The Complete Guide to Manicures, Pedicures, and Nail Care

Oct 6

We all have nails. Like all the other parts of your body, it is important to take care of your nails properly. You have probably heard the terms “manicure”, “pedicure”, or even “mani-pedi” before, but if you’re someone who is unfamiliar with these, chances are that you’re neglecting your nails and should take some steps to keep your hands and feet in good shape.

If you’re new to the world of nail care and you’re not quite sure where to start, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we will describe and tell you everything you need to know about manicures and pedicures. We will also answer some of the most frequently asked questions about these treatments and give you 12 nail care tips so you can have healthy hands that also look good.

· What is a manicure?

· What is a pedicure?

· The different types of manicures and pedicures

· Frequently asked questions

· Nail care tips

What is a manicure?

A manicure is a treatment for your hands and fingernails. During a manicure, a nail technician uses special tools to trim, file, and shape your nails. You will also have your cuticles pushed back, be given a hand massage, and then have your nails painted with a color of your choice.

What to expect from a manicure:

When you arrive at the spa or salon, a nail technician will escort you to a manicure station where you will sit down. If you already have nail polish on, they will remove it. Then, you will have your nails trimmed, shaped, and filed. Your technician may ask for your preference of nail shape, but they are well-experienced so if you are unsure of which shape is best for you, your technician will most likely know and give you a suggestion.

After, they will apply a cream to soften your cuticles and push them down with a cuticle pusher and cuticle nipper. Trimming your cuticles may make your nails appear longer and allow nail polish near the base of your nail to hold better, but you can ask to skip this step if you’d prefer to leave your cuticles as they are. Once this is done, you will soak your hand in warm (treated) water while enjoying a massage for your opposite hand. This is repeated for the other hand after as well.

Then, you can choose a nail polish color. Your nail technician will apply a base coat, two coats of the color you picked, and a top coat to finish off the manicure. Depending on what nail treatment you chose, you will probably put your hands under a UV light or drying machine for a bit of time to help the polish dry faster.

What is a pedicure?

Manicures and pedicures are very similar, with the main difference being that pedicures are treatments for your feet and toenails instead of your hands and fingernails. Pedicures also focus on removing dead skin and calluses from your feet.

Types of manicures and pedicures

· Regular – A regular manicure/pedicure is the basic or standard manicure that involves trimming, shaping, filing, cuticle care, and painting with normal nail polish.

· French – A French manicure/pedicure is similar to a regular manicure, but a light pink, beige, or clear polish is applied to the base of the nail and the tips of the nails are painted white in a crescent-like shape for a more natural look.

· Gel – Gel manicures/pedicures a longer-lasting and more durable. They involve the use of special gel nail polish that is dried completely under UV light.

· Acrylic – An acrylic manicure/pedicure involves adding an acrylic layer that adds length to your natural nails, like a nail extension, and works well on people who have shorter nails.

· Spa – A spa manicure/pedicure is more focused on giving you a relaxing service. More attention is given to each nail and higher quality nail polish and spa products are normally used. Spa manicures and pedicures tend to be longer than regular treatments.

FAQs about manicures and pedicures

What type of manicure is best?

While each type of manicure/pedicure has its pros and cons, the best option would be a regular or basic manicure since it is the healthiest choice for your nails.

How long do manicures last?

A good manicure typically lasts about 1-2 weeks, while a pedicure may last about 2-4 weeks. This, of course, also depends on how active you are and how often you use your hands/feet.

How often should you get a manicure?

It is recommended to get a manicure every 2-3 weeks, or once or twice a month, to maintain healthy hands. Those who prefer to have perfect-looking nail polish should expect to get a professional manicure about once a week, since nail polish tends to start chipping fairly quickly.

How often should you get a pedicure?

Like manicures, it is recommended to get a pedicure once or twice a month, or every 2-3 weeks in order to maintain healthy feet. If you are very active and your feet are put under pressure often, getting a weekly pedicure may be right for you.

Can men get manicures and pedicures?

It is a common misconception that manicures and pedicures are strictly for women. Men can (and should) get manicures and pedicures too! Though men tend to opt out of getting a manicure and often just go for a pedicure, both treatments are greatly beneficial to your hands and feet. There are specialized mani-pedi services for men, so if you’re not a fan of nail polish, don’t worry! You will still be able to enjoy the massages and leave with a clean and well-groomed appearance.

Can men wear nail polish?

Sure! Some men choose to get their nails colored, while others may prefer not to have nail polish applied to their nails. It all comes down to your own preferences, so make sure to let your nail technician know what you’d like or what you’d be most comfortable with.

How much should you tip for a manicure or pedicure?

As with other spa or salon services, 20% of the total price is the industry standard for tipping. If you are happy with the service you received, leaving a tip will let your nail technician know that you appreciate their hard work.

Nail Care Tips

What to do to keep your nails healthy:

· Trim your nails regularly. Even if you prefer having medium to long nails, you must have them clipped consistently to prevent breakage.

· File your nails with a nail file. Buff rough edges with a nail file to keep your fingernails smooth and even.

· Disinfect your nail tools. Wash your tools and wipe them with rubbing alcohol between uses. Remember to replace disposable tools regularly!

· Moisturize. Use hand lotion or a moisturizer and make sure to rub some into your nails and cuticles as well.

· Keep your nails clean and dry. Avoid extended periods of contact with water and wear gloves while washing dishes or cleaning to prevent bacteria from growing under your nails.

· Consider using a nail hardener to strengthen your nails. For those with weak, brittle nails, it may be worthwhile to look into getting a nail strengthener. Even if you don’t want color, using a strengthening varnish or applying a base coat can help protect your nails against damage.

· Buy and use quality products. Make sure your nail care products don’t contain toxic chemicals that may actually harm your nails and contribute to brittleness and breakage.

· Consult a dermatologist or nail care specialist. If you notice any issues with your nails, it is best to see a professional to get an evaluation.

What not to do to prevent damaging your nails:

· Do not bite your fingernails. Biting your nails is a terrible habit that could damage and allow bacteria to enter your nail bed, which may lead to an infection.

· Do not pull off hangnails. By trying to pull hangnails off, you are at risk of pulling off live tissue as well. Wait until you have an opportunity to clip hangnails off safely instead.

· Do not cut or remove your cuticles. Your cuticles offer protection to the base of your nail, and getting rid of them will increase your likelihood of getting an infection.

· Avoid harsh nail products. Try not to use nail polish remover too often, as most solutions contain acetone, which is a chemical solvent that can cause irritation to your skin.

Even if you’re not into the idea of getting your nails painted or could care less about making your nails look aesthetically-pleasing, taking care of your nails is crucial and the appearance of your nails and fingers is normally a sign of how healthy they are. You only need to take a few simple steps regularly to keep your hands, feet, and nails in good shape, so start now if you haven’t already done so!