5 Types of Manicure: A Complete Guide

Here’s all you need to know to book the right type of manicure the next time you want to get your nails done.

Until not very long ago, a manicure was a treatment reserved only for special occasions. You dropped by your neighbourhood parlour before, say, a big night out or an important family function and pampered yourself with a manicure and pedicure. 

With these services now being more accessible than ever – you can now book one at the tap of a touchscreen – and more affordable, you can book a manicure appointment every month or even every few weeks, if you want to.

This is especially great for those of us who love the way a fresh manicure makes us feel. What’s more, a manicure is not just a great way to keep your nails looking their best, it also helps increase the overall quality of nail health.

As it turns out, there are several different types of nail manicures from which to choose. Conveniently, we have this guide on different types of manicures.

What are the 5 different types of manicures?

Not all manicures are born equal. There are different types of manicures, each lasting for different durations.

1. Basic manicure

This is the perfect manicure for when you do not have much time at your disposal or prefer a fuss-free approach.

The manicurist will soak your hands in warm water for a few minutes to soften dead skin cells. Next is filing the nails to the desired shape, cleaning and clipping cuticles, and then massaging with a hydrating cream to relax your muscles. Lastly, is nail paint application.

A base coat is applied to your nails, followed by a colour of your choice and then sealed with a top coat. All of this in under 30-35 minutes. A classic manicure typically lasts up to a week. When you want to refresh it, all you need to do is use a nail polish remover and you’re good to go.

2. French manicure

A French manicure never goes out of style because it is elegant and chic. It is done by servicing a basic manicure and then applying the French manicure style. For this style, the nails can be filed in a square or oval shape, as per your preference.

The manicurist creates a base with clear/ivory/beige/pale pink nail paint. Next, the tips of the nails are painted with white nail paint in a crescent shape.

You can also give a colourful touch to this classic manicure by painting the tips in different shades. 

If done with gel polish, a French manicure can last for two to three weeks or a week if done with regular nail paint. 

Should you choose just a single shade of nail polish, you should be done with your French manicure in about 45 minutes. 

At the end of three-odd weeks, when it’s time for a refresh, you merely need to use a nail polish remover just as you would with the basic manicure.

3. Paraffin manicure

This is a great treatment for those who have dry and rough hands, as paraffin wax has the ability to lock in moisture. It is almost like a spa treatment for your hands.

The process is simple. First, oils or lotions are used to massage your hands. Then, paraffin wax is melted to a temperature that is safe for the hands. The manicurist dips your hands completely in the paraffin wax for a few seconds and then lifts them out, allowing them to completely dry.

Your hands are dipped in the wax again and this process is repeated seven times. This means you will have seven layers of paraffin wax on your hands. You then rest your wax-covered hands for 20-30 minutes. After that, the wax is peeled off and the manicurist proceeds to give you a basic manicure. 

The entire process, which lasts nearly an hour and 15 minutes, increases blood circulation and makes your hands feel hydrated and soft. Paraffin manicure is essentially a skin treatment clubbed with a basic manicure. Therefore the removal process is the same as a basic manicure. And all you need for that is a nail polish remover. 

4. Acrylic manicure

If you don’t have long nails, an acrylic manicure is the answer to your problems. It gives the appearance of naturally long nails, while also providing a protective layer over your actual nails.

With the help of a liquid monomer and a powder polymer, the manicurist creates a hard layer over your natural nails. The acrylic nail extensions can be any length or shape you desire.

The manicurist starts by buffing your nails to make them rough. This makes it easy for the acrylic mixture to stick to them. The mixture, which is like gum in texture, is applied to your nails with a brush and moulded into the desired shape.

Once the mixture has fully dried, it is coated with nail paint. If a gel paint is used then the nails are cured under a UV light. You can choose to get as creative as you want with the colour and design. 

Depending on the kind of nail design you’re getting, you should set aside anywhere between an hour and two for an acrylic manicure.

The acrylic nails also provide a strong, clean canvas for all types of nail art. Acrylic nails last for around six to eight weeks, but will need to be filled in every two to three weeks. When it’s time to remove them, you will need to book an appointment with a manicurist who will need about 45 minutes or thereabouts to take it out. 

5. Shellac manicure

This is a hybrid of two types of manicures — a blend of long-wear gel polish and nail polish. Known for its durability and easy removal, a shellac manicure is a great option for those who have weak nails but like gel manicures.

After a basic manicure, the manicurist applies two coats of shellac nail polish. Each coat is cured under a special UV or LED lamp. The entire process can take around an hour or so. Shellac polish doesn’t chip easily like traditional nail paint and lasts for at least two weeks. Just like acrylic manicure, you will need a manicurist’s help to take out shellac polish. That process will last about 45 minutes.

What type of manicure lasts the longest?

All types of manicures are intended to make your hands look beautiful and keep you occasion-ready. Acrylic manicures are stronger and last longer, but can require maintenance sessions for fill-ins and nail breaks.

On the other hand, gel or shellac manicures last for a slightly lesser period, but are less likely to chip and don’t demand frequent visits from the manicurist.