Getting your nails done at the salon is one of the easiest ways to address nail issues; nevertheless, when you walk into a salon, have you ever wondered which type of manicure you should ask for?
You might want something that’s a bit low maintenance, or you might want a manicure that says it all, giving you a refined and polished look, so which one should you choose? Below are 10 clues to help make your decision easier.
The Buffed Manicure
Like a facial for your hands, the buffed manicure is a preparatory manicure that can serve as a foundational step for adding layers of polish to your nails. It involves polishing the nail surface without polish to care for your cuticles and make your nails look shiny and clean. You can choose this type of manicure when you don’t want to wear nail polish or when your nails need a bit of tender care, especially if they are in poor health.
The Classic Polish Manicure
This type of manicure uses traditional air-dried lacquers. Unlike other types of manicures, they only cover the basics of nail care. At times, they might include the added bonus of a colour sandwiched between a base coat and topcoat. You can opt for this type of manicure when you want to remove it quickly or when you often change styles.
The Gel Manicure
This traditional manicure includes a system of bases such as an optional builder, colour, and topcoat, all cured under a UV lamp. It usually takes around an hour to complete and is ideal for ladies who love fresh-looking nails that don’t require constant upkeep.
The Soft Gel or BIAB Manicure
The soft-gel or builder-in-a-bottle (BIAB) manicure strengthens nails and helps them grow stronger for a long time. You can choose this manicure style if you have weak or brittle nails, damaged nails, or want to strengthen and protect your nails.
The Nail Art Manicure
This manicure involves painting nails with intricate designs for a customized, unique look. It can involve various techniques, such as adding embellishments. This is the manicure to wear for a special occasion.
The Acrylic Manicure
This manicure involves adding a liquid monomer and a powder polymer, which are both mixed to a paste-like consistency and then applied to the nails before they naturally harden. Once it dries, the acrylic is filed and shaped to your preference.
The Russian Manicure
With a unique ultra-neat finish, the Russian manicure focuses on removing the entire cuticle with ultra-precise work, then the excess dead skin is removed to extend the nail bed. Afterwards, the nails are shaped and buffed, then prepped for the gel polish.
The Gel X Manicure
Under LED light, gel X manicures involve using a soft gel nail extension where pre-shaped and full coverage tips are applied over the entire nail using a special adhesive. The tips usually come in various shapes and lengths and are filed and buffed before being polished. You can opt for this type of manicure if you want to add length to your nails without using acrylics.
The Dip or SNS Manicure
This manicure process involves applying a resin base coat to the nails, then dipping the nails into a pigmented powder or sprinkling it over the nails to add strength and opacity, before applying a glossy topcoat.
Press-On Nails
This manicure is ideal if you want a quick, low-commitment option for an event or an upcoming photo shoot, or if you are travelling. The artificially designed press-ons not only extend your nails but are also already painted and ready to wear. The process involves lightly buffing the nails, then applying the adhesive and pressing each faux nail into place.
Whatever manicure style you go for, remember that the healthiest type of manicure is one that protects your natural nail rather than simply adding cover-ups. Manicures that focus on protecting nails without adding harsh chemicals or adhesives are a healthy option worth trying!
David Messiha | Staff Writer
