Manicure Types 2024: 10 Most Popular Styles for You

There are so many types of manicures and fabulous nail shapes from gel extensions and dip powder to classic french manicure, that it can be hard to choose the best one for you. Don't worry, we’ll walk you through each manicure type, the costs, and what’s involved. If you're curious about how dip powder compares to gel nails, we have a helpful guide for that too.

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• French Manicure
• American Manicure
• Basic Manicure
• Gel Manicure
• Shellac Manicure
• Dip Powder Manicure
• Acrylic Nails
• Reverse French Manicure
• Soft Gel Nails
• Nail Art
• Recommendations

French Manicure

What Is It?

Sometimes called French tips, this is a classic manicure that you can accomplish with regular polish. If you're interested in exploring a similar yet modern twist, consider a classic American manicure.

During a French manicure, a nail technician will start by creating a flat or oval nail shape, then use a base coat in a shade or beige or pink. After this, the nail tech will color your tips white and apply a clear top coat.

Some nail salons offer fun, multicolored variations on this classic style, too. If you are looking for inspirations check out our trendy french manicure ideas.

Recommended For

You can get a French manicure with nail extensions, or your natural nails, so it’s a very versatile type of manicure. French manicures are also not likely to cause nail damage if they’re removed properly, so they’re a great choice for anyone with sensitive nail beds. Additionally, for those wanting stronger, durable nails, builder gel manicures can be a great alternative.

If you enjoy getting a regular manicure (or this is your first time at the nail salon), then consider giving it a try.

How Much Is It?

French manicures don’t cost much more than a basic manicure when they’re done using regular nail polish. You can expect to pay somewhere between $25 to $55, depending on the nail salon location.

Appointment Time

This is a relatively simple type of manicure, so you won’t spend more than an hour at most in the nail salon. A professional nail technician might be able to complete this in as little as 45 minutes. If you're in a hurry, a dry manicure might be a quicker alternative to explore.

Will it Last?

If a French manicure is done with regular nail polish, then it can last anywhere from a few days to a week, depending on how gently you treat it. If this type of manicure is done with soft gel or hard gel nail polish, it’ll last up to three weeks. Discover more about hard gel manicure longevity here.

Removal

If your nail technician used regular polish, then you can take this type of manicure off with a standard acetone or acetone-free nail polish remover. If it’s a gel manicure, the nails may need to be filed as well as soaked (more on this later).

American Manicure

Recommended For

This style is perfect for those who enjoy minimal, clean aesthetics. It’s ideal for anyone who wants a timeless look suitable for all occasions, from professional settings to casual outings. The American manicure works well on any nail length and shape, but it looks especially chic on oval or rounded nails. For a detailed comparison, check out our guide on American vs. French manicures.

How Much Is It?

The price of an American manicure varies by location and salon, typically ranging between $25 and $50. Some high-end salons may charge more, especially if they use premium polishes or offer additional nail care treatments.

Appointment Time

An American manicure usually takes around 45 minutes to an hour. The process is straightforward but includes essential steps like shaping, cuticle care, and precise polish application. If you add extra services like nail art or a hand massage, your appointment time may be a bit longer. For additional luxury options, learn more about types of pedicures that pair well with manicures.

Will it Last?

On average, an American manicure lasts about one to two weeks, depending on your daily activities and nail care routine. Applying a clear top coat every few days can help extend its life. It’s also best to avoid excessive water exposure or harsh chemicals, as these can lead to chipping.

Removal

Removing an American manicure is simple. You can use regular nail polish remover, or for gel versions, a soak-off solution. For the best nail health, consider having a professional handle the removal to avoid any damage or excessive drying. If you're curious about gentle alternatives, consider exploring the Japanese manicure.

Basic Manicure

What Is It?

A basic manicure might involve nail polish, but it doesn’t have to. During a basic manicure, a nail tech will trim your natural nails and beautiful nail shape with a nail file. They’ll also buff them and clean up your cuticles, followed by a hand massage. This is an excellent choice for anyone who prefers to keep it simple or frequently switches nail colors.

Recommended For

Your hands and nails will get the same attention during many types of manicures, but if you prefer a natural nail or you change regular polish often, then this is a good choice for you. If you're looking to experiment, exploring creative nail ideas might inspire your next look.

How Much Is It?

You can follow a basic manicure up with some standard nail polish without adding much time or cost to the appointment. Expect to pay between $20-$40 depending on the salon location and any add-ons you choose, like nail art or treatments. For an upgrade, you might also consider trying Russian manicures for extra precision.

Appointment Time

This is one of the fastest types of manicures, making it a good choice for busy people or younger clients who don’t want to sit still for long. It usually takes between 35-40 minutes. If time is a concern, you could also opt for a quick dry manicure.

Will it Last?

Regular nail polish will last at least a few days, and longer with a clear top coat to protect it. If you’re sticking with your natural nail color, you can make this manicure last longer by moisturizing your hands and cuticles. Using a strengthening treatment like structured gel can add durability.

Removal

If you need to remove any nail polish, wipe it off using nail polish remover (you can get gentle varieties at any nail salon) - don’t pick or scratch at the polish, as this can damage the cuticle and nail bed. For persistent stains or residue, consider a male manicure routine for clean and polished nails.

Gel Manicure

What Is It?

Gel manicures come in two varieties, hard and soft. We’ll talk more about soft gel later. Basically, a hard gel manicure uses a thick builder gel that’s applied to the nails, then cured under UV light and finished with a gel polish. Interested in trying an alternative? Consider a Gel X manicure for a more flexible option.

Gel manicures involve a base coat, color, plus a top coat. Many people get gel nail extensions as an alternative to acrylic nails, since removing these hard gel extensions is typically easier on your nail health.

Recommended For

Hard gel manicures work well if you’re dealing with nail thinning, want to fill in ridges, or have brittle nails - this can help you build and maintain nail length. Gel nail extensions are also a bit gentler on your nails than acrylics.

How Much Is It?

A hard gel manicure will cost around $50-$100, depending on how long and elaborate your gel extensions are, and whether you add any nail art. If you're curious about more durable alternatives, explore the benefits of structured gel manicures.

Appointment Time

Without any nail art, a gel manicure takes about an hour to do. This is because your gel nails will need to be cured using UV light each time a layer is added. This process can take a bit longer with long gel extensions. Here are some fabulous gel nails ideas.

Will it Last?

You’ll be able to keep your gel polish and extensions for three to four weeks before it’ll need to be redone or filled in. For even longer-lasting options, consider hard gel manicures.

Removal

Removing hard gel is different from soft gel. In this case, it’ll need to be filed off. If you want to change your gel nail polish before this, you can remove it by buffing the surface, then soaking it gently in acetone polish remover.

Shellac Manicure

What Is It?

Shellac is another nail polish that’s cured under UV light. It’s very shiny and durable, and it comes in a variety of colors. If you're interested in comparing Shellac to other options, read our guide on Dip vs. Gel Nails.

Another similar option (created by the same company) is a vinylux manicure - vinylux nail polish is similar to shellac but doesn’t require a base coat and hardens over time as it’s exposed to light.

Recommended For

Many people opt for a shellac manicure if they want something high-shine that will last longer than a standard manicure. It works well if you’re going to be busy and don’t want to worry about your nails (if you’re attending a wedding, for example). They won’t damage your natural nail, either. Learn more about different styles through our comprehensive nail ideas guide.

How Much Is It?

A shellac manicure will cost around $40 to $60, similar to regular gel polish. Because they tend to last a while, shellac manicures are a good investment if you don’t want a lot of upkeep.

Appointment Time

Because your nail tech will need to use UV light to cure the shellac (just like gel polish), the whole process will take about 45 minutes.

Will it Last?

A shellac or vinylux manicure will last a week or longer, especially if you use a top coat to protect the polish from scratches and wearing. For even longer-lasting durability, you might explore the benefits of soft gel manicures.

Removal

Your nail tech can remove it using acetone, but you can also do this yourself at home since you don’t need to soak shellac to take it off. For step-by-step guidance, check our post on how to remove dip powder nails.

Recommendations

Realistically, the best manicure for you is the one that achieves the look you want with the least damage to your natural nails. For some people, that will be a simple paraffin manicure or press-on nails, while others might want a full set of acrylics. If you're uncertain, our guide on nail shapes can help match your style preferences.

When we started learning about all of the different manicure types out there, we were amazed at all of the great options. We hope that you’ve learned something, too. If we missed anything, please let us know.

h3>Citations

Nail chronology: The use of technologically derived features
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF03374252

Nutrition and nail disease
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article

Dermoscopic Examination of Nail Pigmentation
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamadermatology