Every Type of Manicure, Explained

The most rudimentary option on the menu, the basic manicure lays the groundwork for all other manicure styles. With a basic manicure, you'll experience the standard treatments that come with cleaning and shaping, such as trimming, filing, buffing, and removing cuticles. More often than not, you'll also receive a hand massage. Many people may not realize that getting nail polish applied at the end of this type of manicure is completely optional — you can go in for just the shaping treatment and leave with bare nails.

If you do opt for polish, the nail technician will most likely apply a base coat, followed by two coats of nail color and a top coat. They'll then set you up at a hand dryer, where you'll sit until it's safe to leave. While every place differs, a standard manicure is always going to be the cheapest option on the menu — usually around $20. Nail polish with this kind of manicure usually lasts for about a week, although a little chipping can occur during that time. You can remove at home with regular nail-polish remover.