The holidays are coming and that often means pretty nails! There are so many types of manicures now that it can be hard to figure out which one is best for you and for your nails. Most kinds will create shiny beautiful nails, but which to choose?
Traditional Nail Polish
The first type of manicure is a traditional nail polish manicure. This type of manicure usually starts with nail filing, buffing, and cuticle trimming. It’s the cuticle trimming or pushing back too hard that we caution against! Damaging a cuticle can often be permanent and that can then lead to permanent nail damage. If you use a quality base coat to protect the nail from the colored polish, you are better off. Remember that colors in the red family are what can stain the nails yellow over time. Also, it’s the nail polish remover that can cause harm over time to the nails too, especially by drying them out. Taking breaks between manicures and moisturizing your nails is very helpful. See our prior blog “Nails 101.”
Gel
Gel manicures have become very popular. They last longer than traditional polish and dry immediately. Gel manicures work by using a special polish that looks and applies like a regular polish but is placed under a UV (or LED) lamp between each coat. The UV lamp cures the manicure making it instantly harden. This durable manicure can be applied to natural nails or synthetic nails.
Gel manicures are appealing because they dry right away, are very durable, and they last longer. A typical gel manicure will last two to three weeks without chipping or peeling. BUT the process of “baking” the color on and then the process to soak off the color can very much weaken and dry the nails. Do this regularly over time, and your nails will deteriorate often permanently, for some people sooner than others, no way to know. Once nails weaken or change as a result of damage, we usually cannot improve them much if at all, that’s the risk.
Acrylics
Acrylics have been around for many years and are almost everyone’s go-to option for the illusion of longer nails. This type of manicure is done with a combination of liquid and powder acrylics. Acrylic can be applied over natural nails or, more commonly, over fake tips.
Acrylics are very strong and will rarely chip or break. If you are prone to biting your nails but wish you had longer nails, acrylics could sometimes be a way to break the habit. One of the major draws of acrylic nails is that they can last for up to four weeks. Acrylic nails must be done in a salon. Four weeks after the initial application, you need to go back to the salon to have your nail’s growth area filled with more acrylic.
A major con of acrylic manicures is the harsh application and removal processes. This process can cause significant damage to your natural nail beds over time. The more often these are done, the worse the damage.
Dip Powder
Dip powder manicures are relatively new compared to the others. They can be applied to natural nails or fake nails and can be done in a salon or at home. This unique technique is easy to apply and can last for three to six weeks.
With a dip powder manicure, the nail is painted with a special base coat and dipped into a colorful acrylic powder, rather than a polish. The excess powder is brushed off, and the second layer of color is applied. Once the final layer is applied, a liquid activator is painted on to instantly harden the manicure. Finally, the color is sealed in with a top coat layer, leaving you with a super durable manicure in just a few simple steps. This technique is extremely versatile. It works on fake nails, natural nails, short nails, and long nails. You can get it done at a salon or try an at-home dip kit.The nails also don’t feel as stiff as with a gel or acrylic manicure.
This technique can also weaken your nails by all the buffing and adhesive needed. Dip process may also cause irritation or allergy because dips tend to include harmful ingredients. Powder dip nails can also be difficult to remove. If removed improperly, they can also cause damage to your nail bed.
If you are getting a dip manicure at a salon, make sure they are sprinkling the powder over your nail, not actually dipping. It is not sanitary for multiple people to use the same powder (double dipping!), as this can spread bacteria.
Manicures now not only vary by technique but also by how much potential damage they can do, stay educated and be cautious! It is important to know what’s really getting done when you get your nails done. 💅
And remember our healthy tips regardless of type of manicure or pedicure:
- Don’t mess with your cuticles
- Wash your hands/feet before any nail treatment
- Use sunscreen on your hands if getting a manicure with UV light