Different Types of Manicures

Manicures can be an expressive way to show off your personal style and make an impressionful statement, yet selecting one from among all the options on salon menus may seem daunting.

From soft gel and Shellac manicures, acrylics, and sculpted nails – we consulted nail techs and salon owners about nine leading types of manicures. We then presented these views back in an informative overview article.

Basic Manicure

A basic manicure is an efficient and cost-effective treatment, featuring filing, buffing, cuticle pushing and nail polish application before finishing with a top coat application.

This manicure can help ensure your natural nails remain strong and healthy by clearing away dead skin cells on their surface layer, and improving circulation and blood flow in your hands.

Your nail technician will soak your hands in warm water to soften and loosen cuticles before clipping, filing, and shaping them as necessary. They may use rubbing alcohol to clean nails of excess buildup while providing paraffin wax treatment to hydrate dry hands as part of this service.

Gel Manicure

If a perfect set of nails are a priority and you have the budget, consider investing in a gel manicure. It offers longer-lasting wear while being suitable for people who lead active lives.

A gel manicure is similar to traditional manis in that the technician prepares your hands by cutting, trimming and lightly soaking nails before cleaning cuticles and cuticle edges. But where gel nail polish differs is in that its curing requires special light curing before being air-dried.

Some gel nail polishes may also be free from harmful ingredients like dibutyl phthalate, formaldehyde and toluene that can be found in other nail polish brands; however, even these “safe” brands could potentially damage your nails if removed improperly.

Acrylic Manicure

Acrylic nail polishes are an attractive solution for long-wearing nail art, offering a hard, durable layer that can also be sculpted into designs or applied over false nails. Most commonly made up of both powder and liquid formulas.

Damage may result from using nail enhancement products improperly and they may even cause nail fungus if they come into contact with skin. Furthermore, application emits dangerous chemical fumes.

Gel nails offer a safer alternative to acrylics; however, if you work with your hands or participate in physical activities frequently they may chip more quickly than their acrylic counterparts and stain more easily. They’re also more porous and stain more quickly.

Natural Nails Manicure

Nail art can be intimidatingly beautiful, yet natural nail manicures offer the chance to test out new trends without making permanent commitments. Natural manicures are especially ideal for frequent hand washers or those working in industries using chemicals – offering more variety without making permanent commitments!

The natural nail manicure entails applying polish to fake nails coated in polygel solution and then using the soaking method to remove it, with minimal effects on natural nails. This manicure can also be completed quickly – perfect for those who value appearance over convenience!

French Manicure

The classic French manicure may not be in fashion at present, but it remains an elegant choice that can be worn to any special event or formal gathering. Additionally, its use has proven particularly helpful for combatting nail biting by encouraging people to care for their hands and nails rather than picking at them.

With this manicure, a manicurist heats paraffin wax to an acceptable temperature before dipping each of your fingers into it and lifting them out again – this process is repeated seven times until your palms and fingertips have seven layers of wax coating them all over – followed by the application of your manicure.

American Manicure

While French manicures have gained immense popularity on social media platforms like TikTok, American nail looks tend to be more subtle and natural. American nail looks typically feature nude hues on most of the nail plate followed by creamy white tip.

Style Description: This shorter style with rounded tips is an ideal option for those seeking classic or more modern looks while maintaining subtlety in their nails.

This manicure is especially popular among actresses on film sets who must quickly change outfits without wasting valuable time on changing their nails regularly. Plus, this type of manicure lasts much longer with regular maintenance and touch ups.