What Is A Manicure? Procedure, Types, And Cost

Jaxon Wilder

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what is a manicure

It’s important to give your hands the attention it needs like getting a manicure. But do you know what is a manicure? In this post, I’ll tell you what is a manicure, how it is done, different types of manicures, and more.

What Is A Manicure?

A manicure treats hands and fingernails to make them appear healthy and good-looking. This beauty treatment is usually done at a salon by using special tools, creams, and massage techniques. 

If you are getting a manicure for the first time, you must wonder how long it will take. You can keep scrolling to get all the answers to your questions!

Also Read : Shellac Manicure Vs Gel Manicure: Differences You Must Know

How Long Can A Manicure Last?

A manicure done by using a regular nail polish can easily last for about 1 to 2 weeks. It can last more than 2 weeks if you apply good-quality nail polish. The lasting power of a manicure completely depends on how often you work with your hands and how well you maintain them.

Let us now together find out what to expect during a manicure treatment.

Also Read : What Is A Shellac Manicure And How Long Does It Last?

Manicure Procedure

After knowing what is a manicure beauty treatment, let us have a look at its procedure.

  1. Prepping Fingernails
Prepping Fingernails

The procedure starts by removing old nail polish from the fingernails. Your hands and fingernails will be cleaned by using warm water. This helps to remove any dust, dirt, and oil from the fingernails.

  1. Shaping Fingernails
Shaping Fingernails

The nails will be then cut into a desired shape of your choice (round or square). In case your nails are too long, they are trimmed by using a nail clipper. The nail bed and the rough edges around the nails are buffed with a nail buffer.

You can even buy a good nail buffer to maintain the shape of your nails.

  1. Cuticle Care
Cuticle Care

The expert will apply cuticle oil or cream around the fingernails. Your hands now will be soaked in a bowl of warm soapy water for a while. This will help to soften the cuticles gently. After a while, the cuticles will trimmed and pushed back by using a cuticle trimmer and pusher.

  1. Exfoliating Hands
Exfoliating Hands

Once your fingernails are done, the expert will now focus on your hands. The hands will be gently exfoliated by using a mild body scrub. A good exfoliation will remove all the dead skin cells from your hands. The expert will now wash and pat dry your hands for the next step.

  1. Hand Massage
Hand Massage

The most important element of a manicure is a hand massage! A body lotion, oil, or any moisturising cream is applied and massaged into the hands. Different hand massaging techniques are used by the expert to make you feel relaxed.

  1. Nail Polish Application
Nail Polish Application

Here comes the most exciting and fun part; nail polish application. The expert will give different options to choose like gel polish, French manicure, and more. 

You can check out this quick manicure tutorial to understand all the basic steps. The entire manicure procedure will take about 30 minutes approximately. If add-on services like brief hand massage and nail art are included then it may take about an hour or more.

You can keep on reading if want to explore different manicures apart from the regular ones.

Different Types Of Manicure

In a nail salon, you’ll get different manicure options to choose from. Below, I have listed some of the popular manicures for your reference.

  1. French Manicure
French Manicure

French manicures are quite popular as they give a more natural, realistic look. You can never go wrong with a French manicure no matter what occasion it is!

  1. Gel Manicure
Gel Manicure

Another popular type of manicure is a gel manicure which involves the application of gel nail polish. It will give you fantastic results that are durable and long-lasting.

  1. Paraffin Manicure
Paraffin Manicure

Those who are suffering from very dry hands and need intense moisturisation can go ahead with a paraffin manicure. In this treatment, your hands are dipped into a paraffin wax to rejuvenate your skin.

  1. Shellac Manicure
Shellac Manicure

A shellac manicure is similar to a gel manicure but here a special gel polish is applied to the nails. This manicure is a great option if you want long-lasting shiny, glossy nails.

  1. Dry Manicure
Dry Manicure

Dry manicure is another well-known manicure type that comes with its own set of benefits. It is a good option if you want the best results in less time. In some parts, a dry manicure is also called a Russian manicure.

  1. American Manicure
American Manicure

If you want subtle nails, you can go ahead with the American manicure. This manicure is similar to the French manicure but the results are different.

No matter which type of manicure you choose, they all are beneficial for your hands. So, let’s have a look at the benefits of a manicure. 

Benefits Of Manicure

Simply knowing what is a manicure is not enough. You can enjoy getting a manicure even more if you know its benefits.

  1. It helps to avoid skin issues like dryness, cracked nails, and skin breakage.
  2. A regular manicure can improve blood circulation in the hands.
  3. A good hand massage done by an expert can reduce muscle tension and improve joint mobility.
  4. Cuticle care helps to improve the overall health of your nails.
  5. Lastly, it will give you long-lasting pretty nails in no time!

Thus, getting a manicure is a great way to boost your mental health and enjoy your me time!

Tips To Maintain Manicure

You can easily make your manicure last longer by using the following tips.

  1. Avoid doing any household activities right after getting a manicure.
  2. You can dip your nails in cold water to make them chip-resistant.
  3. It’s better to use hand gloves if you want to do some work on an urgent basis.
  4. Touch up your nails by applying a layer of nail polish if required.

Cost Of Manicure

The average cost of a manicure is between $30 to $60 approximately. Manicures can either be cheap or expensive depending on the location, nail salon, and the type of service you choose. The final price can also differ if you choose to add on some services like extra hand massage, nail arts, and more.

Final Words

In the above post, I’ve given a detailed description of what is a manicure. The simplest way to make your nails appear healthy and polished is to get a manicure. A good manicure will help keep keeping your nails trimmed and in good shape. Without worrying much, you can now go ahead and relax by pampering your nails!

FAQ

How Often Can I Do A Manicure?

You can do a manicure every two to three weeks to keep your fingernails and hands healthy. Being a beginner, you need to observe whether the nail polish is chipping, cuticles getting dry, or nails are breaking.

Why Is Manicure Good?

A manicure is good because it allows you to relax by reducing stress levels, makes your mood better, and makes your nails polished.

Can Women And Men Both Get Manicures?

Yes, women and men both can enjoy getting manicures. Anybody who likes keeping their hands and nails in good condition can get this beauty treatment.

Are There Any Drawbacks Of Manicures?

Yes, manicures like gel manicures can make your nails brittle and weak.