What Are the Different Types of Manicures

Gorgeous nails await!

By Tanya Sharma

If you're headed to the nail salon, you might want to know what are the different types of manicures before you get settled. That's right - you have options beyond just choosing the color of nail polish you want to wear. You can select from a variety of manicure types, each designed to lend your nails a signature look.

Choose Your Manicure

Just as one woman loves a bright, vivacious ensemble that turns heads, another is much more comfortable in a simple, understated outfit. The same mentality applies to fingernails: Some women are much more comfortable with short, demure nails painted with a nude or pale pink polish, while others prefer long nails all done up in the hottest vibrant color of the moment.

To accommodate these varying preferences, there are a number of different types of manicures available. It's good to have an idea of what you might want before you head to the salon, but don't worry if you just can't seem to make a decision right away. The nail technician will be happy to give you an idea of what to expect from each look.

Your final decision may rest more in the demands of your social life than anything else. If you have a baby shower or wedding coming up, for example, you might want to opt for something low-key, like a classicFrench manicure. If you're headed to an outrageous 1980s revival party, on the other hand, you can afford to go all out with bright colors and even nail art if you wish.

What Are the Different Types of Manicures

Manicures differ from one another in their usage of various creams, oils and treatments. Some are extremely pampering, which can be great for tired, overworked hands, while others are simple yet effective enough to give you the glamorous nails you desire. Here are the various types of manicures to choose from:

The ever classic French manicure is destined to give you the clean, gorgeous look you want. A French manicure features a clear, pale pink or beige polish over the entire nail, and white polishalong the tip. The end result is healthy, vibrant and perfect for all occasions - you definitely can't go wrong.

On the flipside, you might consider the reverse French manicure, a look that really took off on the high-fashion runways in Europe before achieving mainstream popularity. The look is essentially a takeoff of the traditional French; in it, the "moon" of the nail is painted white while the rest is done in a darker shade. Another option is to simply reverse the colors; try an all-white nail with a strip of color along the tip. Popular shades for this look are black and wine during fall and winter, and yellow and pink during spring and summer.

A paraffin manicure is a must for anyone with dry or overworked hands. Paraffin, or heated wax, infuses the skin with instantaneous moisture and leaves it smooth and supple. The manicure also includes a stimulating hand massage and finishes with a chic basic manicure. Some paraffin treatments include the addition of various oils, like grape seed, for extra moisturizing benefits.

A European manicure is quite simple, but pampering nonetheless. The hands are typically soaked in a soothing blend of herbs and water, shaped to perfection and polished with the color of your choice.

If you're dreaming of something ultra pampering or want to give a great gift to an overworked pal, consider a hot stone manicure. This indulgent treatment includes all of the delights of a basic manicure, plus the addition of heated stones, which are placed over the hands to provide relief and comfort.

Things to Consider

Now that you know what are the different types of manicures, consider a few other things before heading off to the salon. Note that many of them offer the option to have paraffin wax treatments added to any type of manicure, so that is something to consider if your hands need a good dose of moisture. If you're interested in achieving a more complex, glamorous look with nail art or other details, do some research on the salon you're visiting before having anything done. There's nothing worse than a botched nail job!