What is manicure?
A manicure is a nail treatment designed to treat the hands and nails. The process cleans up hangnails and pushes back overgrown cuticles.
Manicure benefits
Nail manicure benefits include maintaining clean, healthy, strong nails and soft skin. Removing hangnails, excess skin and pushing back the cuticles, provides a clean, finished look.
Simultaneously, this treatment encourages nail growth and strengthening. Maintaining clean, healthy nails also helps thwart nail fungi from growing.
Selecting your service
A manicure treatment has several options. The natural nail manicure (without nail polish) is the basic nail treatment. Many men receive this as well, calling it the men’s manicure.
Of course, the benefit women enjoy most from their manicure is the beautiful finish. If that is the goal, then other options beyond just the natural manicure are available.
Which option you choose will depend on the finish you want on your nails. Will it be nail polish only? Or will you select Shellac, French, acrylic, porcelain or gel? Don’t forget, there’s also a variety of nail art available. As nail product technology is continuously evolving, ask your nail tech about new trends.
Each finish offers something different. Maybe you prefer the elegance of the French manicure for a wedding this week. And maybe, overall, you prefer Shellac or gel because they last longer (up to fourteen days).
Whichever type of manicure you select, make sure it works best for you.
No matter what, the natural nail treatment is excellent for both men and women. It’s relaxing and a great way to unwind while taking care of your hard-working hands.
Manicure process
The following description of the manicure process is of the basic, natural nail treatment. For any of the specialty options, the process might vary a bit to incorporate the finishing product.
A manicure may be available as 25 or 50 minutes. It may be a stand-alone treatment or added to another. Excellent combinations for a delightful spa day include a pedicure, massage service, and facial. For additional relaxation during the manicure, request the paraffin wax treatment.
The nail technician will place one hand’s fingertips in a bowl of warm water to soak. Meanwhile, they will begin working on the other hand, removing any nail color and then placing it in the warm water. They will repeat this step with the other hand.
Next, they will massage the hands and this usually includes the forearms. While massaging, they apply moisturizing lotion to start the relaxation process.
After the massage, they tend to the details of the fingers. Using a specially designed tool, a cuticle pusher, the cuticles get pushed back. Now they will clip miscellaneous skin pieces or hangnails and then file the nails to shape.
Next, the cuticles are dabbed with a touch of oil that is quickly rubbed into the nail. The oil moisturizes and nourishes them. Finally, the nails are buffed to a finishing shine.
If your nails will be polished or have a particular finish applied, the nail tech will finish the treatment with your chosen application.
When applying nail polish, some (not all) will apply a clear coat of nail strengthener first, then two coats of the color selected, followed by a clear coat on top.
If having your nails polished, have your payment and keys available before starting your appointment. This helps prevent smudging a nail afterward.
After your appointment and how often to have your nails done
After your nails are painted, you will be escorted to a drying station where you will sit and relax. Your hands will be placed under a dryer for several minutes to ensure a beautiful, smudge-free finish.
Remember that the work you do, combined with the finishing application selected, determines how long your nails will look amazing.
In general, a basic natural nail treatment would be excellent once a month. Polished nails, average 7-10 days. For other applications, such as the Shellac, your appointments would be twice a month.
Each application is different, so ask your nail technician. They will be able to tell you when you should book your next appointment. Booking your appointment before leaving will help ensure your hands are always manicured to perfection!
Categories for Manicure
Beauty Treatments
Types of Massage
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