5 Different Types of Manicures

A manicure is a cosmetic and therapeutic beauty treatment performed by trained professionals to care for hands and nails. It entails nail trimming, cuticle care and hydration before nail paint application.

Dirty nails and cuticles are never an attractive sight, especially on men. A regular manicure helps maintain healthy nails and skin while giving you confidence with a professional, well-groomed appearance.

1. Basic Manicure

General nail care procedures typically include nail cleaning with soap and water, filing, buffing and cuticle work as well as cuticle address. In addition, this service often includes hand massage as well as nail painting in any color you prefer.

As opposed to acrylic nails, this manicure may last slightly longer and doesn’t involve soaking nails in acetone for removal of polish remover. That can be particularly helpful for people who find this process to be harsh on their nails.

This type of manicure allows you to experiment with new colors and nail designs without making permanent changes. Furthermore, it’s easier than other forms of manicures to maintain on an ongoing basis without risking damaging the nails – and thus might be best suited to your lifestyle and personal tastes.

2. Gel Manicure

Recently, gel polish manicures have become increasingly popular due to their durability. Offering high-shine finishes that last longer than traditional nail polish and making maintenance simpler than ever, gel manicures provide long-term shine with easy upkeep.

At a gel manicure, a nail technician applies two to three thick coats of thick gel-based polish that requires curing under a special UV or LED lamp. According to Tamara Di Lullo, veteran nail artist and CND Education Ambassador. Gel nail polish cures when exposed to light; thus helping maintain shiny and beautiful nails for an extended period.

Unfortunately, gel manicures can also damage nails over time if picked at or removed too frequently, according to Dr. Joshua Zeichner. This can cause your nails to become brittle and dull while potentially leading to fungal infections that require additional treatments such as antibiotics.

3. Acrylic Manicure

Long before gels, dips and press-on nails became popular, acrylics were the go-to for nail enhancement. Used for everything from ending nail biting habits to covering broken nails with art designs – acrylics were always there as an essential nail tool!

Instead of needing special lights to cure gel nails, acrylics use a liquid and powder system for application. After applying a base coat, your fingernails are dipped into powder then tapped off creating thick layers on each fingernail.

Acrylic nails often receive negative press. But when done properly, they’re no more harmful for natural nails than any other nail enhancement option. It is key that you visit a salon that adheres to strict sanitation regulations; and ensure your acrylics are protected from excessive heat or direct sunlight while regularly applying cuticle oil for optimal results.

4. Shellac Manicure

When entering a nail salon, it can be challenging to decide what type of manicure you desire. Gel, acrylic, shellac and traditional nails all offer distinct options with their own advantages and disadvantages.

Shellac nails are an innovative hybrid between nail polish and gel manicures, applied similarly to regular polish and then cured under UV light for maximum natural-looking wear that lasts up to 14 days.

However, Shellac nails can be more of an inconvenient process to take off than gel polish and require more acetone than gel. In addition, their exposure to UV rays may damage skin health so be sure to apply sunscreen before heading out!

5. Spa Manicure

Manicures from professional nail salons and spas can be one of the best ways to maintain healthy nails. Additionally, it promotes relaxation, which may help relieve stress and anxiety. Furthermore, many manicure treatments include hand and arm massages that may benefit your overall health; massages encourage circulation – providing additional benefits to both nails and skin health.

Spas tend to offer more luxurious experiences than regular nail salons, creating an atmosphere that feels calmer and more soothing – for instance dim lights and soothing music are often found within these settings.

They may provide more extensive treatments than a standard manicure, such as paraffin wax dips, salt scrubs, hot towel wraps and soothing hand and arm massages. Many also include cuticle treatments to help prevent dry, flaky hands.