What Manicure Should I Get?

Basic services at any nail salon typically consist of cleaning and shaping treatments with an array of nail polish options available to choose from.

This hybrid between gel and regular nail polish lasts up to 14 days with just two layers. After being applied, UV lighting cures it completely for optimal results.

Basic Manicure

At its core, basic salon services involve trimming, shaping, filing and buffing nails; trimming cuticles to push back; applying base coat and two coats of color before finally adding nail art for an additional fee.

This manicure will typically last approximately one week depending on how well you take care of your nails. Plus, removal is easy using cotton pads soaked in non-acetone polish remover – and more brands now offer non-benzophenone-1 and benzophenone-3 free varieties of polish!

French manicures offer a classic spinoff of the basic manicure, featuring natural-toned tips with white on their nails. Although popular during the ’90s and 2000s, this timeless trend remains suitable for women who appreciate understated elegance.

Gel Manicure

A gel manicure, commonly referred to as Shellac, uses similar application techniques as traditional nail polish. Instead of traditional polish, however, a special gel formula is applied and quickly cured under UV lighting for an instant smudge-proof finish that lasts much longer.

A temporary manicure can be the ideal way to experiment with trendy colors or designs without making long-term commitments or risking damage from heat or chemicals used by other forms of polish. Although you should seek professional assistance for this service, as trying to remove it on your own can cause irreparable harm.

Like gel manicures, this type of polish should only be removed by professionals as home removal can be hard on your nails. While it doesn’t bend as easily as acrylics do, experts believe its application doesn’t cause as much of a negative reaction; typically lasting a week or more and requiring regular upkeep and care.

Vinylux Manicure

Vinylux manicures provide all of the durability of shellac without all of its commitment. Lasting for one week and easily removed with shop-bought nail polish remover, Vinylux allows you to switch up your look without returning to a salon for new colors. Plus, its range of colors allows for effortless color customization without needing an appointment each time!

VINYLUX manicures provide your nails with the same benefits of a traditional gel manicure: nail soak and cuticle pushing are required, followed by base coat application and colour application, but unlike its gel counterpart, no top coat is needed – VINYLUX dry time takes just 8.5 minutes! Additionally, to keep nails looking their best we recommend daily cuticle oil application and regular filing to maintain fresh-looking nails.

CND also offers an at-home nail care line designed to extend the longevity of your Vinylux manicure, including ridge filler and surface enhancer products for keeping nails in top shape between visits.

Acrylic Manicure

Acrylic nails are an increasingly popular option among women looking for longer nails, as they give the appearance of natural length while providing a tough layer that prevents nail biting. Unfortunately, however, acrylic manicures may be costly and require frequent fill-in appointments due to frequent fill-in requirements.

An acrylic manicure begins when your nail tech blends liquid monomer and powder polymer to form a paste, which they then apply directly onto your nails using electric files and buffers to shape your nails and add polish or nail art if you desire.

If you opt for an acrylic mani, it’s wise to only wear them for no longer than one month as bacteria may grow between your artificial and natural nails. Wear them only on special occasions so your nails have time to recover between manicures. Leave removal process up to your nail technician as this requires some soaking and filing processes.