How Many Types of Manicures Are There to Choose From?

Manicures are essential components of looking your best and feeling put together, yet did you know there are multiple types? Salon owners, nail techs and beauty writers share their insight on nine popular options.

Long-lasting manicures should always be removed professionally as bacteria may accumulate between the gel and natural nails if not done so correctly. They also take longer than traditional polish to take off.

Basic Manicure

A basic manicure entails getting your nails cleaned (cuticle treatment, nail shaping) before getting a hand massage and applying a coat of polish. It is the most common form of manicure and simple to complete at home.

This traditional nail style has been around for decades, and is much less harsh on natural nails than acrylic and gel nail applications, which can cause permanent damage. Additionally, this cheaper approach can easily be redone if desired for special events or simply to change up their look!

To perform a basic manicure, wash your hands in warm, soapy water before gently exfoliating them with a nail brush to remove dirt or debris on the surface of your nails. Soak them for two to three minutes so they won’t become wrinkled before drying with a lint-free towel.

Shellac Manicure

Shellac manicure is similar to gel polish in that it applies over natural nails rather than acrylic ones, unlike its predecessor. While removal requires long acetone soaks or constant hand washing with harsh chemicals, shellac can be removed quickly with just one wipe–an ideal choice for those working environments where harsh chemicals or frequent handwashing occur.

Nail lacquer lasts longer than traditional nail polish, lasting at least two weeks of wear. It is ideal for people who wish to extend the natural lifespan of their nails or those who have fragile brittle ones that become damaged easily from traditional polishes.

Shellac manicures present few real drawbacks; the curing process, however, exposes your nails to UV rays that could be potentially damaging. To minimize this risk and maintain healthy nails, regularly applying hand cream and making sure your hands are completely dry before applying any products will help strengthen and preserve them – an integral factor if you want your manicure to last as intended.

French Manicure

A French manicure is a timeless classic, making an impressionful statement at any special occasion or wedding. A popular choice among brides for special events like weddings and other formal gatherings, it creates a sophisticated and formal appearance on nails of every shade and length. Jeff Pink created this style as CEO of Orly International back in 1975 before it gained widespread recognition by being worn on models and celebrities from Hollywood.

To achieve the look, an aesthetician will trim away cuticles and skin around your nails to ensure they have a nice shape, followed by white tips being painted onto them using a nail design brush (Minina recommends Maxus Nails FINITO for best results) with silver glitter added for extra flair!

Acrylic Manicure

As its name implies, this nail enhancement utilizes acrylic powder and liquid monomer to form a sticky paste that covers natural nails. An experienced nail artist can mold this gummy paste into various shapes and sizes before adding extensions for length or adding fun accessories like rhinestones for an added flair to give your manicure some flair.

Jenn Bui (famous for her close friendship with Cardi B) advises that although acrylic nails often get bad press, they’re no worse than gel polish and could actually strengthen nails over time. As the process can be potentially damaging, Jenn suggests getting it done at a salon.

She explained that frequent fills can weaken and thin your natural nails to such an extent that acrylic will actually crack the real nail plate and crackle with every fill, leading to cracking underneath the acrylic product. Therefore, it is crucial that appointments for nail removals be kept. These should occur every two weeks when damage begins showing or once they begin growing out and fade over time.