Which Type of Manicure is Right For You?

Be it for an eye-catching glazed-donut chrome look or moody neutral, an expert manicure can transform an outfit. However, with so many choices out there to consider it can be daunting to select the ideal style.

We consulted salon owners, nail technicians and manicure experts about the advantages and disadvantages of nine popular types of manicure.

Regular or Classic

Basic manicures involve traditional polish and typically include filing, buffing, pushing back cuticles and two coats of color applied over time – typically lasting from one week up to seven.

Hard gel nail products provide a versatile option that allows users to sculpt length and shape onto nails with precision. Once cured under UV light, hard gel provides a shiny surface which may last up to two weeks–though its shine may chip more frequently.

Soft gel manicures provide a similar appearance and can even be used to create nail art designs. Ideal for those seeking quick application that lasts up to three weeks with the option for fill-ins, soft gel manicures offer fast solutions with endless customization possibilities.

Gel

Gel manicures use a base, builder gel, color and top coat that are all cured under UV or LED lighting for long-wearing polish in various shades and finishes. They’re an ideal option for those seeking long-lasting polish with varied options available to them.

Diogo suggests another option for adding length: Gel-X manicures, which use preformed soft nail extension tips bonded with builder gel and then cured under LED lighting, to extend their nails further. He notes that these can last three weeks longer and cost less than acrylics; however, even though they’re durable they may still put strain on natural nails.

Acrylic

Long before gels, dip powder, or socially acceptable press-on nails became popular, acrylics were the go-to nail service for lengthening natural nails. This method uses liquid and powder polymers to form moldable substances which were then shaped over your natural nails using tips with various lengths, shapes, colors and designs to give an acrylic manicure its distinctive finish.

Though prone to lifting, acrylic manicures last longer than regular polish manicures and can be easily removed by a salon professional (never try peeling them yourself). Get the look of freshly polished nails without all of the hassle with this low maintenance option that comes in a range of shades.

Shellac

Shellac nails may be misinterpreted as simply another name for gel polish, but there’s actually more to them than meets the eye. Created and patented by CND, a Shellac manicure involves applying layers of gel product on natural nails which then cure under an LED or UV light for a full manicure experience.

Once the color has dried, a top coat sealant and shiny varnish are then applied, followed by a quick soak in acetone solution. Designs range from freehand swirls and splatters of paint, classic French manicure, as well as embedded rhinestones – and you can find designs suitable for each occasion here!

French

A regular or classic manicure typically entails applying traditional polishes over clean and prepped nails with cuticles pushed back and buffing done prior to applying base coat, two layers of color, and top coat.

French nails are an elegant, sophisticated style perfect for adding seasonal color – be it bright coral and turquoise for summertime vibrance, or deep burgundy and plum for falltime warmth. French manicures add an elegant, sophisticated feel to any outfit and are great if you don’t like showing off elaborate nail designs; they pair nicely with either formal attire such as little black dresses, or just your favorite pair of jeans!

Press-On

Press-on manicures involve attaching artificial nails directly to your natural ones with glue. Press-on kits typically include various sizes and shapes of artificial nails as well as cuticle pushers, file, nail glue, and cuticle pusher/pushers/files/glue. Press-ons typically last about one week but can easily be removed with some soak time in warm water.

A paraffin manicure involves submerging your hands in warm melted paraffin wax to hydrate and relax them, providing an almost spa-like experience. Perfect for anyone wanting a pampering session while giving their nails a break from gels, acrylics or nail art!