Different Types of Manicures

Nowadays, going to a nail salon means more than selecting your polish color and receiving a hand massage. There are various kinds of manicures that can help keep nails hydrated or provide paraffin wax treatments – many options exist at your local salon!

Are You Thinking About Trying a Gel Manicure? Discover Your Options Here

Basic Manicure

Traditional polish manicures involve having your nails painted by a nail tech using base coat, color polish and top coat – great for those with weak nails or who enjoy changing up their nail color regularly! Typically lasting several days but easily removable at home.

An effective and affordable manicure involves trimming and shaping nails, pushing back cuticles for cleaning, buffing nails before applying base coat, color polish, and topcoat. It’s an efficient and cost-effective way to ensure healthy nails.

Gel manicures offer all of the pampering elements of traditional polishes while being more durable and long-wearing (up to three weeks of wear). Application of special gel nail polish that quickly cures under UV light results in longer wear time, less chipping, and an enhanced shine compared with standard manicures.

Gel Manicure

Gel manicures have become a popular option for those seeking long-lasting nail colors that stay glossy and durable. Nail artists apply a base coat to prepare nails before specialized gel lacquer is applied and cured under UV light, followed by another application and curing time until all nails have been covered with polish and sealed off with topcoats.

Structured gels differ from traditional polishes in that they contain ingredients like polymers and photo initiators that cure with UV light, in addition to having a thicker consistency for artistic application and sculpting, according to London-based session manicurist Ami Streets. Some salons market structured gel products under names such as BIAB (Builder in a Bottle) or CND Shellac to advertise them more effectively.

To keep a healthy manicure with gels, it is important to hydrate both hands and nails between applications by applying rich hand creams or cuticle oils, and applying cuticle oil. Nails can be strengthened using hardeners regularly in order to prevent breakage or chipping of nails.

Regular Manicure

Basic polish manicures are an easy, cost-effective nail care treatment that yields natural-colored nails without needing gel base coats. While this look may chip quickly or wear away over time, its effect should last at least several days.

Popular variations include French manicures that add an elegant and refined appearance, such as adding classic white tips. This look works particularly well for short or medium length nails who desire a timeless and chic manicure.

Shellac manicures last approximately two weeks without chipping and can damage nails if they’re improperly removed, but can be quite expensive as well as require special acetone-based remover.

Sculpted Manicure

Nail artists offering sculpted nails can form artificial nails to your specific fingertips and hands. Choose coffin or rounded nail styles depending on your taste; these nails look natural while being more flexible than regular acrylics according to Byrdie.

Proper maintenance will extend this manicure up to three weeks with proper care, making it much simpler and less damaging to the natural nails than acrylics or gels.

Sculpted nails provide the ideal canvas for nail art and other decorations, and may serve as an attractive alternative to regular acrylics for clients seeking greater length or strength in their nails.

Sculpted manicures require more time and effort, but the rewards make the extra work worth your while when you see how stunningly your nails turn out. Achieving this look makes for the perfect way to show off your hands at formal events or special events while protecting them against damage like dryness and cracking.