Mani Dairies

So, what’s a manicure anyway? A manicure is a beauty treatment which uses special tools, creams, waxes and/or massage techniques to leave_your nails and hands_healthy and looking good as well as improving the_texture_and_health_of both your fingernails and the skin of your hands.

A professional manicure often has the side-effect of_relaxing you and properly trained nail technicians can also identify problems and seek to reverse their effects with regular services. A manicure can last from 15 minutes to more than an hour, depending on what you’re having done. Generally speaking, the longer the time allocated to the manicure, the more elements you can expect.

Now you’re all set to book your appointment… but which one to get? There are several types of manicures, each varying according to the nail professionals’ preference, the needs of the client or the even the latest market trend. Let’s review the most popular items to be found on most service menus.

Basic/Classic Manicure: Your hands are first soaked in warm water. This helps to soften dead skin cells and soothe your cuticles. The technician will then push back your cuticles, remove any non-living tissue, clean younger nails, clip and file them; you get to choose any length and shape you desire.

At this point, there is usually a mini massage and moisturizer is applied to your hands. Your fingernails are then painted with a polish of your choice — a base coat, a main coat, and a top coat. Finally, your nails are dried and you are all set!

Gel Manicure: These days, the long lasting, mega-watt shine of a gel mani is in high demand. The steps are the same as the Classic Manicure but the regular polish application is replaced with gel nail polish.

Gel nail polish requires curing or drying under a special LED/UV nail polish lamp. Most gel nail polish brands give a guarantee of chip and fade free polish for at least 14 days. It is highly recommended that you go to a trained nail professional to apply and/or remove gel polish to get the maximum benefits and proper natural nail care.

Spa Manicure: This is a longer, more luxurious service. Most professionals tend to enhance this service with aromatherapy, ambient sounds and signature refreshments like fruit, teas or even mimosas.

After the classic manicure is performed, the client is led through a 4-step procedure of exfoliating scrubs, facial quality hand masks, hot towel and massage therapy. This procedure usually ends at the elbows and and as you can imagine, will be at a higher price point than your Classic or Gel Mani.

Paraffi n Wax Treatment: In some cases, a paraffin wax treatment is offered before the massage in a Spa Manicure. In a paraffin wax treatment, your hands will be dipped several times quickly into a small tub of heated paraffin wax.

The paraffin is often scented with soothing essential oils. The wax will trap the heat against your skin as it hardens, opening the pores. Once the wax is completely cooled it will be pulled away, taking dead skin cells along with it.

Paraffin wax therapy can be particularly effective for those suffering from osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Regular paraffin hand treatments can help relax joints and relieve pain in hands before physical therapy and exercise. They can also help with lowering fluid retention and flushing toxins, which can reduce swelling.

Russian Manicure: I’m sure you’ve heard of the French Manicure (white nail tips), the American (natural nail tip) and maybe you’ve even seen the Cuban French Manicure (either coloured nail tips OR reverse French Manicure depending on who you ask,) but a Russian? Russian Manicures are also known as Dry or e-File Manicures. The main characteristic of this type of mani is that it’s completely waterless. There is no soaking of the cuticles and the actual cuticle work is performed with an electronic nail file and bits instead of a cuticle pusher and nippers. This type of service is usually done before applying enhancements or extensions or for clients that are short on time.

Whether you get a manicure to put on artificial nails, file and paint natural nails, or just to nurture the hand and nails, it’s is always a good way to show your body you care.

If you’ve enjoyed this article, head over to my Facebook page for a chance to win a free Russian Manicure and polish change.