Most Popular Types of Manicures
A manicure is not only good for your nails’ health, but it makes you feel beautiful and confident. When you step into the salon to have your nails polished, there are a number of different types of manicures available. From the classic French manicure to the more exotic Hot Stone manicure, all of them will have your nails looking smooth and stylish afterwards.
French Manicure
The classic manicure, it features pale beige, pink or transparent over the nail with white polish on the tip. As with all of the manicures, you should apply a base coat beforehand and a top coat after to ensure a long-lasting manicure. If you have a formal occasion or just want to look professional and well-kept, this is the best choice. This fall it is very popular to have a two-tone French manicure with a solid color like black on the bottom and a second color on the tip, like red. During the spring and summer go for brighter colors like yellow and pink, or coral and blue.
Reverse French Manicure
Like the name suggests, this manicure flips the traditional version upside down. The moon of the nail, the tiny white crescent at the bottom against the cuticle, is painted white with the rest of the nail painted in beige, pink or clear. It began in Europe and has taken a little bit of time to become popular over here (it is still not nearly as popular as the classic version). If you want a European couture style or just want to mix it up a little, this is a great look. Like the regular French, this is great for work, a special event, or just to give your hands a polished look.
Paraffin Manicure
Paraffin is heated wax that adds an incredible amount of moisture to the skin. If you have dry, cracked hands or just want to add some moisture to your hands during the winter, this is a must. Your hands will emerge smooth and elastic after a vigorous hand massage. The manicure is just your basic solid color polish on top. If you really want the full treatment, find one that also offers additional oils during the massage. This makes a great gift for a friend, or you can go together before a girl’s night out.
Hot Stone Manicure and European Manicure
The Hot Stone is the ultimate manicure and involves placing hot stones over the hands to relieve stress. The polish is your basic manicure. Consider giving this for your next Mother’s Day gift or to a coworker during the holidays. The European version is the basic simple manicure, but you also place your hands in herb infused water. The nails are then shaped and polished.
DIY
If you are planning to give yourself a manicure, here are a few tips. Always apply a top and base coat, apply two coats of polish if it a light or sheer color, and use a Q-tip to remove excess nail polish. When coloring the tips of a French Manicure, start in the middle and work to the sides in the same outward motion. Wait 30 minutes before touching the nails.
