Types of Manicures
We love this nautical-inspired summer look that takes our breath away! To achieve it, our salon manicure requires prepping nails as usual before being immersed into clear base, pigment and sealant layers – each layer lasting several days of wear!
Manicure work often lasts at least a month without needing repair, and unlike gel polish they don’t require UV light for curing and setting.
Shellac
Shellac nails, also known as CND shellac nails, are an increasingly popular salon manicure that lasts up to 14 days without chipping. Made of two color coats and topcoat applied over nails before being cured using UV light curing lamps, shellac is an innovative hybrid of regular nail polish and gel technology.
Shellac nail polish should only be worn sparingly to avoid harm to natural nails, especially if they’re already fragile and thin. Apply cuticle oil regularly as well as bring along hand moisturizer to salon appointments in order to prevent nail dehydration and protect natural nail health.
Shellac polishes are one of the easiest professional nail lacquers to remove; removal typically takes about 15 minutes. Plus, unlike acrylics which produce harmful fumes, this option comes in multiple colors for you to choose from!
Gel
Gel polish manicures have quickly become one of the hottest beauty trends, thanks to their long-term and durable nature. Unfortunately, however, not everyone finds them the right option; aside from being costly and potentially damaging your nails and nail beds if used irresponsibly.
One of the most frequent mistakes people make with their gel manicures is picking or peeling at it, which can damage actual nail beds and cause breakage or chipping, while also allowing water to seep under it and potentially harbour bacteria, leading to fungal infection.
Gel manicures are better for your nails than regular polish, and can be an excellent way to keep natural nails healthy. Just remember to rehydrate nails and cuticles between appointments using oil, and find a nail technician who sterilizes their tools and equipment regularly to reduce infection risks.
Acrylic
Acrylic nails are composed of liquid monomer and powder polymer that is applied as a clear nail layer, shaped, and air dried for drying. Acrylics are known for being durable and versatile sculptors can sculpt them to achieve various looks; however, improper care or application could damage natural nails over time.
Polymer and monomer compounds used to create this formula may produce harmful fumes, so for your own health it is recommended that these services are conducted in a well-ventilated salon setting. They require more shaping and sculpting than gel polish thus making their application harder than before to DIY.
As it’s essential that your nails fit your lifestyle, it is essential that you discuss with your nail technician how long you would like your acrylics. Too long can make certain activities more challenging; such as typing, working out or opening soda cans. As this may lead to longer nails catching on things, it may be wiser to go shorter for your first set so you can practice and adjust.
Powder
Powder nails (sometimes referred to as “glue manicures”) offer an ideal alternative to gel for those who struggle with fragile natural nails or wish to minimize any long-term damage caused by regular applications of gel polish. Similar to the latter process, when it comes time for an appointment you simply dip your nail into powder instead of an activator for application.
Powder Manicure Advantages:
Nails provide long-lasting wear with minimal chipping. Easy to apply and no drying time necessary, these nails also help your nails grow strong and healthy by creating a hard resin finish that protects the nail bed from further damage.
Powder nails can be difficult to remove without damaging the nail bed and could potentially weaken it over time, with thicker appearance being an annoyance for some people. Furthermore, it’s crucial that an experienced nail professional shapes them to more of an arched shape for natural-looking arched shapes; removal process could weaken nails further or lead to nail fungus infection.