Which Type of Manicure is Right For You?

No matter the purpose, getting a manicure can add flair to any look or simply provide some much-needed TLC for your nails. But which manicure style should be right for you?

Basic manicure services involve trimming your nails, pushing back cuticles and buffing the surface before finishing up with a coat of polish.

Gel Manicure

A gel manicure involves applying a clear base coat to prepare nails before painting on thin layers of color cured under an LED or UV light, producing long-term and chip resistant color that lasts anywhere between 10-20 days.

Gel nail polish is made with polymethyl methacrylate or PMMA – the same chemical used to manufacture dental implants and Plexiglass. This form-fitting polymer forms an impenetrable coating over natural nails for lasting beauty.

Harikiran Chekuri, MBBS, MS is an esteemed dermatologist who highlights that when gel nails are applied and removed correctly, the procedure can be relatively safe. She suggests taking breaks between manicures to give your nails time to recover with cuticle oil applications; booking appointments at reputable salons that use proper application/removal techniques will minimize nail damage while helping prevent infections.

Acrylic Manicure

Acrylic nails tend to be stronger than gel ones and can withstand more abuse, making them the perfect option for individuals who use their hands frequently or need something that will stand the test of time. Unfortunately, acrylics may lift or chip more frequently.

Nail technicians apply acrylic nails by attaching appropriately-sized tips to the ends of your natural nails and then creating artificial ones on top with an acrylic mixture and form. Finally, they add nail polish or gel for the finishing touch.

As long as you visit a reputable nail technician and adhere to proper care instructions, acrylics are generally safe to wear. With proper maintenance they should last several weeks and be filled every two to three weeks; otherwise they could damage nails and potentially lead to infections; therefore it is wiser to seek a nail technician that complies with stringent hygiene requirements for their services.

French Manicure

A classic look that never goes out of fashion is the French manicure, featuring its pink base with white tips at the tip of each nail. Its timeless appeal makes it suitable for formal and casual attire alike.

Bring some playful color or glitter to the classic white tip nail trend for a more playful aesthetic. Or opt for something bolder by using an alternative shade at the ends of your nails for a bold twist on this timeless trend.

Jeff Pink, founder and CEO of ORLY, first invented the French manicure in 1975 for Hollywood actors who needed to appear camera-ready for multiple scenes. Later, Parisian models took notice and it quickly became a must-have look among sophistication-seekers looking to add sophistication to their beauty routine. The style accentuates natural nails by making them appear longer and more refined than before.

Powder Coat Manicure

Dip powder manicures differ from gel nails in that instead of painting them directly on, they use an activating top coat and then colored acrylic resin before shaking off any excess. After application of another layer of topcoat to seal in your polish color, they offer long-term, chip resistant results in various colors.

Dip powder manicures offer many advantages over their gel counterparts, including faster application time due to no drying time between layers and their reputation for being more durable than other nail treatments; thus enabling them to keep up with a busy lifestyle without flaking off or chipping.

As with acrylics, this form of manicure does contain potentially hazardous substances like methyl methacrylate and toluene that could potentially pose risks to both nail health and respiratory system wellbeing. Therefore, some people choose not to opt for them.