How to Choose Between the Different Types of Manicures

Manicures can play an essential part in maintaining the health of both nails and hands, as well as contributing to personal style and increasing confidence levels.

Selecting the ideal manicure depends on your lifestyle, current nail trends and upkeep requirements. Furthermore, which type of polish you select can determine its lifespan.

Basic Manicure

Experienced nail technicians offer one-stop beauty-related pampering sessions. Not only is getting nails done a fast and inexpensive pleasure; the hands and nails provide ample opportunity for expression as an expression of style – with trends changing almost as frequently as new products become available!

A basic manicure includes polish application, trim, shape and buffing processes as well as cuticle care. You have the choice between painting your own nails yourself or hiring a nail technician to provide this service for you.

Polygel manicures take basic manicures to another level. Made of harder gel than Shellac, polygel can be sculpted into shape like your natural nails for up to three weeks without chipping. Nail techs typically apply clear base coat followed by color and then top coat; you may add stones or stickers for extra flair!

Shellac Manicure

Shellac combines gel and polish for an extremely strong manicure that lasts 14 days or longer and boasts incredible shine, durability, and strength. Application takes just like regular nail polish before being cured under UV lighting for ultimate shine and strength!

Maintaining a Shellac manicure requires weekly touch ups, while also refraining from picking at them as this can pull the coating off and weaken natural nails. Also consider applying hand moisturizer to nourish nails and cuticles daily so as to keep them healthy and maintain the beauty of a healthy manicure.

Shellac was created by CND, the same company behind Vinylux. Both polishes are long-wear gel polishes; however, Shellac can be more difficult to take off than its competitors. Therefore, for proper Shellac application and removal it’s crucial that a certified nail pro handles this treatment as this will protect the natural nails while giving enough time for their growth to take place between manicure appointments.

French Manicure

The French manicure is a timeless and sophisticated nail style, distinguished by a distinctive white tip on one fingernail either straight across or with a slight bend (known as quarter mooning). This look works equally well on natural as well as artificial nails, making for a sophisticated appearance on any shape or length of nail.

For an updated take on this classic manicure, switch out the white tip with something colorful or pastel; alternatively add fun details like smiley faces or fruits and flowers for an eye-catching finish.

An impeccable French manicure requires practiced hands and perfect precision, but the effort can pay off in spades. Not only can it add an air of chic to special events such as prom, but it is also ideal for everyday wear!

Gel Manicure

The gel manicure is a relatively new trend that’s quickly gaining in popularity. Resembling acrylics in some ways but more flexible, this manicure is cured under LED lights for fast curing time and can be customized into various shapes and lengths with nail art or other services added later. A session usually costs $60 plus any additional charges for nail art or treatments provided to complete its look; its duration can last up to four weeks with subsequent sessions potentially incurring further charges for extra services provided during that timeframe.

Not to be overlooked is the fact that even though nail polish looks perfect on its surface, it may harbor bacteria if it begins to peel off or lifts from its original position. Picking at it may damage the nail plate as well.

As long as a client visits a CND-certified salon and a reliable nail professional, gel manicure is not harmful to nails. When applied properly and the nails soaked sufficiently after application, there should not be any permanent damage; it’s wise, however, to take breaks between appointments to allow your body to rejuvenate itself and restore.