Beautifully manicured or cared for hands complete a look, and are absolutely essential for a well-groomed appearance. But let’s face it – most of us don’t have the time (or the patience) to do our own nails at home. Whether you’re treating yourself to a little TLC, or doing routine maintenance, your local salon has a range of treatments available to keep your hands in tip top shape. Here, some of our favourite in-salon nail treatments:
The classic manicure
The ultimate treatment for dry, tired or neglected hands and nails, the classic manicure involves soaking, exfoliating, moisturising, and in many cases, a hand massage too. Cuticles are trimmed and nails are buffed, shaped, polished and painted in your choice of nail colour. If you want to improve the general appearance of your hands and nails, this is the treatment for you.
Extensions
Although shorter nails have become more popular, there is still a large demand for long nails, especially among ladies whose nails are weak, and break once they grow past the tips of their fingers. Extensions involve adding a tip (in the shape of your choice) to the end of your nail, and then securing it with an overlay. Your nails keep the added shape, but have to be maintained, and follow-up visits every couple of weeks are a must. Popular shapes include round, square, squoval and stiletto (made popular by It-girl Riri!).
Acrylic nails
No longer as popular as they were a few years ago, acrylic nails consist of a “fake” nail being placed over your own and secured with nail glue. Acrylic nails can either be the length of your natural nail, or can be longer, in which case they act as a false nail and extension simultaneously. They are usually in the form of a French manicure.
Gelish / Shellac
If you’re into nail trends, you are sure to have heard the terms “Gelish” or “Shellac” in the past couple of months. Both a form of long-lasting gel nail colour, their applications involve applying a few coats of nail colour (plus a base and top coat) and keeping the nails under a UV light in between application. There is a wide range of colours available, and it usually lasts between two and three weeks.
Nail wraps
Nail wraps can either be applied by yourself at home, or by a nail technician at the salon. Popular brands include Minx and Incoco, and the process involves a thin colourful or printed foil being applied to your nail. There is no drying time and the only preparation required is cleaning the nails and removing any remnants of nail polish or glue. They usually last about a week, but the time depends on the application and condition of your nail.
With so many options available, it’s difficult to decide on just one when you book your appointment. If you’re unsure as to which one is best suited to you, ask your nail technician for advice. She should be able to determine the best option by looking at the condition of your nails and considering the look you want.
Other articles you may be interested in:
Nail colours to wear on your wedding day
Our favourite celebrity nail art
Different nail files explained
Rescue my nails
Nail your personality
14 Responses
French manicure is always my first choice and I’m blessed with strong nails.
I am blessed with strong, hard nails that grows quickly. Gel nails look great, but have seen what it does to nail beds and textures etc on friends of mine.They are still battling to rectify the damage.
I love having longer nails, 2mm over the tip of my finger, but for a beautiful shape I do use tips and gel layer over it.
If Shellac nails can last even one week despite you doing dishes all week then I’m sold!
Stunning article, I learnt so much. So many different things you can do with your nails, I love it! I’ve always loved the classic manicure though, it’s simple but looks great :-)
Interesting and informative article.
I love doing my own nails.
I have never head of Nail wraps but it sounds simple enough to try at home.
I am fortunate to have natural strong nails, but Shellac is a product I would like to try. My polish starts chipping a day after application, so to have your nail colour last for 2-3 weeks would be awesome!
I always get excited when I get my nails done, I feel so prim and proper. Gel does not last very long on my nails though. I have heard about the miracle called Shellac which lasts for at least two weeks, if it does then its worth it.