Ultimate Guide to Manicure: Purpose, Types & Benefits

A manicure is a treatment of the hands and nails. Once upon a time, manicures were considered a luxury enjoyed only by the wealthy. Today, it is an essential part of beauty treatments for both men and women.

'Manicure' is a Latin word. This word can be divided into two words: 'manus' meaning hands and nails, and 'cure' meaning care. A manicure is a treatment to make hands and nails healthy, smooth, and beautiful.

The main structure you'll be working with when applying a manicure is the nail. It's a transparent plate that protects the tips of the fingers, toes, and the nail bed. It's an appendage of the skin. It's important to understand the different parts of the nail.

Knowledge of nail structure will enable you to identify the condition of the nail. You'll need to identify whether the nail is healthy or unhealthy. 

You'll also need to know which part of the nail is responsible for growth, protection, and the shape and size of the nail. This knowledge will enable you to prevent damage to the nail during manicure application. 

Structure of Nail

There are the following structures of Nail:

Nail plate

The nail plate consists of keratin and semi-translucent cells that are tightly packed together. It is the visible part of the nail that lies on the nail bed. 

It runs from the root to the free edge. The nail plate can become dry, brittle, and separate into two layers. This condition is caused by wear and tear as well as harsh chemicals.

Free edge

The free edge is the part of the nail plate that reaches the tip of the finger or toe. This is the part of the nail that is filed to give it the desired shape.

Nail groove

The nail groove forms a small track on either side of the nail that the nail follows as it grows.

Cuticle

Cuticles overlap the skin at the base of the nail. Cuticles dry out due to excessive exposure to water and chemicals, and also due to the natural aging process. 

A manicurist/pedicurist pays special attention to the cuticles to ensure they are well-conditioned. They prevent infection of the matrix.

Hyponychium

The hyponychium is the area between the nail plate and the tip of the fingertip. It is the junction between the free edge of the nail and the skin of the fingertip, which also provides a waterproof barrier.

Nail wall

The nail wall is made up of layers of skin that overlap the edges of the nail, providing protection for the nail.

Nail bed

The nail divides the part of the skin on which the nail plate rests. It contains blood vessels that provide nutrition for growth. It also contains nerves.

Matrix

New cells form in the matrix and as they grow, harden into the nail bed until they form the free edge. 

It contains nerves, lymph, and blood vessels that nourish the nail; It produces cells that grow and harden. Damage to the matrix will affect nail growth.

Lunula

The lunula is seen as a crescent at the base of the nail. This is due to the reflection of light.

Purpose of Manicure

A manicure is a treatment to improve the appearance of hands and nails. It helps to clean hands and strengthen, shape, and condition nails. 

Regular manicures can improve and protected our Hands and nails from some common problems.

It provides complete care for hands and nails. This treatment makes nails strong and healthy. Performing this treatment once a month is beneficial.

Types of manicure

Nails, like skin, come in different types and have different problems. Each type of nail requires special treatment during manicure and pedicure.

As a manicurist and pedicurist, you will have to address different types of nails and their problems. Therefore, it is important to master the various techniques of manicure and pedicure. 

Let's study the techniques. There are many types of manicure.

Plain Manicure

This is a simple type of manicure that includes the usual and essential steps of a manicure, such as cleaning the hands and nails, shaping the nails, Massage of the hands and nails and application of nail varnish.

Plain Manicure


Hot Oil Manicure

This manicure is for dry and brittle nails. In this manicure, fingers are soaked in hot oil. Olive oil or cuticle oil is used for soaking.

Hot oil Manicure

Electric Manicure

In this manicure, electrical devices are used instead of hands. Most of the procedures are performed using special electrical equipment.


Electric Manicure

French Manicure

This high-fashion manicure technique. After the manicure, the edges of the nails are finished with white enamel, while the nail itself is polished with a transparent color. French nails look more natural and realistic. 

French manicures are very popular due to their great versatility with any fashion or clothing item.


French Manicure


Nail disorders and diseases

Cosmetologists should have a thorough understanding of nail disorders and diseases so they can identify conditions that should not be treated in the salon, identify infectious conditions for their own safety and that of other clients, and recognize conditions that may indicate serious health concerns and should be treated by a doctor.

Normal, healthy nails

  1. Firm but flexible
  2. Shiny, smooth, with a mottled surface, no pits/splits/splits
  3. White and translucent pink showing through the nail bed.

Nail infections

  1. Fungi are parasites that cause infections of the feet and hands.
  2. Fungi can spread from nail to nail on a client's feet (hands are unlikely to spread as fungus in warm, moist places like inside shoes).
  3. Proper cleaning and disinfection can prevent transmission to other clients.
  4. Bacteria can cause nail infections on both hands and feet; bacterial infections can usually be identified by yellow-green spots that darken in advanced stages.

Note: Cosmetologists should never provide nail services to clients with bacterial or fungal infections.


Nail disorders

Nail disorders are a large group of conditions that affect the appearance of fingernails and toenails. 

Infections caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses, underlying conditions, and inherited diseases can all cause abnormalities in nails.

Bruised nails

A condition where a blood clot forms under the nail plate, causing a black, purple spot, usually due to minor injuries to the nail bed.

Eggshell nails

Particularly thin, white nail plates that are more flexible than normal; weak; may curve at the free edge.

Beau's Lines

Visible depressions running across the width of a normal nail; usually the result of major illness or injury.

Hang nail

The living skin around the nail plate cracks and tears; the result of dry skin or a small cut.

Leukonychia spots - White spots

Whitish discoloration of the nails, usually caused by minor injury to the nail.

Onychorrhexis - Split or brittle

Nails with a series of longitudinal ridges that give the surface of the nail plate a rough appearance; usually due to injury to the matrix.

Nail pterygium

Abnormal condition in which skin protrudes from the nail plate due to severe injury. 

Ridges

Vertical lines running beneath the natural nail plate caused by uneven nail growth; common aging.

Pincer (trumpet) nails

Excessively curved nails due to curvature of the matrix. The soft tissue of the free edge may be pinched.

Nail diseases

Nail diseases is a disease or deformity of the nail. Nail diseases have a different classification because they have their own signs and symptoms that may be related to other medical conditions.

Onychia

Inflammation of the nail matrix and subsequent shedding of the natural nail plate.

Onychocryptosis

Ingrown nail, grows into the living tissue surrounding the nail. 

Onycholysis

Lifting of the nail plate from the nail bed without shedding; usually the result of trauma.

Onychomadesis

Separation and shedding of the nail plate from the nail bed. 

Paronychia

Bacterial inflammation of the tissue surrounding the nail; redness, pus, and swelling are usually seen in the adjacent skin fold. 

Contra-indications

Contraindications refer to conditions that require special attention and during which services cannot be performed. Some of these are listed below:
  1. Broken bones
  2. Ringworm
  3. Nail fungus
  4. Recent scar tissue
  5. Impetigo
  6. Warts
  7. Scabies or itch mites
  8. Severe nail detachment (onycholysis)
  9. Severe eczema

Contra-action of manicure

A contraindication is something that is caused by a product or treatment being performed. Some of these are listed below:
  1. Erythema: Redness of the skin due to dilated blood vessels.
  2. Allergic to nail enamel.
  3. Excessive sweating.
  4. Allergic to oil.
  5. Cuts.
  6. Inflammation of the cuticle.

Aftercare advice

  1. Wear rubber gloves when washing. Avoid contact with harsh detergents, which can dehydrate nails and skin.
  2. Dry hands thoroughly after washing. Always use hand cream or lotion after washing to smooth and soften skin. Some hand creams contain UV filters that reduce hyperpigmentation (darker areas of skin seen on the back of the hands).
  3. Use a rich hand cream during the winter months. Massage your hands and cuticles every evening just before bed.
  4. Avoid using tools for fingernails (for example, scraping upwards with a tin can). Use acetone-free nail varnish remover and acetone-free sharpener on your nails.
  5. Eat a balanced diet that contains all the nutrients needed for good, healthy skin and nails.
  6. Drink plenty of water to keep your skin and nails hydrated.
  7. Apply strengthening nail products to treat cracking, peeling, splitting, and white spots.
  8. Apply a good top coat every 2-3 days to encourage your manicure to last longer.

Dos and Don'ts

  1. Moisturize your nails and nail beds. Moisturizer will improve cuticles and help prevent nails from breaking due to lack of hydration. Applying oil or hand lotion around the cuticle helps moisturize the entire nail, reducing the incidence of peeling, breaking, and splitting.
  2. Practice good nail hygiene.
  3. Always keep your nails dry and clean. This prevents bacteria from growing under the nails. Frequent or prolonged contact with water can cause nail breakage. Wear gloves when washing dishes, cleaning, or using harsh chemicals.
  4. Don't cut, trim, or trim cuticles. Whether you have your nails professionally trimmed or styled yourself, leave your cuticles alone. The cuticle is a natural barrier to fungus and bacteria, and manipulating them can lead to infection and damage to the nail bed. While cutting cuticles is the most likely cause damage, pushing them back can also cause problems.
  5. Don't use acetone-based polish remover. Acetone strips nails, causing them to become brittle. When using nail polish remover, choose an acetone-free formula.
  6. Don't use a rough emery board. Old-fashioned emery boards are too harsh on nails, causing tiny cracks and fissures that lead to breakage and tears. Instead, use a smooth, fine file and file slowly and evenly in only one direction to reduce the risk of breakage.

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