5 Things To Try For Your Next Manicure

Whether you get weekly manicures or simply save them for a special occasion, there’s a high chance you want to leave the salon with beautiful looking nails and a flawless manicure that lasts. If you always opt for the same color, shape, or type of manicure, or feel bored with your typical go-to mani, it could be time to switch things up and try something new. Depending on your lifestyle, budget, and level of maintenance you want to endure, there may be a new nail technique you haven’t tried yet, that will perfectly suit you. If you’re interested in spicing up your next salon visit, here are five things to try for your next manicure that you can ask your nail tech about.

1. nail art
   If you normally opt for a solid color mani or always choose the same shade, nail art can be a really fun thing to experiment with at your next salon visit. From color blocking and geometric shapes to emojis and flowers, there’s probably a perfect nail art design to fit the season or your mood. If you’re not ready to go full on with nail art just yet or your job doesn’t really allow it, you can always stick to creating a fun nail art design on one or two nails for a unique, but subtle pop of art to spice up your typical go-to colored manicure. If you don’t know where to start, check out this guide for all the latest nail art designs that are trending right now.
   
2. dippowder
   Dip powder has been around for 30 years, but has become increasingly popular as of late, and for good reason. For those that like long nails or simply a durable, long-lasting manicure, and usually opt for acrylics or gel polish, dip powder may be for you. Dip powder manicures, also known as sns manicures, have the durability of acrylic, yet the flexibility of gel, making it a great manicure alternative for just about anyone. It also has health benefits, as the leading brands add nutrients to the bases and powders that make your nails stronger. The colors for a dip are in the powder itself instead of painted on the nails, so the hues are noticeably richer and glossier.
   
3. Paraffin Dip
   For those times your hands could use a little extra TLC, ask your nail tech about adding a paraffin dip treatment to your nail service. A paraffin dip consists of dipping your hands into a melted mineral wax several times and leaving it on until the wax hardens. Usually your nail tech will wrap your hands in plastic covered with warm, damp towels while it hardens to enhance its effects. Once the wax is removed, your nail tech will continue with your manicure.
   
   A paraffin dip is not only relaxing, but it has many potential benefits. A paraffin treatment can soothe sore joints and muscles, remove toxins and dead skin, heal cracked skin, and add extra hydration and a protective barrier to your skin, nails, and cuticles making it a great add-on treatment to soften dry skin or soothe overworked hands.
   
4. A Sports Manicure
   If you usually opt for a polish manicure, try giving your nails a break once in a while by changing it up and sporting your natural nails with a sports manicure. A sports manicure consists of a classic manicure sans polish. Your nail tech will perfectly clean and shape each nail like your regular polish manicure, but instead, skips the colored polish. Then they will buff out your natural nail creating a smooth finish and brilliant shine, that almost looks like clear polish. You’d never know your natural nails could be so elegant. With a sports manicure you can always go for a clear polish or nail strengthener for added shine and strength.
   
5. A New Nail Shape
   When it comes to your manicure, there’s more than just choosing a color or type of mani. Your nail shape is equally important. If you always opt for the same nail shape since the beginning of time, change things up and go for a different nail shape. Square, round, squoval, oval, almond, coffin, or stiletto — depending on your lifestyle and level of maintenance you prefer, there’s a ton of shapes to choose from.
   
   However, some nail shapes can look better on some hand shapes than others. For example, square nails have the tendency to make fingers look shorter or stubby, especially if you have shorter fingers so it may be best to go for square if you have longer, slimmer fingers. Oval or almond shaped nails can give the illusion of longer, slimmer fingers and nail beds, making it the perfect choice for those who want to elongate the look of their hands and nails.