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Your Guide to Different Types of Nail Services

Your Guide to Different Types of Nail Services

Chin Ann Obiedo

 | 

Updated Oct 22, 2024 03:14 PM PHT

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Outside of your usual mani pedi or even gel and acrylic nails, is a world full of different nail services! Having great nails can be pricey but the amount of serotonin boost you get in a day just by looking at them practically pays for it.


If you’re still confused or maybe curious about all the nail styles and techniques that are being offered these days, here’s a quick cheat sheet of the nail services and everything you need to know about them from a bird’s eye view.


Nail Art

Starting with the most popular special mani, you have your classic nail art. As seen here on Eli Nails work who’s handiwork has been spotted on Nadine Lustre, Andrea Brillantes, Maloi of BINI, BJ Pascual’s hands (and even a Sabrina Carpenter-approved nail set!), the nail artist does a freehand design on your nails. It can be done on natural nails or nail extensions.

BINI Maloi with Nail Art @elinails.co


Russian Manicure

Russian Manicure also known as dry manicure is a technique that uses precise cuticle work involving a nail drill. Unlike other nail services, this mani doesn’t involve any kind of liquid or soaking prep in its process. This type of manicure technique lasts longer than your average mani and even helps with nail biting! It’s the best for your nail health but its only limitation is that it’s not as readily available as the other ones on the list as Russian Manicure artists have to have specific certifications to be able to properly do this technique. Ashley of Ashluxe Nails is one of the most trusted Russian Nail artists in the country and she’s had to go to school for it to be able to call herself a professional in the field.

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Admittedly, it’s also priced higher than most nail services but the results speak for themselves! They’re worth the investment.

Russian Manicure Ashluxe Nails


Polygel

Think of this as a hybrid of gel and acrylic! It’s a mixture of acrylic powder and clear gel that forms into a putty that’s then used to sculpt the structure and shape of the nail using a brush. This can be applied as an overlay to natural nails or on top of a nail to make an extension. Nail forms are used by nail artists to guide them in building the polygel nail. These are removed once the desired shape is molded. Compared to acrylic, polygel is odorless and no chemicals are released during application and are more flexible and lightweight than regular gel.

Polygel Photo from L’Beauty Lash


Soft Gel

Probably the most used type of nail used from this list, Soft Gel are pre-shaped nail tips that are made completely out of gel and cover the entire nail. The tips come in various sizes and shapes that are typically size-matched to match your fingernail. Think press-ons minus the glob of nail glue you have to use to secure the nail. Compared to acrylics, soft gel is healthier as it doesn’t use any harsh chemicals that the former use. They’re also pretty durable so it can withstand everyday activities with no problem. The process for this nail type is also quicker than most.

Soft Gel


Cat Eye Nails

One of the hottest nail designs right now, Cat Eye nails originally earned its name from the diagonal line of light that shimmers in the middle of the nail polish. The design resembles the eye of a cat but the lines can differ depending on the design and the nail artist can put their own spin to it and manipulate the design depending on how they use the magnet! The result is an extra shimmery, space-like number on your nails. Check out this design by XW Salon De Beaute using this technique.

Cat Eye XW Salon De Beaute


Shellac

Shellac was coined by nail brand CND and it’s a mix of both long-wear gel and regular polish that’s cured under a UV or LED light. It’s generally better for your nail health and provides a high-gloss finish. After getting your nails filed, shaped, and buffed, a layer of shellac polish is swiped on the nails. To secure the base coat, it’s cured using a LED lamp to harden the base coat. Then for color, two to three layers of colored shellac polish are applied, with curing in between. Try it at Nail Addik.

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Shellac


3D Nails

From its name, this style features three-dimensional designs and embellishments that use nail techniques such as sculpting, moulding, and hand-painting on the nails. It’s a way to take nail art to the next level as you can add texture, depth, and dimension to your nails. This style is definitely not for the weak of heart and can be high maintenance but the payoff is having mini works of art on your nails! Case in point: this set from Clawphoria!

3D Nails Clawphoria


Builder Gel

Builder Gel also called BIAB or “builder in a bottle” is a type of soft gel that is used to add volume or structure and durability to the nail. It can be used by nail techs to customize and create longer tips for soft gel extensions. This can also be used to fill in extensions when you don’t want to completely take off your existing extensions but want a fresh set.




Stick-Ons

If you're the low maintenance kind of gal but still want your fingers to look fancy from time to time, stick-ons are your best friend. We love the ones from Nails by Mara Loyola, as she accepts customized designs, fit to your liking. Each set comes with nail adhesives and a special glue depending on how sturdy you want it to stick. Other stick-ons are available at shops like Watson's or LOOK at Me, and even on Shopee or Lazada!




BEYOND NAIL CARE

Nail Spa

Who says treatments can only be done on the face? Strokes Nail Spa & Wellness Studio offers hand and nail care for these often overlooked areas with their Hand Treatments. The nails spa is a sensorial journey that includes exfoliation, steaming, massage, and Dome Light Therapy. On top of that, they only use a curated, luxurious line of products to give you the best care possible. It’s designed to restore the skin on your hand's natural softness and this will also come in handy when you’re resting your nails in between nail sessions to further keep them healthy.

Strokes Wellness Spa Hand Facial


Banner photo (BINI Maloi) via @elinails.co


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