Welcome to Manicures

An Overview of Manicures

Most women would be familiar with the term manicure although in present days it is becoming increasingly common among men too, more so if there is an important event such as a business meeting or wedding that they have to attend. Whether it is to create an impression or just the thought of being pampered, manicures are increasingly being sought after by both the sexes.

Although a manicure can just as well be done at home, most people prefer to get theirs done at a salon. The reason for this is primarily the huge choices that are at their disposal when they go to the salon. They can choose to get a French manicure or an American manicure or perhaps even gel nails or diamond nails. Some people like to get customized manicures with trendy designs of their choice painted on their nails. Here's a small guide to help you distinguish between the many types of manicures:

American and French Manicures

American and French manicures are almost similar in that they are both gorgeous and at the same time classy and subtle. The major difference between the two is that the American manicure does away with the color base and has a more natural look. Because the nails are first painted opaque white or clear and only then the tips are painted white, the tips tend to look a bit more subdued as compared to the French manicures.

Diamond Manicures

This manicure was originally designed with the concept that real diamonds would be used as a base coat. The diamond bas coat would bond and therefore form a protective coating that was hard and durable over the fingernail and help the nails grow quickly and also look glamorous. Thought real diamonds are rarely used as a base coat anymore, the principle remains the same.

Gel Manicures

An acrylic gel base that is first applied on to the actual nail provides the nail with the strength necessary to promote growth of the nails. Sooner or later this layer breaks off but many women still seem to prefer this kind of manicure in an attempt at keeping their nails strong and healthy.

Home Manicures

It is definitely possible to get a professional look even if you do your manicures at home, and you'll save a lot of money too. What you need to do is buy a good quality professional manicure kit, which could be either a classic, an American or a French manicure kit.

There are some kits that have adhesive strips for those people who have long nails to paint a perfect white line over their nail tips.

There are also artificial tips for those who have short nails but want their nails to appear longer than they are.

Other supplies needed for a home manicure include:

* Acrylic powder
* Professional nail-cutting scissors
* Bonding solution
* Buffer

Some acrylic kits have these items in them already so it is advisable to check before buying. It is best to buy the most expensive set you can afford as the quality of the manicure set makes a big difference to the end result.

Law obsessed with manicures

Los Angeles, May 8 (IANS) Actor Jude Law is obsessed with manicures as he likes to keep his nails neat and tidy.

Gel manicures could lead to cancer, doctors say

Doctors are shining some light on hidden risks of gel manicures.

Jude Law obsessed with manicures

Los Angeles, May 8 : Actor Jude Law is obsessed with manicures as he likes to keep his nails neat and tidy.

Katie Leung shuns manicures for theatre role

Harry Potter star Katie Leung was banned from wearing nail polish for five months while playing a writer suffering oppression in communist China.

Manicures and pedicures look great, but you can get infections or harm your nails

I grew up in New Jersey, often stereotyped as the land of big hair and long nails. I have been getting regular manicures and pedicures for as long as I can remember without ever worrying about the potential hazards of these little indulgences. That is, until a friend recently proved those urban legends true by contracting a nasty fungal infection after having her toes painted — and at a high-end ...