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What’s So Important About Manicures and Pedicures?
If you want to get your nails done, you’re essentially looking for some nail care on top of a bit of pampering and relaxation. As soon as you walk through the nail salon doors, nail technicians are ready to provide an all-inclusive package that will leave your nails healthy and looking fantastic.
Now, you might be asking: how is getting nail care healthy? As we said, there’s a lot more going on in nail salons in Singapore aside from nail art. Like a regular spa, nail spas also come with foot massages and other services that give your hands and feet the care they deserve. Here’s why mani-pedis are important:
- They prevent issues like ingrown nails, hangnails, and splitting.
- They help prevent dryness, cracking and infection around the nails.
- They remove dead skin cells and keep the skin hydrated and healthy.
- Massages improve blood circulation and reduce swelling and discomfort.
- They take the stress off your shoulders (even if for a little while).
What is a Manicure?
Fun fact: The Latin words “manus,” which means “hand,” and “curare,” which means “care,” are where the word “manicure” comes from. So, it quite literally means “the care of hands.” If you ask nail technicians what a manicure involves, they would say it involves trimming, shaping, buffing, and filing your fingernails, alongside cuticle care.
Don’t forget the cherry on top: the nail art designs! After the initial clean and scrub, manicurists will offer you a set of nail designs to choose from if you don’t have one in mind already. So this opens a door of possibilities: would you like a classic manicure? A trendy, up-to-date design? Or a simple and comfy look?
Imagine getting all this from just a mani. Oh, and not to forget, there are many types of manicures out there that keep your nails in top shape. Here’s the list:
- Basic manicure: A classic and simple nail polish application.
- French manicure: A design that features a natural-looking base colour with white tips. Timeless and elegant!
- Gel manicure: A classic gel manicure can only be cured under an LED or UV light, creating a durable and long-lasting finish.
- Acrylic manicure: These are the designs you see are popular in the US. They make the nails extra long with artificial nail extensions that can be customised however you want! (Just to let you know how absurd it can get, someone’s created aquarium nails before. With actual water inside. Pretty crazy, right?)
- Paraffin manicure: This service involves dipping your hands in warm paraffin wax to treat dry or rough hands.
- Nail art manicure: This focuses on intricate designs, creative patterns, and embellishments applied to the nails. It’s the best way for nail technicians to showcase their nail artistry with numerous techniques like painting, stamping, or gem embellishments.
- Express manicure: A quick and easy manicure treatment, ideal for those with limited time.
Although there are a lot of manicure types out there, it all begins with the same thing: a base coat!
What is a Pedicure?
Pedicure services are pretty much on par with manicure services, except, well, that our feet tend to get dirtier than our hands. We just don’t have the time to wash our feet as often as we wash our hands, y’know? So many people leave it to top nail salons in Singapore to give their feet the spa treatment they can never get at home.
So, like the women you often see sitting in those cosy chairs, a worker will sit you down and start your foot spa with a good foot soak. This is where they wash your feet and give you a great foot massage, even all the way up to your calves! They also exfoliate your skin and remove any calluses before starting the actual nail polish application.
Obviously, the space a nail artist can work with on toenails is much more limited compared to fingernails. This is why nail art done on the feet is often kept simple: classic pedicures, French pedicures or gel pedicures are usually the way to go if you’re always out and about.
Key Differences You Need to Understand
There’s a lot of overlap between manicures and pedicures and what they’re for, with little differences. They both include moisturising, relaxing massages, cuticle care, moisturising, shaping, trimming and buffing. But the overall gist is that manicure focuses on nail care and aesthetics, whereas pedicure focuses more on skin treatment and care. It’s totally up to you to choose which one you need most, or which one you want most.
Get Yourself 2-in-1 Mani-Pedi
Personally, if I wanted to give myself a relaxing, pampering nail care day, I would get both. Although it may take a little extra time, walking out of the best nail salon in Singapore and feeling a little more polished is worth the money and the wait. Besides, it’s only once in a little while, right?
Why should I wait longer just to give myself a manicure or pedicure? I can ask you the same thing, too!