{"id":8604,"date":"2022-10-13T15:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-10-13T15:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.styleseat.com\/blog\/?p=8604"},"modified":"2022-10-13T15:00:00","modified_gmt":"2022-10-13T15:00:00","slug":"types-of-manicures","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.styleseat.com\/blog\/types-of-manicures\/","title":{"rendered":"16 Types of Manicures You Need To Try in 2023"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

What\u2019s not to love about manicures? They\u2019re stylish, durable, and easy to customize thanks to the different colors, shapes, and methods available with different types of manicures. The options are great if you love to mix things up. However, it gets tough to decide what you want after you\u2019ve spent hours scrolling through nail art inspiration<\/a> online and seeing all of the different price ranges for nails<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your availability, budget, and willingness to keep up with maintenance are a handful of things you need to consider before splurging on a stylish manicure. In our guide, we\u2019ll go over common types of manicures to help you find what works best for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is a manicure? <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A manicure is a beauty treatment for your hands. In a manicure appointment, your nails are cut, filed, and shaped<\/a>. You\u2019ll usually have a cuticle treatment and tidy-up, and enjoy a nice hand massage. Depending on the salon, some will wrap your hands in warmed towels to let the massage cream soak into your skin. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The final step of a manicure appointment is painting your nails. This process will depend on the type of manicure you desire. Below is a chart of various types of manicures, costs, and more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Type of Manicure<\/strong><\/td>Cost<\/strong><\/td>Appointment Time<\/strong><\/td>Longevity<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Basic <\/td>$20-$40 <\/td>30-45 minutes<\/td>Up to seven days<\/td><\/tr>
Paraffin<\/td>$50 + cost of manicure<\/td>50 minutes<\/td><\/td><\/tr>
Hot Stone<\/td>$40 <\/td>50 minutes<\/td><\/td><\/tr>
French<\/td>$5-$15 + cost of manicure<\/td>45-60 minutes<\/td>Up to a week with regular polish
Two to three weeks with gel<\/td><\/tr>
Reverse French<\/td>$5-$15 + cost of manicure<\/td>45-60 minutes<\/td>Up to a week with regular polish
Two to three weeks with gel<\/td><\/tr>
American<\/td>$15-$25<\/td>45-60 minutes<\/td>Up to a week with regular polish
Two to three weeks with gel<\/td><\/tr>
Vinylux<\/td>$10-$11 per bottle<\/td>30-45 minutes<\/td>7+ days <\/td><\/tr>
Gel<\/td>$25-$65<\/td>45-60 minutes<\/td>Up to three weeks<\/td><\/tr>
Gel Extensions<\/td>$80-$350<\/td>One-two hours<\/td>Three to four weeks<\/td><\/tr>
Shellac<\/td>$30-$100<\/td>45-75 minutes<\/td>Two to three weeks<\/td><\/tr>
Acrylics<\/td>$25-$120<\/td>45 minutes \u2013 two hours<\/td>Six to eight weeks<\/td><\/tr>
Press-on<\/td>$10-$20 <\/td>15-30 minutes<\/td>One to two weeks<\/td><\/tr>
Dip Powder<\/td>$30-$50<\/td>45-60 minutes<\/td>Two to four weeks<\/td><\/tr>
Plexigel <\/td>$40-$80<\/td>One hour and 15 minutes<\/td>Up to three weeks<\/td><\/tr>
Polygel<\/td>$50<\/td>45-60 minutes<\/td>Up to three weeks<\/td><\/tr>
Sculpted<\/td>$100<\/td>One to one and half hours<\/td>Up to three weeks <\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Basic manicure<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Women<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A basic manicure focuses on cleaning up and shaping your nails. You can expect a nail tech to trim, file, shape, and buff your nails. They\u2019ll also cut and push back your cuticles. Then, they\u2019ll give you a light hand massage. Most manicures start with these steps to prep your nails before applying color.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Basic manicures are also called standard and natural nail manicures. Basic manicures are normally finished up with some nail polish at the end, but you can skip this step if you don\u2019t want polish. This type of manicure is a great choice if you want a quick touch-up and like to change colors often.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cost<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Basic manicures cost between $20 and $40. Prices for this and other manicures vary depending on your salon, location, and if you want any nail art or add-on services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Appointment time<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Basic manicure appointments normally take between 30 and 45 minutes. Appointment times for all manicures vary based on your nail tech\u2019s skill level, technique, and add-on services. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long it lasts<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Basic manicures can last up to seven days. You can make a basic manicure, along with any other manicure, last longer if you come in with clean hands and nails. Healthy and moisturized nails<\/a> are also crucial for long-lasting manicures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How it affects your nails<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A manicure with regular polish shouldn\u2019t damage your nails. It easily comes off with nail polish remover. Regular nail polish tends to chip off on its own and makes removal easier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For any manicure, you should not pick or peel it. That\u2019s your one-way ticket to damaging your natural nails. Instead, follow your nail tech\u2019s instructions for removing. Want an even safer method? Go back to your salon for removal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to remove<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Polish from a basic manicure is easiest to remove. You can use regular nail polish remover<\/a> to remove it with a few different methods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

First is the soaking method. <\/strong>You can take a cotton ball and rip it into strips or use a cotton pad. Apply polish remover to the cotton and tape them onto your nail. Remove the strips after a minute or so. This soaking method is similar to others needed for more durable manicures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s less abrasive to apply the remover directly onto your nail than to soak your fingers in a bowl of remover. Regardless of how you soak, you\u2019ll need to wash your hands and moisturize both your hands and nails afterward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The second method uses pressure and a little elbow grease.<\/strong> Apply polish remover to your cotton ball or pad. Then, hold it against your nail for a few seconds to start breaking down the polish. Start rubbing your nail to get the polish off. This method works for regular nail polish, but isn\u2019t strong enough for longer-lasting manicures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can also use non-acetone polish remover if you don\u2019t mind waiting a little longer for it to work. It\u2019s not as strong as acetone and acetone-based remover. It also doesn\u2019t work well with dark colors, but it\u2019s less harsh on nails than acetone and acetone-based polish remover.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Paraffin manicure<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"someone<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A paraffin manicure focuses less on nail design and more on moisturizing dry hands. First, your nail technician will melt paraffin wax and massage your hands with oils while the wax heats up. They may also exfoliate your hands to get rid of dead skin cells. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When the wax is cool enough to touch, they\u2019ll either dip your hands in it or brush it onto your hands. You\u2019ll have a few layers of warm wax on your hands. Your nail tech will then cover your hands with plastic gloves and a warm towel. You\u2019ll wait up to 30 minutes for the wax to set.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After the wax is cooled, your nail tech will remove the wax to reveal silky smooth hands. The rest of your manicure will proceed as normal.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dry nails are required to have most polish stuck to your nails. If they\u2019re applying color to your nails, they\u2019ll use a dehydrator to remove excess oils and moisture from your nails. Some nail techs may add color before getting into the paraffin portion of your manicure. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cost<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Paraffin manicures cost up to $40 extra on top of the cost of a regular manicure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Appointment time<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Paraffin manicures take about 50 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How it affects your nails<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Paraffin wax manicures are safe for most people. It adds moisture to your hands and removes dead skin cells. The process also relieves pain and increases blood flow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, this treatment isn\u2019t recommended for everybody. People with poor blood circulation, diabetes, or sensitive skin should avoid paraffin wax manicures<\/a> and other paraffin treatments. This also isn\u2019t for you if you have cuts or rashes on your skin. Call your doctor to check if this treatment is safe for you to try.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can also burn yourself if you don\u2019t give the wax enough time to cool. This is easily avoided if you go to an experienced nail tech. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hot Stone manicure<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"hot<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A hot stone manicure is another spa-like treatment that is great for your hands. Your nail tech will use warm stones to massage your hands and arms. It\u2019ll help release tension and boost circulation. A regular manicure follows a hot stone manicure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hot stone massages<\/a> aren\u2019t for everyone. People with a history of blood clots, diabetes, and a low platelet count shouldn\u2019t opt for this service. Your doctor can advise you on whether this is a safe service for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cost<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Hot stone manicures cost $40 and above.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Appointment time<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A hot stone manicure takes up to 50 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

French manicure<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"french<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

French manicures are known for their iconic white tips and square shape. For this manicure, your nail tech will paint a pink or beige color on your nail with classic white tips to finish off your nails. You can mix and match colors to stray from the classic French manicure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cost<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

French manicures normally cost an additional $5 to $15 extra on top of the cost of a basic manicure. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Appointment time<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

French manicures last between 45 and 60 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long it lasts<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A French manicure done with regular polish can last a few days. A gel French manicure can last two to three weeks. We\u2019ll go more in depth on gel manicures later on in our guide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How it affects your nails<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

French manicures shouldn\u2019t damage nails if they\u2019re properly removed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to remove<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Use nail polish remover to remove regular polish manicures. If you get a gel French manicure, you\u2019ll need to soak your nails in acetone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reverse French manicure<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"a<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

If your tried-and-true nail design is a French manicure, why not mix it up with a reverse French manicure? With a reverse French manicure, instead of painting your tips white, your nail tech will paint a crescent shape over the bottom part of your nail, also known as a \u201chalf moon.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cost<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Similar to a regular French manicure, a reverse French manicure will normally cost an additional $5 to $15 extra along with the cost of a basic manicure. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Appointment time<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A reverse French manicure lasts between 45 and 60 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long it lasts<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A reverse French manicure with basic polish should last several days. If done with gel, it should last two to three weeks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How it affects your nails<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Reverse French manicures shouldn\u2019t damage nails if they\u2019re properly removed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to remove<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Use nail polish remover to remove regular polish manicures. If it\u2019s a gel reverse French manicure, you\u2019ll need to soak your nails in acetone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

American manicure<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"American<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

An American manicure looks similar to a French manicure. The application process is the same, but the colors and shapes are different. American manicures use natural colors for the full nail and off-white colors for the tips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In other words, an American manicure goes with a nude base and cream tips instead of the classic pink and white you\u2019ll see with French manicures. American manicures have a more natural, rounded shape compared to typical French manicures. You can also nix the subtle color palette if you want to pair the design with something more bold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cost<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

American manicures cost between $15 and $25.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Appointment time<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

American manicures take between 45 and 60 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long it lasts<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Like with French manicures, American manicures vary based on what you use to apply color. Regular polish lasts a few days while gel can last two to three weeks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How it affects your nails<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

American manicures shouldn\u2019t damage your nails as long as they\u2019re properly removed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to remove<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Remove regular polish with nail polish remover and gel with a soak in acetone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vinylux manicure<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"nail<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Vinylux<\/a> is a long-wear polish created by CND, the same company that invented Shellac (which we\u2019ll touch on next). Their system<\/a> does not use a base coat and is formulated to last at least a week. Their top coats<\/a> leave your nails shiny.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The best part? The top coat hardens over time as it\u2019s exposed to light. This keeps your nails looking great without the need for multiple coats or a strenuous removal process. Vinylux also dries faster and lasts longer than regular polish. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cost<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Both the Vinylux nail polish and top coat bottles cost between $10 and $11 each. Vinylux manicures aren\u2019t available at every salon, so call ahead to confirm that they offer this type of manicure and what they cost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Appointment time<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Vinylux manicures take about 30 to 45 minutes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long it lasts<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Vinylux manicures last for seven or more days. If you\u2019re giving yourself this type of manicure at home, don\u2019t skip the top coat. It locks in your polish and helps it endure everyday wear and tear. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How it affects your nails<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Vinylux\u2019s top coat protects both your color and the nail itself. Vinylux isn\u2019t as harsh on your nails as gel, since this polish is applied without UV lights. It\u2019s also easily removed without soaking. The less soaking and exposure to chemicals, the healthier your nails will emerge from a manicure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do your research through CND\u2019s salon finder<\/a> to confirm you\u2019re going to a certified salon. Their finder can also locate salons certified in other CND products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to remove<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

CND<\/a> says you can use Offly Fast\u2122 Moisturizing Remover<\/a> or pure acetone to remove Vinylux. Simply add your remover of choice to a cotton pad, press on to your nail for a few seconds, and rub your nail to remove the polish. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gel manicure<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"a<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Gel manicures<\/a> are a popular choice since they\u2019re long-lasting and aren\u2019t as tough to remove compared to other long-lasting methods. They also don\u2019t require much upkeep. After prepping your nails, your nail tech will apply several coats of gel polish and cure it under a UV lamp to set it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We recommend getting a dry manicure<\/a> with gel polish to avoid oils and creams. Wet manicures that use these products make it difficult for polish to stay on your nail. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are two types of gel manicures to consider:<\/p>\n\n\n\n