A manicure is a beauty treatment that everyone has had at some point in their life or at least heard about. It keeps your fingernails looking beautiful and elegant. It can even help you showcase your personality with embellishments or nail art. If you've seen amazing nails on Instagram and wondered how the person got them, you're about to find out.
Today, we're talking everything manicures. Keep reading to learn about the different types of treatments you can get. Get the answers to all your questions about manicures in this comprehensive guide. We've covered every type of manicure under the sun. Do you want a manicure that looks great but involves spending two hours at the nail salon every couple of weeks? Or do you want something that's minimum fuss and long lasting? Picking a manicure has never been this easy.
Home Manicure
This is the simplest type of manicure. The manicure process is not rocket science and you can do it yourself at home!
What do you need for a manicure at home?
Some of the manicure tools you'll need include nail clippers, a nail file, cuticle clippers, cuticle pusher, cotton balls, nail polish remover, base coat, nail polish, a clear top coat, and hand cream.
How often should you do a manicure at home?
It depends on how much wear and tear your hands get, but in general, experts recommend doing a manicure every 2-3 weeks to keep your hands and nails looking their best.
Basic or Standard Manicure
What is a basic manicure?
This is a manicure in which the nail technician will provide basic services such as trimming, filing, and shaping your nails; trimming your cuticles; and perhaps giving you a cuticle oil treatment. A hand massage and a nail polish application may be throw in as well. Of course, you'll have a choice between a brilliant pink polish or another color. You could also opt for an elegant French manicure. Whatever catches your fancy!
What is a full manicure?
In addition to the services offered as part of a standard manicure, a full manicure includes applying gel polish or artificial nails. For this reason, full manicures are also sometimes called gel manicures.
What is a French manicure?
It's a manicure service in which a band of white nail polish is applied to the nail tips to contrast with a clear or pale polish on the rest of the nail.
How long does a standard manicure take?
Expect to spend 30-60 minutes at the salon, longer for gel manicures.
How long does a basic manicure last?
Unfortunately, not very long, typically only a few days before the polish chips (unless you're very careful with your hands).
How much is a basic manicure?
Prices can vary greatly, but typically range from $10 to $50, less if you opt to go without nail polish.
Vinylux
What is Vinylux?
It's a brand that is a bit more luxurious than your standard color. It also lasts longer. There's no base coat. Instead you have a color coat and top coat that gives your nails exceptional gloss and shine while also protecting the nail plate and skin cells.
How long does Vinylux last?
The average lifespan is 7 days. Don't skip one of the two steps if you want yours to last longer.
How do you remove Vinylux nail polish?
With a regular acetone-based nail polish remover.
Is Vinylux bad for your nails?
Nope, rather it provides additional protection.
How much does a Vinylux manicure cost?
A bottle of Vinylux color costs just under $11.
Shellac Manicure
What is a Shellac manicure?
It's a nail polish that's used by professional nail techs in salons. It's got the gloss and shine of nail polish and the long-wear and fast drying time of gel polish.
What is the difference between gel nails and Shellac?
Traditionally, gels are difficult to remove from the nail. Shellac comes off easily and you don't need to wait between applications.
How long do Shellac nails last?
The lifespan of Shellac is 2 weeks or slightly more.
How do you remove Shellac?
Shellac forms tiny tunnels all the way to the nail base. When you apply acetone to remove the color, it penetrates through these tunnels, making it easy to remove.
Does Shellac ruin your nails?
Not if its applied by a professional. If applied improperly, it can cause damage to the nail beds.
How much does Shellac cost?
Average prices range from $45 to $60, more if you get embellishments.
Gel Manicure
What are the different types of gel manicures?
A soft gel is porous and you can soak it off at the nail salon. A hard gel can be used to sculpt the nails into interesting shapes, but it needs to be filed off. Soft and hard gels can be used together in layers.
What makes gel different from acrylic?
Gel is more flexible. Acrylic is harder.
How long does a gel manicure take?
Approximately 45-60 minutes.
Does gel ruin your nails?
Repeatedly peeling the gel can damage the nail beds. Always get a nail technician to remove the gel for you.
How much do gel nails cost?
$20 to $65, more if you want gel polish with a standard manicure.
How long does a gel manicure last?
Two weeks, three at most. If you wait longer than 3 weeks to take the gel off, it can harden and become difficult to remove.
Dip Powder Manicure
What is a dip powder manicure?
Your nails are dipped into a color powder or the color is poured over. The powder is sealed in place with adhesives using UV or LED lights.
Is dip powder the same as acrylic?
It's similar but not exactly the same. Dip powder manicures use a resin bonding agent like super glue that sits on top of the nail. Acrylic manicures use a liquid monomer that binds to the nail itself.
Does dip powder ruin your nails?
Over the long term, nail thinning can occur. Timely removal can minimize the damage. Also, give yourself a break every 2-3 months and get an intense moisturizing treatment for your natural nail at this time.
How long does dip powder last?
The average lifespan is 2-4 weeks, but experts don't recommend keeping it on for more than 2 weeks as this increases the risk of infections.
How much do dip nails cost?
Expect to pay around $35 to $55.
Can you remove dip nails at home?
When it's not done properly, the top layer of the natural nail can come off with the dip powder. It's best to get a professional to do it. But if you're attempting it at home, buff off the shiny coat first so that the acetone can penetrate.
Gel Nail Extensions
What are gel nail extensions?
They are pre-made nail enhancements that are applied with a clear gel and set with a LED light. You can get different shapes, both natural and sculpted. Especially popular is the stained glass look, also called jelly nails.
What's the difference between gel nail extensions and acrylic?
Gel extensions are flexible and thinner with more natural results. Acrylics tend to be brittle and more prone to breaking.
How long do nail extensions take?
Anywhere from 75 minutes to 150 minutes depending on the nail art.
How long do gel extensions last?
Even if it doesn't look like you need to go back to the nail salon, experts recommend you visit the salon for a fresh set after 3 weeks to reduce the risk of infections.
How do you remove gel nail extensions?
First, file off as much of the nail art and color as you can. Then, apply an acetone-soaked cotton ball and wrap in foil.
Do gel extensions damage your nails?
Gel extensions come off quickly and the damage, if any, is minimal.
How much do gel extensions cost?
Anywhere from $75 to $125.
Acrylic nails
What are acrylic nails?
Acrylic nails are a mix of liquid monomer and powder polymer which when mixed form a hard substance. Acrylics can be shaped however you want. The nail tech can also add embellishments or nail art to acrylics.
How long do acrylic nails take?
1-2 hours.
How long do acrylics last?
Depends on how fast your nails grow, but typically 3-4 weeks. You may not need to replace the entire nail every time. Your nail tech may do a "fill" in the area near the cuticle to rebalance the appearance.
Do acrylics ruin your nails?
When applied and removed by a qualified nail tech, they won't damage your nails. But if you rip the acrylics off, it can damage your natural nail.
How do you remove acrylic nails?
First you file and then you soak in acetone to remove the acrylic. It's recommended you do this at nail salons rather than at home.
How much do acrylic nails cost?
A fill may cost as little as $25 whereas a full set can be anything from $75 and up.
Choosing a salon for beauty treatments
Don't try to cut corners when it comes to your hands and nails. Choose a salon that offers an enjoyable experience with hygienic and professional services. The MeTime app connects you to top-rated beauty service providers in your area. You can upload pictures, chat with experts, and get quotes for any treatments you're interested in. Try the MeTime app today!
