Beauty journalist Georgia Day and nail specialists Julia Diogo and Daisy Kalnina have detailed seven salon manicure styles to help clients select their treatments.
The analysis, originally published by Vogue UK on November 11, 2026, contrasts standard air-dried lacquer with ultraviolet-cured gels, builder formulas, and hard acrylic extensions lasting up to six weeks.
Featuring photography by Thomas Lagrange and production by Marie Pasquier, the comprehensive review guides readers through the selection process, whether visiting a dedicated nail studio or maintaining hands at home.
The guide outlines practical solutions for weak nails, routine maintenance requirements, and salon appointment durations, while referencing broader beauty movements such as finger-lengthening lifting manicures and viral cosmetic launches like the Kiko Milano partnership with Stabilo on TikTok.
It also highlights seasonal trends, including the autumn amethyst manicure spotlighted by beauty writer Beatrice Zocchi, which mirrors the rich, translucent, and velvety purple tones of the gemstone to transform fingernails into wearable jewelry.
Classic and traditional lacquer manicures
The classic manicure serves as a fundamental hand care treatment, functioning much like a facial for the hands by conditioning cuticles and preserving overall nail vitality.
Recommended by professionals including salon account Rae London Nails, the service suits individuals who cannot wear polish or who want to restore damaged nails. The process remains undetectable, low commitment, and easy to maintain. Practitioners advise keeping a bottle of cuticle oil or nourishing serum on the bedside table to apply every evening, though clients who desire visible color may find bare nails understated. Applying a strengthening clear base coat provides a healthy gloss while encouraging natural nail growth.
For clients who prefer frequent aesthetic changes, the traditional polish manicure pairs basic shaping and cuticle preparation with standard air-dried lacquer. As showcased by manicurist Mateja Novakovic, the finish sandwiches concentrated pigment between a protective base coat and a glossy top coat.
Standard lacquer treatments last between 2 and 10 days, offering rapid removal and an expansive selection of shades. Technicians recommend always finishing with a high-shine top coat to seal in color and maximize durability, though air-dried enamels lack the extended wear time of cured salon alternatives.
Gel manicures and builder formulas
Gel manicures provide a resilient alternative by curing base layers, colors, and top coats under an ultraviolet lamp, with the optional addition of a builder gel. Manicurist Jools illustrates the glossy technique, which lasts between two and three weeks while forming a protective barrier over the natural nail plate.
Julia Diogo, a nail technician at Bio Sculpture, stated that the service suits anyone who wants neat nails without constant maintenance, noting that the entire application takes about an hour. Diogo explained that removal requires gently filing the top coat, wrapping the fingertips in cotton soaked in acetone for 15 minutes, and lifting away the softened product, though frequent acetone soaks can cause nail damage over time. She recommended applying cuticle oil or serum regularly to preserve the finish.
Clients dealing with damaged or fragile nails increasingly turn to BIAB, known formally as Builder In A Bottle. Highlighted by salon account Imarni Nails, the self-leveling gel creates a smooth surface with minimal filing, supporting long-term nail recovery.
Daisy Kalnina, the founder of The Gel Bottle, explained that BIAB is applied to reinforce or rebuild the natural nail plate and can be worn on its own or beneath colored polish. Kalnina recommended the formula for brittle, breaking, or weakened nails, as well as for clients seeking greater durability, protection, and growth potential. Lasting three to four weeks, the treatment requires thorough salon removal, and clients are advised to apply cuticle oil daily and wear protective gloves during household chores involving water or harsh chemicals.
French manicures and creative nail art
The French manicure offers a versatile finish that nail technicians can execute using either standard air-dried lacquer or long-lasting gel. The style remains a core salon capability that suits almost any occasion.
Diogo explained that she prefers French Rose from Bio Sculpture as the base shade to produce a soft nude background before painting a fine white line across the nail tip. The process generally takes one hour and 15 minutes, producing a timeless look that lasts five to seven days with regular polish or two to three weeks with gel. Diogo suggested applying a fresh top coat layer every two to three days to maintain gloss, while noting that very short nails present greater technical difficulty. Clients can also personalize the design by choosing colorful tips or altering the tip width and shape.
Nail art builds upon classic, lacquer, or gel foundations to deliver bespoke, artistic designs across the hands. Creative technician Becky illustrates the approach through hand-painted patterns, stamped graphics, and raised embellishments.
Kalnina suggested experimenting with diverse embellishments and painting methods to achieve unique aesthetics. Nail artists recommend selecting a neutral nude foundation so natural regrowth remains less noticeable as the weeks progress. The service lasts five to seven days with lacquer or two to three weeks with gel, though complex designs increase salon appointment times. Clients seeking subtle flair can apply accent artwork to one or two nails rather than committing to a full set.
Acrylic extensions and durability
Acrylic manicures create a rigid protective coating by blending a liquid monomer with a polymer powder to produce a pliable paste. Applied over the natural nail plate and extended tips, the compound hardens naturally in the ambient air without requiring lamp exposure.
As displayed by nail artist Pegi Nails, technicians file and shape the hardened acrylic before applying decorative colors or intricate three-dimensional art. The method serves as a resilient alternative to gel and BIAB treatments, offering immediate length extensions at a cost that is frequently lower than comparable gel systems.
Acrylic manicures can last between two and six weeks when maintained with regular salon infills, which technicians recommend to save both time and money compared to full set replacements. However, the rigid chemical structure offers less natural flexibility, increasing the risk of breakage under pressure, while complete removal remains labor-intensive.
Nail health and salon maintenance advice
The comprehensive guide addresses core client concerns regarding nail health, tool safety, and treatment longevity across salon visits. Industry specialists emphasize that understanding individual nail conditions determines the healthiest manicure choice.
Rebecca Crawforth, founder of Navy Professional, alongside Diogo and Kalnina, highlights the importance of hygienic salon tools and consistent moisture habits. Cuticle oils and hydrating serums applied nightly prevent natural nails from drying out beneath gel or acrylic layers.
Experts advise clients to schedule periodic breaks between aggressive chemical treatments or heavy extensions to allow natural keratin layers to recover. For individuals with brittle or thinning nail plates, restorative classic manicures and BIAB applications offer the safest paths toward rebuilding structural resilience.
