to their outfit or other accessories.
Pedicure
Pedicures can be the perfect way to pamper our feet, from soaking nails and clipping them, to trimming calluses off and exfoliating or scrubbing away dirt on our legs – it all adds up to an excellent pedicure session!
After your scrub and soak, a technician will trim, shape and polish your toenails before applying a base coat and top coat to protect the new manicure.
A paraffin pedicure is an add-on service that involves submerging your feet in hot liquid paraffin wax to nourish and hydrate their skin, making this treatment beneficial for people suffering from dry feet or joint pain.
Fish pedicures offer an alternative approach to traditional methods of callus removal such as pumice stones or metal foot files, employing Garra rufa, more commonly known as doctor fish, to nibble away dead skin on your feet while simultaneously relaxing and relieving back pain.
Paraffin Treatment
Paraffin treatments offered by some nail salons offer an indulgent solution to soothe dry, irritated skin. A soft wax is heated before being applied directly onto hands and feet and left soaking for 15-30 minutes; during this time the warm wax softens and moisturizes while often providing additional therapeutic essential oils like lavender that help calm nerves.
After soaking off the wax, a manicure is performed as usual with one exception – without polish. Nails are trimmed, cuticles treated, and massaged using lotions to leave hands feeling luxuriously relaxed and silky smooth.
Finding the appropriate manicure depends on your daily schedule, style and budget. With an abundance of techniques to choose from, finding one that best fits you is easier than ever! From Instagram-worthy nails to something to alleviate back pain – there is sure to be something that meets all of your needs!
Gel Polish
Gel manicures are increasingly becoming the go-to solution for long-lasting nail polish that doesn’t chip easily. Prep your nails using alcohol wipes and bonding base coat, then paint and cure under an LED light; after they dry completely, a topcoat is applied and cured once more.
At a salon, they use polish that is free from damaging chemicals such as dibutyl phthalate, formaldehyde and toluene that could potentially corrode and chip nails. An alternative option would be polygel which provides similar effects but less damaging results.
Make sure your manicurist uses sterilized tools when getting a gel manicure, and apply cuticle oil between appointments to keep your nails and cuticles healthy. Furthermore, Kandalec suggests applying “caps” at the ends of each nail with paint to keep its polish from lifting prematurely and lengthen its durability. This prevents premature lift-off.
