What is in a manicure?

Initial Assessment and Preparation

Professional manicures begin with assessment of your current nail and hand condition. The technician examines nail health, cuticle state, any problem areas requiring special attention, and discusses your preferences for nail shape, length, and polish choices. This consultation ensures treatment addresses your specific needs rather than applying identical service to everyone.

Hands soak in warm water softened with gentle cleansers or essential oils for 5-10 minutes. This soaking softens cuticles for safe removal, cleanses nail beds and surrounding skin, and begins the relaxation process that makes manicures as much about self-care as nail maintenance. Some salons add aromatherapy elements or therapeutic salts to enhance this preparatory stage.

Old nail polish removal occurs either before or during the soak, using acetone or non-acetone removers depending on your nail condition and polish type. Gel polish requires special removal techniques involving acetone-soaked wraps rather than simple wiping. Complete polish removal ensures the new application adheres properly and allows assessment of natural nail health.

Nail Shaping and Preparation

Nail shaping follows soaking, using professional files and buffers to create your desired nail shape. Common shapes include round (classic, universally flattering), square (modern, strong appearance), squoval (square with rounded corners, practical), almond (elegant, elongating), stiletto (dramatic, pointed), and coffin/ballerina (trendy, tapered with flat tip). Your nail bed shape, finger length, and lifestyle influence which shapes suit you best.

The filing technique matters significantly for nail health. Professional technicians file in one direction rather than using sawing back-and-forth motions that can split and weaken nails. The file angle and pressure are calibrated to shape without causing microscopic damage that leads to peeling or breakage later.

Nail length adjustment occurs through careful filing rather than cutting when possible. Filing creates smoother edges less prone to snagging and breakage than cut nails. However, significantly overgrown nails may require careful clipping before filing to achieve desired length efficiently.

Cuticle Care

Cuticle treatment represents the most critical manicure stage for nail health. Cuticles protect the nail matrix (growth area) from infection, so proper care involves gentle pushing back rather than aggressive cutting. The technician applies cuticle remover—a solution that softens the dead skin adhering to the nail plate—then gently pushes cuticles toward the nail base using a wooden or metal pusher.

Excess cuticle and hangnails receive careful trimming with sterilized cuticle nippers. Professional technicians remove only truly dead, excess tissue—not living cuticle that serves protective functions. Over-aggressive cuticle cutting can cause infection, permanent nail damage, and irregular nail growth patterns.

Cuticle oil or cream application follows cuticle work, nourishing the delicate cuticle area and promoting healthy nail growth. Regular cuticle conditioning prevents the dry, ragged cuticles that tear and cause hangnails between manicure appointments.

Hand and Nail Treatment

Hand exfoliation removes dead skin cells that make hands look dull and feel rough. Sugar or salt scrubs gently buff away surface skin layers, revealing the softer, brighter skin beneath. This exfoliation improves not only appearance but also allows better absorption of subsequently applied moisturizers and treatments.

Hand and lower arm massage typically lasts 5-10 minutes, using luxurious creams or oils. Beyond feeling wonderful, this massage improves circulation to nourish nail beds and promotes relaxation that makes manicures therapeutic as well as cosmetic. The massage addresses hands and wrists—areas that carry tension from keyboard work, phone use, and daily activities.

Nail strengthening treatments may be applied before polish, particularly if your nails tend toward weakness, peeling, or breaking. These base coat treatments contain proteins, calcium, and other strengthening compounds that penetrate the nail plate to improve resilience. Regular use gradually improves nail condition for people with naturally weak or damaged nails.

Polish Application

Base coat application provides the foundation for long-lasting manicures. This clear layer protects natural nails from staining (particularly important with dark polishes), smooths nail surface for even color application, and improves polish adhesion to extend manicure life.

Color polish application typically involves two thin coats rather than one thick layer. Thin coats dry faster, create more even coverage, and last longer than thick applications prone to bubbling, smudging, and premature chipping. Professional application starts with a stroke down the nail center, followed by strokes on each side, ensuring complete coverage without flooding cuticles or skin.

Top coat sealing completes the manicure, adding glossy shine and protecting color from chipping. Quick-dry top coats speed drying time significantly, reducing the risk of smudging your fresh manicure during the vulnerable initial drying period. Some top coats also include UV protectants preventing color fading from sun exposure.

Proper drying time prevents all the careful previous work from being ruined by premature contact with surfaces. While surface dry may occur within minutes, full curing can take 30+ minutes. Technicians typically recommend 10-15 minutes of very careful hand use, followed by gradual return to normal activities over the next hour.

Special Manicure Variations

French Manicure: Creates classic look with nude or pink base and white tips, either painted or achieved through guides/stickers for clean lines.

Gel Manicure: Uses gel polish cured under UV or LED light, lasting 2-3 weeks without chipping but requiring professional removal.

Dip Powder Manicure: Involves dipping nails into colored powder between adhesive layers, creating durable finish lasting 2-4 weeks.

Paraffin Manicure: Adds warm paraffin wax treatment that deeply moisturizes hands and soothes arthritic joints through penetrating heat.

Spa Manicure: Enhanced version including additional treatments like extended massage, special masks, or intensive moisturizing treatments.

Visit Our Gosforth Salon:

• Gosforth: Expert manicure services using premium products and health-focused techniques for beautiful, strong nails.
• Gosforth: Over 25 years of manicure expertise ensuring proper nail care alongside gorgeous aesthetic results.

Our Manicure Services:

• Standard Manicure: £18 | 30 minutes
• Gel Manicure: £25 | 45 minutes
• Luxury Spa Manicure: £30 | 60 minutes

Book Your Manicure - Available on Treatwell, Fresha, and Booksy