How to Choose Between the Different Types of Manicures

When it comes to your nails, there are various options available to you. Nail techs, salon owners and one beauty writer with experience using various manicure techniques share their insights into which ones best fit you based on pros and cons of each type of manicure to help make an informed decision about which will best meet your needs.

A manicure is a spa service designed to improve the health and appearance of nails. It typically involves nail and cuticle care, hand massage and polish application.

Basic Manicure

People generally picture getting their nails done as being associated with applying regular nail polish. A typical manicure entails filing and buffing your nails before trimming cuticles before applying a base coat, two to three layers of color and top coat for optimal results.

Acrylic nails remain an attractive solution for anyone who would like to lengthen or shape their natural nails without needing to grow them out first. Both natural nails and false ones can benefit from acrylic treatments; there’s even an array of colors, shapes, and designs available for acrylic application!

Dip powder manicures are relatively new and make an excellent option for those without enough time to soak off gel polish. A liquid and powder acrylic mixture is applied directly on to the nails before being cured with special light for maximum durability.

Gel Manicure

Even though a basic manicure will do wonders for your nails, there are other treatments available if you want something a bit extra polished. These alternative nail services provide longer-lasting colors with durable finishes as well as lengthening capabilities to your natural nails.

These manicures take the same steps as regular polish applications (cutting, lightly soaking and trimming cuticles) but instead of applying traditional nail polish use polygel that sets under UV lights quickly to form an elegant coating that lasts four weeks if removed properly; for this reason it’s essential that sunscreen be worn prior to receiving a gel manicure; using other tools or picking at your nails may damage it and require months for repairs to occur.

Regular Manicure

Traditional manicures provide nail shaping, cuticle care and hand massage as part of their pamper session, before applying standard nail polish. This treatment can provide a natural look with vibrant shiny nails at once!

Polygel manicures, like Shellac, can be cured under UV lights but offer more flexibility than their predecessor. Our experts agree that with an excellent technician at hand, polygel can hold up well over time with less chance of chipping than other forms of manicures.

This look is beloved for its bold statement and can showcase your sassy side in an eye-catching manner. A black manicure with classic French tip creates an eye-catching statement about who you are as an individual and signifies strength and poise.

Reverse French Manicure

Are you in search of something different when it comes to manicures? Consider giving the reverse French manicure a try for something a bit different. It features dark nail polish with white tips for an ultra chic and modern feel – an excellent option if your goal is keeping nails bright.

Silver and black make for an elegant color combination, but you could also try red and white manicures – perfect for holiday celebrations!

To achieve the look, you’ll need a base coat, french manicure stickers/dividers and a contrasting shade for the French nail tips. After finishing up your manicure, don’t forget to apply a top coat to seal in color and protect against chipping; typically this manicure takes one or two hours for full drying time!

Paraffin Manicure

Paraffin manicures use heated wax to soothe and soften both the skin and nails. It is especially beneficial for people suffering from dry, cracked, or brittle nails as the heat from the wax increases blood flow while relaxing muscles, helping reduce pain and stiffness in joints and muscles.

While waxing can be beneficial to people of all ages, it’s particularly effective for treating arthritis or joint pain. However, to maximize results it’s essential that water or sweat doesn’t seep onto your hands while they are submerged in wax as this could cause a heat rash or burn that needs medical treatment.

Though you can get a paraffin manicure at a salon or spa, Amazon also sells machines and blocks specifically designed to do paraffin manicures at home – just be sure to have someone help!