Things like opening boxes and cans or doing household chores are always hard on a manicure. “I know this can be hard, but it’s also good practice to not use your nails as a tool. Since many of these manicures require lots of tools and stress to the nail, Zola Ganzorigt recommends investing in a good cuticle oil.Īlso, keep your nails away from boxes. How do you take it off? You can soak it off How is it done? A base coat is applied to the nail then, the nail is dipped into a powder and sealed with a top coat. “Instead of using UV rays to seal in your polish, the color comes from a pigmented powder.” $40 and it for? Dip powder manicures work best for those who want a bit more nail strength and long-lasting color.Īnother happy medium, “a dip powder manicure falls between a regular mani and a fake acrylic nail,” Higuchi says. How do you remove it? A shellac manicure can be removed with acetone.ĭoes it damage the nail? You can risk damaging your nails if you peel or remove the product incorrectly.

How long does it last? A shellac manicure can last up to three weeks. How is it done? It follows the same steps as a gel manicure. How long does it take? A shellac manicure can take up to 45 min. It is a hybrid, meaning half nail polish, half gel, and can be applied similarly to nail polish on your natural nails. “It’s a patent pending nail product created by Creative Nail Design (CND). “Shellac is the brand name,” Higuchi says. Regular nail polish takes a long time to dry and gel can sometimes lead to damage if removed incorrectly-a shellac manicure is your happy medium. $25 and it for? A Shellac manicure is great for someone who wants to reduce damage to their nail, as shellac polishes are super easy to remove-no nail drill needed. A basic manicure can go a long way in helping to revive your nails, hydrating them, and keeping good nail health by trimming your nails/cuticles regularly. How do you remove it? The polish can be removed with nail polish remover or acetone.ĭoes it damage the nail? No. How long does it last? A basic manicure can last anywhere up to seven days. How long does it take? A basic manicure takes up to 30 minutes. Painting the base coat, color, and top coat is next, and then a cuticle oil is applied.” “Then, the nail tech will file and buff, clean the cuticle, and massage your hands with hand cream.

“The nail tech will start off by soaking your hands in warm soapy water to soothe and soften dead skin cells,” Higuchi says. Patience is key! If you simply need a clean-up and polish (keep in mind you will have to wait a bit for your nails to dry), then a standard manicure is right up your alley.Ī basic manicure is your standard manicure. Who’s it for? Basic manicures are great for anyone with a no-fuss approach to their nails. If you struggle with indecisiveness, I turned to Vivian Cardenas of NYC-based nail salon Vanity Projects and Miki Higuchi of NYC’s Aikiko Nails to break down every type of manicure, so you are well-educated the next time you hit the salon. Who said a trip to the nail salon was stress-free?

Then, I factor in how much time I have to spare, consider extra add-ons like massages and hot oil treatments, and ponder designs, all before I even sit down to begin the treatment. Most trips to the salon still begin with me staring down the “services” menu trying to figure out if I’ll stick to a regular manicure or treat myself to something more creative like a shellac manicure or french manicure. What I love most about a trip to the nail salon is it’s basically an oasis of endless possibilities. If you frequent a nail salon monthly or bi-weekly for fresh claws, you understand how important it is to know the different types of manicures a salon offers (not all businesses are well-versed in the world of nails) or how one wrong shade of nude can make you an unhappy camper. Adulting is all about making tough choices.

Cream color nails