french manicure

If you want a chic and polished look, nothing beats a classic French manicure. This style of manicure is clean and chic. Choose a pale pink or clear base coat and we will make your tips pop with a crescent of white nail polish. For a striking look, let your nails grow long as we use gels or acrylics to lengthen them instantly. We give your nails some Parisian flair without.

different types of manicures

By

Licensed Cosmetologist

Most manicures start out the same way, with some people choosing to stay with the basic procedure and others opting for more creative options. Learning about the different types of manicures can help you decide what suits you best. After all, your nails can say a lot about who you are. Whether you let your creativity shine through with the latest 3-D nail décor or if you opt for a simple nude polish – or something in between, it’s really up to you to decide what type of type of nail art suits you best.

Seven Popular Types of Manicures

Basic Manicure

If you are new to receiving manicures, start with a typical basic manicure, without all the extras. A nail technician will apply a cream, oil, or lotion to the cuticles first, and place the hands into a dish of warm water for about five minutes to soak. After the soaking process is over and the cuticles have been tamed, the technician will dry the hand, and ask what nails and length you prefer. You can choose from square, oval, squoval (a combination of square and oval), or the popular stiletto shape.

At this point in the manicure, the shape of the nails has been defined and it is time for a massage. When the massage has been completed, a base coat will be applied first. After that, a polish of your choice is applied usually twice. Last, a top coat is applied. Once the nails have been polished you will place your hands under a nail dryer to complete the drying process.

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Basic Manicure

French Manicure

The ever-classic French manicure is destined to give you the clean, gorgeous look you want. A clear, pale pink or beige polish is applied over the entire nail, and white polish along the tip. The end result is healthy, vibrant and perfect for all occasions – you definitely can’t go wrong with this look.

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French Manicure

Reverse French Manicure

On the flip side, you might consider the reverse French manicure, a look that really took off on the high-fashion runways in Europe before achieving mainstream popularity. The look is essentially a takeoff of the traditional French; in it, the “moon” of the nail is painted white while the rest is done in a darker shade.

Another option is to simply reverse the colors; try an all-white nail with a strip of color along the tip. Popular shades for this look are black and wine during fall and winter, and yellow and pink during spring and summer.

American Manicure

An American manicure is similar to the French, but the shape and color of the nails differ. In the American manicure the tips are sometimes rounded, and use more neutral or off white colors on the tips, instead of the drastic bright whites used in the French manicure.

Gel Manicure

If you want a long-lasting manicure without the commitment (or potential damage) of having acrylic nails applied, getting a gel manicure is a good an option. All the steps of a basic manicure are taken, except a special polish that requires curing under a UV light is applied. This cured polish typically lasts days longer than the polish used for a basic manicure, and is less prone to chipping.

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Gel Manicure

Paraffin Manicure

A paraffin manicure is a must for anyone with dry or overworked hands. Paraffin wax is used to infuse the skin with instantaneous moisture, leaving it smooth and supple. The manicure also includes a stimulating hand massage and finishes with a chic basic manicure polish look. Some paraffin treatments include the addition of various oils, like grape seed, for extra moisturizing benefits.

Hot Stone Manicure

If you’re dreaming of something ultra-pampering or want to give a great gift to a pal, consider a hot stone manicure. This indulgent treatment includes all of the delights of a basic manicure, plus the addition of heated stones, which are placed over the hands to provide relief and comfort. You can also give yourself a hot stone manicure at home.

Manicure Embellishments

You can further personalize your manicure – whatever type you chose – with embellishments. Adding that extra something to your nails that make them pop is always exciting. Many salons will either have a mannequin hand with a full set of nails applied to it, or a display of nail tips to showcase all the different types of nail art services they offer.

Airbrushing

Airbrushing is a very quick method of applying designs to the nails. The nail technician may use a stencil or freehand the designs. Don’t be afraid to bring in your own stencils or unique designs if you have any.

Airbrushed Fingernails

Airbrushed Fingernails

3-D Nails

This type of nail art is very innovative. You can pick bow-ties, hearts, happy faces, or whichever design your nail shop has in stock to be applied to your nails. You can walk around with your own pint-sized works of art on each finger if you chose to do so. With 3-D nails, you and your nail technician can be as creative you wish.

3D Flower Fingernails

3D Flowers on Fingernails

Rhinestones

Adding gems and rhinestones to a manicure can make even the simplest manicures pop. They can be used to enhance other types of nail art, or become the main attraction by putting them over the entire nail.

Rhinestones on Fingernails

Rhinestones on Fingernails

Artificial Nails

A manicure is not typically given when receiving a set of artificial nails, because it interferes with the bonding process between the extensions and the acrylic. If one chooses this option, choosing nail tips can be a fun experience that allows for personalization of the look. Many nail salons have the basic French tips, but they also have more exciting ones that come with pre-made designs and in a variety of colors.

Artificial Nails

Artificial Nails

Many Ideas

There are a variety of manicures to choose from and you can have each one tailored to fit your preferences. Nail trends are always changing so your nail technician can help you to stay on top of them. Be open to try new ideas as you enjoy the pampering that goes along with the manicure process.e,