The 7 different manicure types, explained

While nails are key to most people’s beauty routines, knowing which type of manicure to go for when you visit the salon isn’t always straightforward. Whether you opt for something simple, like a glossy polish manicure done using traditional nail lacquer or something more adventurous, like an acrylic or nail art manicure, the choices are vast. Below, a rundown of seven of the chicest manicure types to help make your decision that little bit easier.

The classic manicure

Credits: Instagram.com/ @raelondonnails

• What’s involved: Think of a classic manicure as your foundational step for everything else, a bit like a facial for your hands. A classic manicure will help keep your cuticles in check as well as your overall nail health.
• When to choose it: If you don’t want to or can’t wear polish or if your nails are in poor health.
• Maintenance tips: Just as you would carry on the good work of a facial in your at-home skincare routine, nails need a little maintenance too. Keeping a cuticle oil or serum by your bed to apply every night is a great habit to get into.
• Pros: Low maintenance, low commitment, undetectable.
• Cons: You might start craving the chance to have a little more fun with your nails.
• Trend tip: If don’t want bare nails and you want to play around with texture, a strengthening base coat that lends nails a healthy sheen is a nice addition, while also encouraging better growth.

The polish manicure

Credits: Instagram.com/ @matejanova

• What’s involved: Regular polish manicures involve traditional lacquers that are air-dried. While you can, of course, opt for nail art within your polish manicure, they tend to cover the basics of nail care with nail prep and cuticle care, plus the added bonus of a colour sandwiched between a base coat and a topcoat.
• When to choose it: If you like switching up your nail colours or designs frequently or you need to be able to remove it quickly.
• Maintenance tips: Always ensure you finish your manicure with a top coat to lock the colour and shine in and promote optimum durability.
• Lasts: 5-10 days.
• Pros: Quick to apply, easy to remove, plenty of choice.
• Cons: Not usually as durable as other manicure options.
• Trend tip: Anything goes!

The gel manicure

Credits: Instagram.com/ @paintedbyjools

• What’s involved: According to Bio Sculpture nail technician Julia Diogo, a gel manicure involves a system of base, optional builder, colour and topcoat, all cured under a UV lamp. “It’s perfect for the high-maintenance-to-be-low-maintenance types, who love fresh nails without constant upkeep and it only takes around one hour to complete. To remove, gently file away the topcoat, wrap the nails in remover-soaked cotton pads for 15 minutes, then softly lift away the melted gel,” she adds.
• When to choose it: If you like your nails to always look neat and chic.
• Maintenance tips: Application of regular cuticle oil or serum will ensure your manicure stays looking fresh, while proper removal (no picking) is essential for good nail health.
• Lasts: 2-3 weeks.
• Pros: Doesn’t take long, cured quickly with UV, can help strengthen nails by providing a protective layer.
• Cons: Prolonged acetone removal soaks can cause damage over time.
• Trend tip: Take advantage of the quick cure time to play around with designs and colour.

The BIAB manicure

Credits: Instgram.com/ @imarninails

• What’s involved: “BIAB or Builder in a Bottle gel is applied to strengthen or rebuild the nail and it can be worn nude or with colour on top” says Daisy Kalnina, founder of The Gel Bottle. While this mani option is great for durability, lasting shine and strength, the self-levelling formula also ensures a smooth, professional finish with less filing, which is better for nail health long-term.
• When to choose it: “If you have weak, brittle, or damaged nails or just want that extra strength, protection, growth potential and longevity,” says Kalnina.
• Maintenance tips: Always keep your nails hydrated with cuticle oil and wear gloves if doing work that involves water and chemical exposure.
• Lasts: 3-4 weeks.
• Pros: Strength, durability, shine.
• Cons: Proper removal has to be factored in, which will add time onto your appointment.

The French manicure

Credits: Instagram.com/ @paintedbyjools

• What’s involved: “This can be done with polish or gel” says Diogo, who favours a perfect soft nude as a base. “Once dry, just paint a fine white line along the tip. It usually takes about an hour and 15 minutes and gives such a timeless, elegant finish.”
• When to choose it: Anytime, whether you want to be classic or playful, it’s a versatile option.
• Maintenance tips: A great French manicure is a glossy one, so apply a fresh layer of topcoat every 2-3 days to keep it shiny and gloss-free.
• Lasts: Depends on product used (regular polish: 5-7 days, gel: 2-3 weeks.)
• Pros: Versatile, simple technique that any good nail tech should know how to create.
• Cons: Tricky (but not impossible) to do on very short nails.
• Trend tip: Play around with different colour tips, as well as the width and shape of your tip.

The nail art manicure

Credits: Instagram.com/ @gazebybecky

• What’s involved: Like a regular manicure, either with polish or gel, a nail art mani involves adding creative designs to nails for a completely customised look. Kalnina suggests trying using various techniques and products like hand-painting, stamping and embellishments.
• When to choose it: If you want to create a unique and personalised nail look.
• Maintenance tips: The beauty of a nail art manicure is that it can be totally unique, but if you are looking for a style with longevity, opt for something on a nude base. That way regrowth will be less noticeable.
• Lasts: Depends on the product used (regular polish: 5-7 days, gel: 2-3 weeks.)
• Pros: Unique to you, creative.
• Cons: Depending on what you choose, it can take time to create.
• Trend tip: If you don’t want to commit to nail art on every nail, an accent design on one or two nails can be striking.

The acrylic manicure

Credits: Instagram.com/ @pegi_nails

• What’s involved: An acrylic manicure involves creating a hard layer that’s bonded to your natural nails by combining two binding elements, a liquid monomer and a powder polymer. Mixed to a paste-like consistency, the product is applied to your nails (often using a tip or a form as a guide) before it hardens naturally. Once it’s dry, the acrylic is filed and shaped according to preference and can be painted.
• When to choose it: If you’re looking for a long-lasting alternative to gel or BIAB.
• Maintenance tips: Ask your technician about in-fills rather than redoing the whole nail, which can be a time-saving option.
• Lasts: Anywhere between 2-6 weeks, depending on in-fills.
• Pros: Length enhancing, often cheaper than gels, durable, easy to repair.
• Cons: Less flexible so more prone to breakage, time-consuming to remove.
• Trend tip: Because of their strength and durability, acrylic manicures lend themselves well to more intricate nail art, like 3D work and encapsulations.

Before you try it

What’s the healthiest manicure?

“The healthiest manicure is one that celebrates and protects the natural nail, rather than covering it up,” says Rebecca Crawforth, founder of Navy Professional. “At Navy Professional, we champion a traditional natural manicure, focusing on precision and care. Using a combination of different grits, you can gently refine the nail surface to achieve a mirror-like, natural shine, no gel or polish required.”

This technique doesn’t just enhance appearance, she explains to me, it also stimulates blood flow to the nail bed, which can encourage stronger growth and healthier nails over time. “Pair this with a high-quality cuticle serum or balm to help lock in moisture, protect the nail plate and nourish the surrounding skin. Healthy nails begin at the cuticle, so hydration is non-negotiable.”

“The healthiest manicure is always one that’s applied and removed properly,” adds Kalnina. The key is always proper prep and gentle removal, never picking or peeling.”

“Not when they’re carried out with care and attention to detail,” says Crawforth. “The idea that regular manicures are harmful usually comes from over-filing or aggressive removal techniques. When performed correctly, manicures can actually improve circulation, strengthen nails and enhance natural resilience.”

“We always teach that the tools, pressure and products matter. Using gentle grits, a hydrating cuticle serum and consistent aftercare keeps nails supple and healthy,” says Crawforth. “A light daily massage with a nourishing balm improves flexibility and prevents brittleness; small habits that make a huge difference in long-term nail health.”

“This is one of the biggest myths in the nail industry!” says Kalnina. “Your nails don’t need to ‘breathe’, they receive oxygen and nutrients from your bloodstream, not the air.” What they do need, she says, is proper care. “The damage most people associate with manicures usually comes from improper removal or over-filing the natural nail and improper application.”