From the basic mani to acrylics, we've got you covered for your next nail appointment.

Whether you&rsquo;re looking to refine your nails or have an Instagram-worthy set, the plethora of <a href="https://www.lofficielsingapore.com/beauty/what-manicure-you-should-get-according-to-your-zodiac-sign" target="_blank" rel="noopener">manicures</a> offered at your typical nail salon may be overwhelming. In addition, different manicures require different levels of upkeep. Here, L&rsquo;OFFICIEL breaks down every type of manicure to inspire your next appointment.

The basic manicure is as simple as you can get. The nail tech will start by soaking your hands in warm water to soften dead skin cells. Then, they&rsquo;ll proceed to file and buff your nails, clean your cuticles, and follow with a cuticle oil treatment or hand massage. The addition of nail polish or <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/beauty/spring-nail-art-trends-floral-french-manicure" target="_blank" rel="noopener">nail art</a> is optional, and will be done with regular polish that you can expect to last about a week before chipping.

The classic French tip manicure consists of a white polish tip on top of a pink or beige-colored layer. Traditionally, the nail shape for classic French nails is usually square or squoval. However, as Madison Beer confirms, it looks equally stunning with the almond nail shape. It just adds an extra touch of femininity to the design. You can even opt for a <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/beauty/spring-nail-art-trends-floral-french-manicure" target="_blank" rel="noopener" style="letter-spacing: 0px;">multi-colored, fun twist</a> if a white tip is too simple.

Though the long French tips were popular amongst our favorite celebs for the longest time, the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CzlXEv7MRWS/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">short French nails</a> have been making a comeback lately. And given how simple and low-maintenance the look is, we're all here for it.&nbsp;

Following the basic manicure process, you can choose to either get soft gel nails or hard gel nails. Soft gel is a gel polish applied to your nail and is cured under a UV light twice. In contrast, hard gel is a sculpting gel&mdash;similar to acrylic&mdash;that gives you the freedom of creating any nail shape on top of your natural nails. For hard gel removal, it&rsquo;s recommended to see a nail tech to prevent any damage. Both types of gel manicures will last at least two weeks. But, if you're skilled at taking care of your gel nails, it might even last longer.&nbsp;

Acrylic nails enable you to extend and alter your existing nail shape. It consists of a liquid monomer mixed with powder polymer, which forms a malleable bead that allows the nail tech to build your desired shape on top of your existing nail. Afterward, you can either choose nail polish (with the option of nail art) or gel for your color. As for getting your acrylics redone, nail techs will often recommend a fill every couple of weeks. The process consists of filling in the new nail growth, and the existing acrylics are then touched up.

Gel extensions are pre-made extensions applied using clear polish and are then cured under a small LED light. Like acrylics, you can choose to alter your nail shape, adjust the length, and follow with regular nail polish or gel. Gel extensions are typically more flexible due to their thinness, making them more durable and long-lasting than acrylics, which are brittle and can often break easily.

Dip powder consists of dipping your nails directly into the colored powder and following it with layers of adhesive. Unlike traditional nail polish or gel, the dip powder process is completely dry and requires no UV or LED light. As a result, it&rsquo;s a long-lasting option and can easily be removed at home. However, it&rsquo;s recommended that you remove it after a couple of weeks to prevent bacterial infection.

Shellac by CND is a product that can be best described as a nail polish and gel fusion. It simply applies like nail polish but is just as tough as gel without any unnecessary dry-time. The manicure will last you around two weeks.

Another product by CND, Vinylux, is a two-step product that requires just the colored polish and a top coat. The top coat will toughen with time as it interacts with natural light. The manicure will last you around a week and can be easily removed at home with acetone.

The jelly nails, a favorite nail style in Korean, involves creating translucent, jelly-like nails. It typically utilizes clear or tinted gel polish to achieve a glossy and transparent effect, often adorned with playful embellishments like glitter or small decals. This trend has gained popularity for its fun and youthful aesthetic, offering a refreshing twist on traditional nail art designs.&nbsp;

The Russian manicure, also known as the dry manicure, is a technique that focuses on cleaning and shaping the cuticles without the use of water. It involves using specialized tools, such as electric drills and diamond bits, to gently exfoliate and remove cuticles. Afterward, your choice of nail polish is applied. This meticulous process results in a more precise and long-lasting manicure, with nails that appear cleaner, smoother, and healthier.

Unlike traditional manicures, the Brazilian manicure involves the application of polish before cuticle work, allowing for more precise cleaning and shaping. Now it may sound a little odd, but it also involves slugging your nails in nail polish, even the cuticle and the surrounding skin. Of course, the edges are cleaned out with acetone at the end. This method leaves nails looking exceptionally glossy.&nbsp;

Hybrid gel, also known as polygel, blends the strengths of traditional gel manicures and acrylic systems, providing an exceptionally durable manicure solution. Packaged in a convenient tube, it can be applied directly to the nails for easy customization and shaping. With its resilient formulation, hybrid gel offers a long-lasting and chip-resistant finish. Just like traditional acryllics and nail extensions, they can also be refilled.&nbsp;

The coffin and squoval nail shape may have dominated all our Pinterest nail inspo boards for the longest time, but since 2022, the almond nail shape manicure have taken their place. Hailey Bieber and Ariana Grande's favorite for a reason: it's the most elongating and elegant nail shape there is.&nbsp;

The Ultimate Guide to Every Type of Manicure

Tags

Related Articles

Beauty

Lip Gloss Nails: The Dewy New Manicure Trend

Beauty

How to Get the Star Nails Trend

Fashion

5 Nail Styles to Inspire Your Summer Manicure

Recommended posts for you

Travel & Living

Le Petit Prince Arrives in NYC and LA for the Holidays

Pop culture

Counting Down to #LOFFICIEL100

Fashion

How Luxury Fashion is Embracing Video Games

Fashion

Editorial: A Weekend with the Girls

Fashion

L'Officiel's Holiday Gif(t) Guide

Pop culture

What Really Happened Between Taylor Swift and Matty Healy?

Travel & Living

8 Gen Z Travel Destinations to Visit in 2024

Fashion

The Must-Know Watch Trends From Watches & Wonders 2024