How to take it off: It’s pretty simple. Grab some polish remover and cotton pads and you’re good to go.
How it affects nail health: Wear it as often as you like—it has no negative affect. A basic manicure is one of the safest types of manicures from the bunch. It’s an easy process and removal allows little to no room for splitting or breaking nails.
The downsides: It’s prone to chipping quicker and losing its shine than most manicures (even with a good top coat). Simply put: Don’t expect this one to last more than a week.
This is probably what you’re getting when you book a gel mani. It’s basically a hybrid of gel and nail polish that’s cured and hardened with a UV light, so zero drying time baby. The word Shellac is actually just the trademark name of CND, the first company to invent and register this type of polish. It’s less harder than gel (and soaks off with acetone), but it’s tougher and more flexible to wear than a basic manicure.
Cost: $25 to $60 per application.
How long it takes: 45 minutes to an hour.
How long it lasts: About two to three weeks with no chips.
How to take it off: You’ll need cotton pads, acetone, aluminum foil and a cuticle pusher to try the soaking method at home. You can also visit a salon to get a less damaging removal.
How it affects nail health: Some peeling or breakage might occur if you just go ahead and rip them off without using the proper removal technique (ahem, see above). Take your time to gently soak them off for strong natural nails in between salon visits.
The downsides: It can be a bit expensive depending on the salon. Plus, its tougher exterior can make it difficult to remove which can damage your nail bed if not taken off properly.
3. Gel Manicure
Also known as “hard gel,” this mani can be applied over natural or fake nails. The main difference from Shellac (or soak-off gel) is that you can extend the length of the nail, which can be sculpted and shaped just like acrylic. From square to coffin style, this manicure can last longer than soft gel styles. Plus, it’s more flexible and can resemble your natural nails to a T.
Cost: $26 to $60 per application.
How long it takes: 45 minutes to an hour.
How long it lasts: Two to three weeks with no chips.
How hard to take off: You might want to visit a salon to get these babies off. The nail technician will use an electric file to sand away gel before wiping nails with acetone-free remover to get rid of excess nail powder. But nail aficionados, beware: Some salons won’t remove this type of polish, so check with them before you go.
How it affects nail health: Again, gel shouldn’t damage nails if applied and removed properly by a skilled technician. But you might notice some peeling or weakness in the days following removal. Just be sure to keep nails hydrated with cuticle oil and they'll regain their strength in no time.
The downsides: It can be on the pricey side and the removal process can be tough if you don’t go to a salon.
The OG of nail extensions. It’s a combination of a liquid (monomer) and powder (polymer) that creates a hard protective layer over your natural nail and false tips. The mixture hardens from exposure to air and creates a transparent canvas for regular nail polish. This extension technique can be super fun to try out new shapes and overall extend your natural length. It’s also popular for trying intricate nail art that you can’t do with shorter nails.
Nail salons in TampaCost: $35-$100 for a full set; $15 for a fill.
How long it takes: About 1.5 hours or more for a full set and 45 minutes for a fill.
How long it lasts: Two to three weeks before your next retouch.
How to take it off: Do it at home with cotton pads, acetone, aluminum foil and a cuticle pusher or visit a salon. But under no circumstances should you try pulling or popping it off.
How it affects nail health: If removed properly, you shouldn’t expect much damage. Nails may appear a bit weaker due to the fact that they’re filed down before application to give the mixture added grip. Just make sure your technician doesn’t over-file them, and use cuticle oil to keep nail beds hydrated.
The downsides: Acrylic is one of the most expensive manicures. It can also take more time in the salon chair (especially if you decide on nail art). And if you’re looking for a low-maintenance mani, this isn’t the one for you. You will need frequent fill-ins to avoid damaging nails and having a funky gap because of nail growth.
Dip powder can be applied quickly and doesn’t require as much skill and precision as other manicure types. Instead of a lacquer, the color comes from a pigmented powder. Between base coats and a sealant, you dip your nails into a little jar (or sprinkle on top) of your chosen color. The powder will only stick to the sealant, so it leaves less room for messy cuticles. It’s also more flexible than other extensions, so you may either find it more comfortable or more prone to breakage if you’re not gentle on it. Oh, and no drying time is necessary, so you can rock this mani longer than a basic or gel style.
Dip powder can be applied quickly and doesn’t require as much skill and precision as other manicure types. Instead of a lacquer, the color comes from a pigmented powder. Between base coats and a sealant, you dip your nails into a little jar (or sprinkle on top) of your chosen color. The powder will only stick to the sealant, so it leaves less room for messy cuticles. It’s also more flexible than other extensions, so you may either find it more comfortable or more prone to breakage if you’re not gentle on it. Oh, and no drying time is necessary, so you can rock this mani longer than a basic or gel style.
Cost: $30 to $50 per application.
How long it takes: About 45 minutes.
How long it lasts: Up to three to four weeks without chips.
How to take it off: You can remove this type of polish at home just like you would acrylic or Shellac, but beware, it might take a little longer. Powder adheres to the nail slightly better than both other methods, so you may have to leave acetone on longer (about 10 to 15 minutes or more). Or if all else fails, just go to the salon.
How it affects nail health: Some people say that dip powder is better for your nails than acrylic, Shellac and gel. But they all come down to proper application and removal. Hygiene is really key here—make sure your technician isn’t dipping your nails into a communal pot of powder, which can cause infection (gross).
A paraffin manicure involves dipping your hand in paraffin wax—a colorless, odorless wax derived from beeswax and petroleum—and placing them in plastic gloves and wrapping in a hot towel. Once the paraffin hardens around your hands, it opens up your pores to release any dirt or toxins, while also removing any dead skin cells. It's often mixed with essential oils like lavender, tea tree, peppermint or aloe vera to double the benefits in the process and give it a soothing scent. Once the substance has cooled, the technician will peel it off and apply a standard manicure. Paraffin manicures are great for healing dry and cracked hands, making them silky and smooth again.
Cost: $20-$40 on top of the cost of a regular manicure.
How long it takes: Up to an hour or more based on how many layers you do and waiting for the wax to be the right temperature.
How long it lasts: It’s just a treatment, so expect softer hands for the rest of the day.
