Are you planning for your first manicure and feeling nervous? Don’t worry! In this blog post, you will walk through everything step by step from what is a manicure, what does a manicure include, what are the different types of manicures, how long it will take, and how much it will cost you. We will also discuss the tools and supplies utilized, as well as why you should get a manicure in the first place. By the end of this 4 minutes read you’ll be an expert in this field.
What is a Manicure
A Manicure is a cosmetic beauty treatment for your hands and fingernails done at home or in a spa. It includes cleaning, shaping, and buffing your nails, as well as using a cuticle pusher and cutter to push and trim your cuticles to give them a neat and clean look. Finally, you will get a massage on your hands with moisturizing creams and a beautiful coat of nail polish of your choice.
It’s an opportunity to enhance your nail health and leave your nails looking shiny and clean. A similar treatment, when applied to the toenails and feet, is called a pedicure.
What is a Basic Manicure
A basic manicure, also called a regular manicure or classic manicure, is the foundation for beautiful, polished nails. It’s a great choice for anyone who wants well groomed nails without the extra bells and whistles.
During a basic manicure, your nails will be soaked, trimmed, and filed into your desired shape. The manicurist will also gently push back your cuticles and massage your hands with a hydrating lotion. Finally, your nails will be painted with a base coat, your chosen color, and a top coat for a chip free and flawless finish. This whole process typically takes around 30-45 minutes, leaving you with polished and healthy-looking nails.
Professional Manicure
A professional manicure is a cosmetic beauty treatment for your hands and nails done by skilled manicurists at a salon. In this treatment, apart from cleaning, shaping and trimming your nails and cuticles, you can also get some lovely motifs on your nails, adding little decals, personalized nail art, or even fake gems for glitter.
Sometimes, people tend to opt for nail treatments like gel nails, dip powder, French tips, acrylics, etc. These are like enhancements for your natural nails, making them look longer or stronger. So, when you go for a professional manicure, you not only get freshly trimmed and painted nails but also have some fun adding a bit of personality to them!
What are the Benefits of Manicures
Manicure benefits are beyond just beautiful painted nails. Here is the breakdown.
Reduced Infection Risk: Regular manicures remove dirt and bacteria that can accumulate under the nails, potentially leading to infections.
Exfoliation & Hydration: Manicures often involve exfoliating dead skin cells of your hands and applying moisturizers, promoting healthier nail growth.
Early Detection: During a manicure, a trained professional can identify any potential nail concerns like weakness, discoloration, or brittleness, allowing for early intervention.
Stress Relief: The relaxing experience of a manicure, from the hand soak all the way to the massage, can be a great way to lose some stress and unwind.
Mood Boost: Having well-maintained and polished nails can boost your confidence and overall mood.
Self-Care Ritual: A manicure is a great way to spend some time on yourself, allowing you to focus on your well-being and indulge in a little self-care.
Polished Look: A fresh coat of polish can instantly elevate your hands’ appearance, making them look more polished and put-together.
Shaped & Styled: To create a more groomed and aesthetically pleasing look, manicures can help maintain a desired nail shape and length.
Softer Hands: The hand soak, cuticle care, and moisturizing treatments included in a manicure can leave your hands feeling softer and smoother.
What does a Manicure include?
Preparation
Before starting your manicure procedure, Any artificial nails like acrylics or gels or old polish will be gently removed from your nails using acetone. Your hands will be soaked for some time in warm water with a cleansing solution to give them an extra clean and soft texture.
Nail Trimming and Shaping
If your current nail length is already short, filing will be enough to shape them. In the case of long nails, your manicurist will likely trim them, before filing to your preferred shape. Let the manicurist know your preference and if you’re unsure, ask their recommendation for the shape that best suits your nails.
Cuticle Care
The cuticle is rough, dry skin that surrounds the nail bed, the area where your fingernail meets your skin. To enhance the look and shape of your nails, The manicurist will clean your cuticles by using a cuticle pusher and cutter.
Nail Buffing
This step will add shine for a natural, polished look. A buffer will be used to gently smooth and refine the nail surface. If you’re skipping polish then It’s the final touch of your manicure.
Nail Painting
Base Coat is the first step in nail paint. This invisible layer helps the polish stay better and protects your nails from staining or weakening.
The most thrilling part of the process will start now: Nail paint application!
This is where you may choose the shade and pattern of your nail polish, in addition to the type of polish you desire. To get a salon-quality finish, both chip-resistant and not too clumpy, at least two coats of nail polish will have to be applied by your manicurist. Top coat is the final step of nail painting. This glossy coat acts as a protective barrier, locking in the color polish and preventing chipping.
How long does a Manicure take
The time duration will completely depend on the treatment you opt for. It can be done between 30 to 60 minutes.
A basic manicure will be on the shorter end of this range, while more detailed manicures with features like gel polish or intricate nail art can take closer to an hour.
How much does a manicure cost?
Although prices can vary depending on your chosen salon, the location also plays a big role. In New York, a basic manicure typically falls between $20 to $60. The ultimate professional manicure will typically cost you between $50 to $100 in New York. Again, this range can fluctuate based on the salon and the specific nail art and treatments you opt for.
How long will my manicure last
The lifespan of your manicure depends on the type you get and how careful you are with your hands.
A basic manicure with regular polish typically lasts for a maximum of 7 days before chipping starts.
Gel polish is known for its durability and can last up to 2 to 3 weeks without chipping or peeling.
Acrylic manicures are the most durable ones, With proper care they can last from 6 to 8 weeks. However, to maintain a polished look you’ll need refill appointments every 2 to 3 weeks.
Here are some tips to extend the life of your manicure, regardless of the type:
Protect your nails from harsh chemicals and cleaning products by wearing gloves when doing dishes, cleaning, or gardening.
Don’t pick at things or open objects with your nails.
Keep your hands and cuticles hydrated with lotion to prevent dryness and cracking, which can lead to chipping.
Remember, these are general guidelines. With extra care, your manicure might last even longer, while frequent hand washing or rough activities can shorten its lifespan.
Conclusion
A manicure can be a delightful way to treat yourself to beautiful nails and some pampering time. From healthier nails to a confidence boost, the benefits are plentiful. Whether you’re looking for a quick polish change or a luxurious spa experience, there are plenty of manicure options out there to suit your needs and budget. So go forth and flaunt those fabulous nails!
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