Getting your nails done is one of the easiest ways to experiment with your beauty look. However, knowing the types of manicures and which is right for you when you visit the salon isn’t always straightforward. Maybe you want something low-maintenance and minimalist. Maybe you want something dramatic and glossy. Maybe you just don’t know what you want at all and find the range of options totally bewildering. That’s okay: Here is an easy rundown of the main types of manicures, with the pros and cons of each, to help make your decision all the easier.
The buffed manicure
- What’s involved: Think of the buffed manicure as a foundational step for everything else, a bit like a facial for your hands. Also known as a classic manicure, traditional natural manicure, or buff-and-shine, this is one of the best types of manicures if you want to keep your cuticles and overall nail health in check. The focus is on smoothing and polishing the natural nail with various buffing and filing tools without the use of nail polish, though after the whole process is over your nails should look as clean and shiny as they do with a clear top coat.
- When to choose it: When you don’t want to or can’t wear polish, or when your nails are in poor health.
- Maintenance tips: Just as you would carry on the good work of a facial in your at-home skin-care routine, nails need a little maintenance too. Keep a cuticle oil or serum by your bed to apply every night to keep your cuticles and nails supple. Invest in an at-home buffing kit to use between salon visits.
- Pros: Low maintenance, low commitment, undetectable
- Cons: You might eventually crave a little more fun with your nails.
- Trend tip: If you don’t want bare nails and you want to play around with texture, a strengthening base coat that lends nails a healthy sheen (and possibly a tint) is a nice addition, while also encouraging better growth.
The classic polish manicure
- 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 color sandwiched between a base coat and a top coat. For more inspiration, shop an edit of Vogue-approved nail polish brands here.
- When to choose it: If you like switching up your nail colors or designs frequently, or if you need to be able to remove it quickly.
- Maintenance tips: Always ensure you finish your manicure with a top coat to lock the color 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
- What’s involved: According to nail technician Julia Diogo, a gel manicure involves a system of base, optional builder, color, and top coat, all cured under a UV lamp. “It’s perfect for the high-maintenance-to-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 top coat, 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, cures quickly with UV, can help strengthen nails by providing a protective layer
- Cons: Prolonged acetone removal soaks and filing can cause damage nails over time.
- Trend tip: Take advantage of the quick cure time to play around with designs and color.
The soft gel or BIAB manicure
- 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 color on top,” says Daisy Kalnina, founder of The Gel Bottle. While this mani option, which is also known as soft gel, is great for durability, lasting shine, and strength, the self-leveling 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 to your appointment.
The nail art manicure
- 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 customized look. Kalnina suggests trying using various techniques and products like hand-painting, stamping, and embellishments.
- When to choose it: When you want a unique and personalized nail look.
- Maintenance tips: The beauty of a nail art manicure is that it can be totally unique and seasonal, 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; playful
- 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 and time-saving.
The acrylic manicure
- What’s involved: An acrylic manicure involves creating a hard layer that’s bonded to your natural nails by combining two 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: 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 fill-ins.
- Pros: Length-enhancing; often more affordable 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.
The Russian manicure
- What’s involved: A Russian manicure features an ultra-neat finish with polish tucked perfectly under the cuticle; it focuses mostly on removing the entire cuticle with ultra-precise work. It also doesn’t typically involve soaking the hand. During the process, the technician will gently lift and remove any excess cuticle and dead skin to extend the nail bed. Then the nail is shaped, buffed, and prepped for polish (usually gel).
- When to choose it: You want a super-polished look that lasts a long time.
- Maintenance tips: Since this technique exposes more of the nail area, it’s important to keep cuticles moisturized with oil. Avoid picking at cuticles between appointments.
- Lasts: 2–4 weeks, depending on nail growth
- Pros: The super-clean look minimizes visible regrowth; ideal for short nails
- Cons: Improper technique can irritate cuticles so choose an experienced and skilled technician; usually pricier. Also, some doctors don’t recommend removing the entire cuticle as it is meant to protect the body from bacteria.
- Trend tip: For a super-chic look that enhances the airbrushed look of the cuticle, choose minimalist ’90s-inspired colors or glossy neutrals.
The Gel X manicure
- What’s involved: Gel X manicures use preformed soft-gel extension tips that are bonded to your entire nail plate with builder gel and cured under LED light. The tips come in various shapes and lengths and are filed and buffed before being polished.
- When to choose it: You want to add length but don’t want to acrylics.
- Maintenance tips: Keep nails dry for several hours after application to allow the gel to properly set. Don’t use your nails as tools or the tips could pop off.
- Lasts: 3–4 weeks
- Pros: Lightweight; natural-looking; quick application; no dust or odor; soak-off removal is easy
- Cons: Not as strong as acrylic; pricier than traditional gel; not great if you work with your hands.
- Trend tip: Length options come pre-sculpted, so it’s easy to experiment with shapes like the midi stiletto or almond.
The dip or SNS manicure
- What’s involved: Dip powder manicures, or SNS manicures, involve applying a resin-like base coat, then dipping the nail into pigmented powder or sprinkling the powder over the nail. The process is repeated for strength and opacity before the nail is sealed with activator and a glossy topcoat. (The term SNS comes from the brand Signature Nail Systems, who originated the technique; now the term is used ubiquitously and interchangeably with “dip.”)
- When to choose it: You want a chip-resistant, long-lasting manicure without LED curing.
- Maintenance tips: Request soak-off removal; never peel a dip off as it can remove layers of your own nail and weaken your nail bed. Moisturize hands daily to keep the nails flexible.
- Lasts: 3–4 weeks
- Pros: Super durable and lightweight with long-lasting color; doesn’t require a curing lamp; great for adding structure; can also be used with tips.
- Cons: Can sometimes feel bulky; removal takes time; sanitation standards also matter as sharing powder jars between customers isn’t ideal.
- Trend tip: The method works especially great with bold, highly pigmented colors, as well as matte velvet finishes because the powders produce rich, even color.
Press-on nails
- What’s involved: Press-ons are predesigned artificial nail sets applied using either adhesive tabs or nail glue. They come shaped, painted, and ready to wear. Application involves lightly buffing the nail, applying the adhesive, and pressing each faux nail into place.
- When to choose it: You want a quick, low-commitment option for events, travel, or photoshoots that’s easy to switch up, or you hate visiting the salon but still want the look of a pro mani.
- Maintenance tips: Avoid exposing hands to excessive water as moisture can weaken the adhesive. If you want to reuse them, be sure to store carefully.
- Lasts: 1–10 days depending on type of adhesive and your lifestyle.
- Pros: Fast and affordable; endless designs; reusable; no damage when removed properly.
- Cons: Shorter wear time; can easily pop off; glue can be messy and, for some people, uncomfortable; nail sizes may not fit your natural shape. Less customizable than salon options.
- Trend tip: Choose press-ons with cuticle detailing to mimic the look of a Russian manicure.
Ready for your next mani? Shop Vogue’s favorite nail polishes, below.
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, 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 [she recommends the Navy Cuticle 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.”
Do regular manicures harm your natural nails?
“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.”
What tools are used in a manicure?
“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.”
Do I need breaks between manicures?
“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.”
It’s a sentiment Crawforth agrees with. “If your manicures are natural and care-based, there’s no real need to stop, your nails thrive on consistency,” she explains. “However, if you’ve been wearing gels or enhancements, a break can help restore moisture and rebalance the nail.”
During this time, her advice is to focus on daily cuticle care. So, apply a nutrient-rich serum or balm morning and night to encourage healthy regrowth. “You can also gently buff with fine grits to restore the natural shine and stimulate oxygen and blood flow. It’s about rehabilitating, not resting, and giving your nails a little time to reset naturally.”
What manicure type should I choose if I have weak, brittle nails?
“For weak or brittle nails, I always recommend returning to basics, so a natural [buffed] manicure using progressive grits,” suggests Crawforth. By lightly buffing the nail surface, you create shine, remove surface imperfections, and stimulate the nail bed, encouraging strength and growth.
“Follow this with a hydrating cuticle treatment daily. Consistency is key. A little balm and gentle care every day will do more for your nails than any quick-fix enhancement.”
Which type of manicure lasts the longest?
“Gel, BIAB, and acrylic manicures all offer impressive longevity, typically two to four weeks depending on your lifestyle and how well you look after them,” says Kalnina. “Hard BIAB, our latest innovation and the next generation of BIAB, is engineered for even longer wear—especially if you work with your hands a lot and love a longer nail.”
Can you switch between manicure types?
“Absolutely,” says Kalnina. “Your nails are incredibly adaptable. The most important thing is ensuring proper removal between services, so soaking off properly rather than forcing product off.”
Meet the experts
- Julia Diogo is a Bio Sculpture technician
- Rebecca Crawforth is the founder of Navy Professional
- Daisy Kalnina is the founder of The Gel Bottle
Have a beauty or wellness trend you re curious about? We want to know! Send Vogue’s senior beauty wellness editor an email at beauty@vogue.com.