A Complete Guide To Manicures

Looking to change your beauty game and nails but don’t know where to start? We’ve got you covered. We’ve complied a guide of different manicures for you to consider. Keep reading to find out more!

What are the Different Types of Manicures?

No matter what your nail shape, size, or curve, there is a manicure for you. If you prefer a low- maintenance look or like to show off your shine, we have compiled a list of manicures for you.

To preface, whenever you walk into a nail salon you must acknowledge that working with nails is complicated.

There are lots of types of manicures you can choose from, including:

• Natural

• Press-on

• French

• American

• Acrylic

• Gel

• Shellac

• Plexigel

• Vinylux

• Polygel

• Gel Extension

• Reverse French

• Paraffin

• Mirror

In this article, we will cover the most popular manicure trends for your nails. Stick around and learn which manicure treatment is right for you!

Natural Nail Manicure

A natural manicure is exactly what it sounds like: natural. Your hands are given a delightful refresh during this spa process.

When you sit down for your manicure, the manicurist cuts and files your nails. Then they will take good care of your cuticles by pushing them back. Your cuticles are then usually soaked in warm water or with a soft removing solution. After your cuticles have been softened, they are scraped off to reveal a beautiful, clean nail bed.

Your hand is then gently massaged with oil or lotion before the application of your desired nail polish.

A natural manicure uses regular polish. This kind of polish is a simple lacquer that paints on beautifully and is sealed with a topcoat. The whole process takes about an hour.

With a natural manicure, you can expect it to last an average of seven days with proper application and care.

The polish does not damage your nails and is easy to remove. All you need for removal is a non-acetone nail polish remover and a cotton ball or pad.

Depending on where you go to get your nails done, the manicure can cost anywhere between $15-$45.

Press-On Nails

Press-ons are becoming more and more popular as the days go by! They are easy to apply yourself, cost-effective, and incredibly stylish. Press-ons nowadays look natural and are made to be stronger for your hands.

Since these are largely “do it yourself” nails, you can run to your local Target or order off of Amazon to give your hands a spa treatment yourself. You can still go to your favorite nail salon if you prefer to go through the whole manicure process.

Once you have picked out the press-on nails you like, you will see that they come with different nail sizes to correspond with your nails on each finger, a glue or adhesive, a nail file, and directions. Make sure to read the directions thoroughly before applying!

The process takes about 30 minutes if it is your first time doing this type of manicure. If you practice, it can take significantly less time!

You can also count on the nails to last from one to two weeks before you will need to safely remove them. Because these nails have been improved in recent years, they are not damaging to your nails unless you rip them off without loosening the glue. To remove the press-ons, simply soak your nails in a small bowl of acetone nail polish remover for about five or ten minutes

Press-on nails usually start at $6 and above depending on the brand. Start browsing for your favorite color or design today!

French Manicure

A french manicure gives you a classic, simple look for your hands. After you go through the normal manicure process, a thin strip of paint is brushed onto the tip of your nail. The classic french manicure usually contains a white strip of paint, but you can do colored tips or even multicolored tips.

The spa treatment is your typical manicure process plus an additional 10-30 minutes for painting the tips on. You can use regular polish, gel, or acrylic for your french manicure. Depending on the type of polish you use, that will determine the length of time of the process and the cost of the manicure.

Typically, a french manicure costs anywhere between $10-$45 for the manicure process plus and an additional $10-$15 for the single or multicolored polish.

If you use a regular polish, the manicure will last about one week. If you use gel or acrylic, it can last up to three weeks.

There will be no damage to your nail since it is a design polish job. Rest easy knowing your nails look simple, yet elegant!

American Manicure

An American manicure is much like the French manicure, only the tip is a much more natural-looking polish. The polish is usually off-white and it is buffed and polished until it looks natural.

This spa process takes a bit longer since the color of the tip of your nail needs to look as natural as possible. This also means that your nail shape will be filed and buffed to look more like your own natural nails. On the other hand, a French manicure provides more opportunities for altering nail shape.

The polish is usually airbrushed on or applied in a more manual fashion with a brush applicator. Brushing on the polish allows your manicurist to blend and buff the ivory colors together easier.

Also similar to the French manicure, you can choose between a regular polish, gel, or acrylic.

You can expect the whole process to take about 45-60 minutes and cost anywhere between $40-$100+.

If you prefer your hands to look more natural with an elegant twist, American manicures might be for you!

Acrylic Manicure

Acrylic manicures are incredibly strong and look great too. Plus, you can customize your nail shape, size, and length. Because acrylics are a liquid and powder combination, your experienced manicurist can cut, trim, and shape the acrylics to your liking.

If this is your first time getting acrylics, make sure to block out at least two hours for the application of your first set. Your nails will be prepped then applied with the liquid powder before being shaped and colored with polish.

Some examples of nail shapes you can do with acrylics are the following: coffin, stiletto, almond, square, flare, ballerina, and round. Ask your manicurist to show you some examples before the spa treatment!

Acrylics usually last around two-three weeks and then you would have to go in for a fill. If you are getting a new set, the process and nails themselves will cost around $120. After you have had them and go in for fills, it will cost around $75-$100+ depending on your nail salon.

Since acrylics are rather strong, it will hurt if you accidentally break one of them. It is important to be careful with your hands while having acrylics. If you wish to remove the nails altogether, you will need to go to a professional. They will file down and properly remove the acrylics properly so it doesn’t damage your nail.

If you would like to simply replace the polish itself, soak your nails in acetone for about 5 minutes, gently scrape off the excess, and paint on your new color.

However, we recommend that you still go in to replace the polish so you can receive the best polish job for your hands.

Gel Manicure

Gel manicures are like acrylics in that they are durable. However, unlike acrylics, gel manicures are more flexible. They are lighter weight and feel a little more natural than acrylics.

There are different types of gel polish to consider when at the nail salon. The first one to consider is soft gel. Soft gel can be soaked off in a salon with nail polish remover (typically 100% acetone). The other gel polish is hard gel which needs to be properly removed by a professional. Hard gel allows you to get gel extensions with different shapes much like acrylics. Getting gel extensions allows you to get the length and shape you might want from acrylics while still being flexible.

The spa process takes about two hours due to the gel needing to be hardened under UV light. After your manicure is complete, the gel will last about three weeks before it needs to be filled again.

If you would like to remove the polish yourself at home, you will need a cotton ball, foil, and acetone nail polish remover. Cut 10 squares of foil that completely wrap around your finger. Then, place a cotton ball at the center and soak it with acetone. Finally, place the cotton ball with the foil over your nail and wrap the foil around your finger so it stays secure. Leave the foil caps on your finger for 15 minutes and then remove. Make sure to moisturize your hands after you soak them in acetone.

Make sure to never peel off the gel yourself. This can damage the top layer of your nail. If you have peeled off gel consistently, you might want to consider letting your natural nails breathe for two or three weeks before putting any kind of polish on again.

You can expect the gel to last about three weeks before you need a fill and change of polish.

Gel polish typically costs around $20-$65 (not including extensions). Keep in mind that nail art (even for other manicures) might be an additional charge.

Shellac Manicure

Shellac is the brand name for a gel polish made by Creative Nail Design (CND). It is a flexible gel that is applied like a regular polish during the spa treatment. There are over 160+ colors to choose from!

Although Shellac is the general, patented name for gel polish, it removes easier than other gel brands and does not damage your nail as other brands do.

A Shellac manicure can be done by any nail tech, but it is highly recommended that it is done by a CND professional so your nails will benefit and your hands will look amazing!

Shellac manicures usually cost anywhere between $45-$65 depending on your salon and last about two weeks.

Dip Powder Manicure

 Dip powder manicures consist of a powder-glue combinations that your manicurist uses to dip your nail into. The color of your manicure is actually the color of the powder your nails are dipped into! It’s a quick process that requires the right amount of skill to avoid clumps and ensure even coating of the nail.

The process requires completely dry nails during the spa process because the adhesive is strongest when the powder is applied to a dehydrated nail. The powder is typically brushed off your nail and hands as well.

Although dip powder nails are similar to acrylics, they are different in their adhesive agents. Dip powder uses a superglue-like agent while acrylics use a liquid monomer. In addition, dip powder sits directly on the nail bed whereas acrylics sit on a nail plate that is attached to the nail bed.

It is imperative that you go to a reputable salon if you want a dip powder manicure. The process for dip powder calls for excellent technique and superb hygiene standards. This remains true for any type of manicure, so take advantage of the reviews you see on salons!

Dip powder manicures range from $30-$50, take up to two hours for the process, and can last up to four weeks.

To remove them, head back to your salon to get them removed professionally. If you would like to remove only the polish, you can remove them the same way you remove Shellac gel.

Plexigel Manicure

Plexigel manicures are a relatively new manicure brought to you by CND! The spa process uses a shaper and builder method during the manicure.

The shaper is for repairs, cracks, and plumping the nail. The builder is for building out your desired nail shape and length.

Plexigel is fantastic because it not only makes your hands and nails look great, but it protects the health of your nails as well.

A trained CND professional should apply and remove your plexigel manicure. The manicure takes about two hours, costs around $130, and can last about three weeks.

Visit A Local Nail Salon With Confidence To Update Your Nails

If you’re considering changing up your manicure game, consider one of the popular ones listed above!

Make sure to book an appointment with a reputable nail salon that guarantees the best, beauty hygienic services. Manicures need to be done professionally and with the best care possible to prevent the spread of infections.

Pay close attention to the reviews and cleaning procedures of a salon.

After that, enjoy your manicure!

Karen A Mulvey is a personal social blogger and mom with 14 years of experience in the every day world of motherhood and sustainable product research. Karen is on a mission to help everyday families select sustainable, non-toxic organic products, stop stressing about uncertainties on sustainable home goods and apparel, and start living the life they’ve always wanted.

Follow Karen at @karenAmulveycs | Karen A Mulvey

More Articles You May Enjoy