subject: Just What Does Madam Mean By A Manicure? [print this page] At some point in their lives most people think to themselves that they truly ought to try a manicure. As with everything new in life you do not want to make a fool of yourself, just going blind into the salon with no concept what to ask for. To make life that little bit easier here's a guide to the numerous choices that are usually available.
You can be forgiven for thinking that a manicure is a manicure and what difference can there be. Nevertheless you would be wrong as there are almost as many variations as there are technicians offering them. You will find those that are a total pamper experience that is great if you're hard on your hands or working in tough conditions. Then you will find others that tend towards the more basic care of your nails.
One of the most popular will be the French Manicure. In this manicure the tip is coloured white and the rest of the nail bed is usually a pale pink. The beauty of this style is its versatility for either daytime or later in the day. A French Manicure will not look out of place anywhere.
Something which is expanding in popularity is the Reverse French Manicure. There are two methods of attaining this look. The first is to colour the small crescent of nail just above the cuticle white and then the rest of the nail in a deep colour. Conversely you can make the nail tip in a dark colour and make the rest of the nail white. As the seasons change you are able to change the colours of this style in line with the weather. So you can have darker shades during Autumn and Winter and light and bright colours for Spring and Summer. The variations are endless and you can have lots of fun experimenting with different looks.
Another different approach will be the Warm Wax Manicure. If you have dry skin this might be the perfect thing for you personally. The real advantage of this is the use of warm paraffin wax into which you dip your hands. The warm wax adds moisture back into your skin leaving them feeling very soft and silky smooth. This really is one of the pampering manicures talked about earlier where the treatment encompasses the care of the whole hand and not just focussing on the nails. Another option to warm wax is grape seed oil which features a comparable effect on the hands.
What is generally known as a Classic Manicure provides the best of both worlds. Your cuticles are softened and then your nails shaped and filed. Your hands are given a salt scrub, creamed and massaged. A base coat will be applied to your nails followed by two coats of varnish and a top coat. To finish off cuticle oil is applied.
One of the most recent treatments is the 14 day Gel Manicure. In contrast to varnish which may chip and peel, gel is a tough treatment applied as an overlay on to your natural nails. The gel is set under a UV lamp giving it a strong, flexible, glossy finish which lasts for at least two weeks. Removal is simple with no damage to your nails.
So whichever choice you select you can make sure your nails will benefit for the care and attention they will receive
