Guide to Every Type of Manicure
Head into any nail salon, and everyone there seems relaxed and peaceful. Every type of manicure imaginable is laid out on a menu of services from essential to therapeutic and creative manis. There are regular manicure services for people on a budget or who just want the basics. For an extra cost, customers can check out service add-ons like gel tips, acrylics, and even hot stone manicures. It can sometimes be difficult to choose from all these amazing nail services, so our manicuring department put together a helpful guide about the different types of manicures to help you determine which one you want to try the next time you visit a salon or spa.
Every Type of Manicure
The Basic Manicure
Standard or basic manicures start with placing your hands in warm water to soften up the skin. Once they’re ready, the nail tech starts to file the nails and clean up the nail bed. Some nail techs will massage your hands with a light cream or lotion before painting the nails. Before you start, choose a color or colors you would like. Manicures consist of a base coat, color, and top coat. Cuticle oil is often used to keep the nails looking fresh and clean.
Details: Expect a basic mani to take about 30 minutes and last anywhere from 5 to 7 days, depending on what you do during the week. Polish can be removed at home or in a salon at a future visit.
Gel it Up with Gel Manicures
Gel manicures are similar to a basic mani with a touch of flair. Add gel polish and UV light to the process to get a longer-lasting finish. This includes everything in a basic manicure, with the addition of the gel finish to the process.
Details: Expect a gel mani to last up to three weeks. Some people can remove the gel coating with special soaks at home, but it is recommended to return to the salon for removal. Gels don’t affect nails if techs do it in a salon, but there is a risk of nail damage when you attempt removal at home. To keep your nails fresh and healthy, head back to the salon for pro support.
Acrylic Manicures
An overlay using acrylics combines a liquid and powder polymer to protect the pin. A new base is laid over your nails for a more polished look. Color can be applied or purchased as a finished nail used for the hands.
Details: You will spend about an hour in the chair waiting for the acrylics to finish setting. They need time to cure in UV light. The typical timeline is around three weeks before you head back for renewal.
Oui, Oui! The French Manicure
French manicures are making a comeback. Ladies are sporting their best look with pink and beige tones, with white tips all the rage. To be fair, they never really went out of style. Who doesn’t love to feel a bit French with a beautiful set of tips? Start with a basic mani and apply the pink or beige tone with a white tip to polish the look.
Details: It takes around an hour to complete and set. French manis usually last up to seven days, maybe longer. They may be removed with acetone or polish remover. Salons also will remove the nails and provide another service depending on what you are looking for next.
The American Manicure
Stick to the continental United States with an American mani. Simple designs will make it look like your natural nail but with a nude or off-white tip. The basic mani process starts things off; color is applied, followed by light or white polish, a top coat, and oil to clean up the nails.
Details: The American may last up to two weeks and soaks off at home, but for best results, have a nail tech do it right in the salon, so you don’t risk hurting your nail beds.
Shellac Attack! The Shellac Manicure
Take your nails up a notch in style by using a nail product that strengthens the nails. Shellac is half polish, half gel, applied to the pin, then set with UV light. The gel mani process kicks things off, letting it set under UV light, which keeps it looking nice longer.
Details: It usually takes up to 45 minutes to set. Shellac manis last up to three weeks. Head to a salon for help in removing and redoing these manicures.
Hot Stone Manicure
Adding stones to your next mani is a fun, unique way to make your trip to the nail salon more relaxing and therapeutic. A hot stone manicure adds therapeutic techniques using warm stones, oils and massage. The process is the same as a basic mani but adds in the fun elements of a massage for added relaxation and comfort.
Details: It usually takes around 45 to 50 minutes if doing a basic mani. Start with the massage and exfoliation, then finish with the journey’s polish portion. Try adding this to any manicure service.
You Dip, We Dip : The Dip Manicure
A dip mani is a cross between a regular manicure and acrylic nails. The color is set using pigmented powder instead of UV light. Start with a base coat, then dip the nail in powder to seal it. From there, choose the style and color you want for a great manicure.
Details: It takes up to 40 minutes for the process and lasts around three weeks.
Choose Your Manicure Style
There is no way to choose only one style with all the options available. Why not try a few different manicures this year and see what you like best? Personal choice is the key here, but also consider any special events you’ll attend, and how you want to look and feel. Just because you choose one at a visit doesn’t mean next time you can’t change it up. Why not try them all? The benefits of visiting a salon can bring you a sense of calm and confidence as you head out into the world to work and play. Stop by the Mason Anthony nail salon in Westerville to get a fantastic manicure!
Consider touring the Mason Anthony School of Cosmetology to see if training for a career in the nail salon is right for you. We have the largest, best-in-class facility in Ohio and a large student body ready to help you hone your skills and practice your craft.
Call us today!