Transitioning into adulthood requires individuals to make challenging decisions. For those who regularly visit a nail salon either on a monthly or biweekly basis to maintain their manicures, recognizing the variety of manicure options available at a salon is crucial. It is not uncommon for some establishments to lack expertise in nail treatments, highlighting the significance of being well-informed about the various types of manicures offered. Additionally, selecting the appropriate shade of nude nail polish plays a pivotal role in ensuring customer satisfaction with their overall salon experience.
What captivates me the most about visiting a nail salon is its essence as a haven of boundless opportunities. The typical salon visit commences with contemplating the diverse options displayed on the service menu, deciding between a standard manicure or indulging in something more innovative, such as a shellac or French manicure. Time availability becomes a determining factor, leading to pondering over supplementary services like massages and hot oil treatments, and exploring various nail designs, all prior to commencing the actual treatment. Who knew that a visit to the nail salon could be so far from stress-free?
For individuals facing challenges with decision-making, we have provided a detailed overview of each manicure variant to enrich your knowledge before your next salon visit.
Basic Manicure
Who is it for? Basic manicures are suitable for individuals who prefer a simple nail care routine. It is essential to be patient when opting for this treatment. If you only require a quick tidy-up and nail polish application (note that some waiting time for the nails to dry is necessary), then a traditional manicure is the ideal choice.
- What is the duration required for a basic manicure? Typically, a basic manicure session lasts around 30 minutes.
- How long does it last? An elementary manicure’s durability can extend for a maximum of seven days.
- How do you remove it? To remove regular nail polish, use a nail polish remover or acetone to remove the polish.
- Can nail damage occur from a basic manicure? No, a fundamental manicure can significantly contribute to nail rejuvenation by moisturising and maintaining nail health through regular nail and cuticle care.
Gel Manicure
Who’s it for? Gel manicures are less likely to chip, peel or crack, so they are great for anyone with an active lifestyle who needs a manicure to last between 2 and 3 weeks.
- What is the typical duration for a single-colour gel manicure? It usually lasts around 45 minutes.
- How long can it last? Typically, a gel manicure can remain intact for a period ranging from 2 to 3 weeks.
- What is the process for its removal? Gel polish is typically eliminated through an acetone soak-off method; however, it is recommended to visit the salon for proper removal.
- Can a gel manicure harm the nails? When conducted and eliminated by a skilled technician, a gel manicure is unlikely to harm nail condition. However, clients put their nails at risk of damage by peeling, chipping, or lifting the gel polish improperly during removal.
Acrylic Overlay
Acrylic overlays are most suitable for individuals seeking the durability of a gel manicure with enhanced strength. The acrylic provides a more robust foundation for both gel and traditional nail polish, prolonging the longevity of the manicure.
An acrylic overlay is formed by blending a liquid monomer with a powder polymer to establish a durable protective coating on your original nail.
The duration required for an acrylic overlay manicure can range from 60 to 90 minutes.
The process of an acrylic manicure is akin to a gel manicure, involving the use of liquid monomer and a powder polymer to enhance the natural nail, followed by the application of polish or the use of a UV light if opting for a gel finish.
- What is the duration of its durability? An acrylic overlay typically maintains its integrity for a span of 2 to 3 weeks.
- What’s the best way to remove it? Removing An acrylic overlay involves soaking it off with acetone.
- Is there any harm to the nail? If the procedure is carried out by a skilled technician and removed properly, there is no damage to the nail.
French Manicure
Who is the target audience? Those who appreciate a traditional and elegant appearance typically opt for French manicures. While selecting an ideal nude base can be challenging, OPI’s Bubble Bath is widely recognized as a popular choice.
- The French manicure from the 2000s has made a comeback. It consists of a translucent pink or beige base with a white polished tip on the nails.
- What is the typical duration for a French manicure? The process of a French manicure usually spans from 45 minutes to one hour.
- Performing a French manicure involves conducting a standard manicure procedure and then adding a translucent pink or beige colour along with a white polish tip to the edge of each nail.
- What is the duration of a French manicure? A French manicure can last for approximately two to three weeks when applied with gel polish, whereas it can last for up to seven days when using regular polish.
- Removing it can be achieved by using acetone for gel or by using nail polish remover for regular polish.
- Will the nail be harmed by this procedure? If carried out by an experienced technician, it is not expected to have any negative impact on nail health.
American Manicure
A perfect match for Enthusiasts of Natural Nail Aesthetics
If the French manicure trend feels outdated to you, consider choosing an American manicure instead. It involves a straightforward nail design that emulates the appearance of natural nails by applying a base colour in a flesh or cream tone and accenting it with a nude or off-white tip.
What is the typical duration for an American manicure? An American manicure typically requires between 45 minutes and an hour to complete.
The process involves filing and buffing the nails, tidying up the cuticles, and applying a base coat, typically in a flesh or cream shade. Subsequently, the nail tips are painted using light or white polish, followed by a top coat application, and the cuticles are moisturised with cuticle oil.
- How long can it last? An American manicure should last for up to two weeks.
- What’s the removal technique? Soak it away!
- What impact does it have on the health of the nails? Damage is only likely to occur if the procedure is not carried out by a skilled nail technician.
Shellac Manicure
Who is it for? A Shellac manicure is ideal for individuals seeking to minimise nail damage, as Shellac polishes can be effortlessly eliminated without the requirement for a nail drill.
Traditional nail polish requires a considerable amount of time to dry, while gel polish can potentially cause harm if not removed properly. In contrast, a Shellac manicure in Basingstoke offers a balance between the two. Shellac, a proprietary nail product developed by Creative Nail Design (CND), combines the features of both nail polish and gel. Its application process on natural nails resembles that of regular nail polish, and It is cured using UV light.
- What is the duration of a Shellac manicure? The application process for a Shellac manicure typically lasts around 45 minutes.
- How long does it last? A Shellac manicure has the potential to endure for a period of up to three weeks.
- Is there a possibility of harming the nail? There is a chance of causing harm to your nails if you incorrectly peel off or remove the product.
Paraffin Manicure
Individuals who appreciate the massage aspect of a manicure will undoubtedly find delight in experiencing a paraffin manicure. This particular manicure proves highly beneficial for individuals with persistently dry hands.
Interested in a luxurious touch? Enhance your nail care regimen by incorporating a paraffin manicure, renowned for its skin-moisturising benefits. This specialised treatment effectively addresses severe dryness by utilising the warmth of the wax to stimulate pore opening and enhance hand circulation. Moreover, a paraffin therapy session can offer temporary relief for achy muscles and joints.
How long does it take? A paraffin manicure can take up to 50 minutes.
The procedure involves heating the wax initially, followed by immersing the hands in the warm wax for approximately 20–30 minutes. Subsequently, the wax is removed, and a moisturising lotion or cream is gently applied to the hands.
- How long does it last? Between one and two weeks
- How is it removed? This type of manicure is soaked off.
- Does it damage the nail? No, there is no damage to the nails.
Reverse French Manicure
Who is the target audience? Individuals who appreciate a unique spin on French manicures.
The reverse French manicure presents a unique twist on the traditional French style by accentuating the bottom portion of the nail, referred to as the “half moon.”
- How long is it likely to take? The process of creating a reverse French manicure typically spans between 45 minutes and an hour.
- The process of achieving a reverse French manicure involves starting with a standard manicure, selecting a nail colour, and accentuating the half-moon area of the nail.
- How long can it last? When using gel, it can last for a maximum of three weeks, whereas with polish, It can last up to seven days.
- How do you remove it? Removing a reverse French manicure is best achieved using acetone for gel applications or nail polish remover for polish-based designs.
Hot Stone
The hot stone massage is tailored for individuals who are spa enthusiasts or are willing to invest extra funds for a serene relaxation experience.
A hot stone manicure involves incorporating warm stones, nourishing oils, and a therapeutic massage to enhance a basic manicure service through the application of hot stones.
- How long can it take? A standard manicure session that includes a hot stone treatment lasts for 50 minutes.
- What is the process? A hot stone manicure involves using warm stones, exfoliating the skin, applying nourishing oils, and providing a therapeutic massage before applying gel or polish.
- What is the procedure for removing it? Remove the heated stone and wipe away any surplus oils on the hand.
- Is there any harm to the nail caused by it? The hot stone manicure is not harmful; instead, it serves as a therapeutic procedure that aids in providing relief and restoring the hands.
Post-Treatment Support
Due to the extensive use of tools and the strain on nails associated with various manicures, it is advisable to consider purchasing a high-quality cuticle oil.
Refrain from using your nails as makeshift tools for tasks like opening boxes or cans, and consider wearing protective gloves to safeguard your manicure.