A Comprehensive Guide To Different Types Of Manicure Nails

With so many options for manicures and nail designs these days, deciding on what type of nails to get can be overwhelming. From classic solid colors to intricate nail art, the possibilities are endless when it comes to manicures.

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: The main types of manicure nails are solid colors, French tips, chrome or metallic colors, nude and sheer shades, gel or shellac manicures, glitter polish, nail art designs, dip powder nails, acrylics or artificial nails, matte finish nails, American manicures, inverse French manicures, and 3D nail art.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the most popular categories of manicure nails so you can determine which option best matches your personal style and occasion.

Solid Color Nails

Solid color manicures are a timeless and classic look that never goes out of style. Choosing the right shade can elevate any outfit and complements both casual daily wear and glamorous evening looks. Here is an overview of the most popular categories of solid color nail polishes and tips for wearing them beautifully.

Creme Shades

Creme (or cream) shades are opaque polishes with a smooth, even finish. They provide excellent coverage and rich, saturated color in one coat. Popular creme shades include:

• Nudes – Soft beige, pink, and taupe neutrals flatter all skin tones.
• Reds – crimsons, cherries, and marsala wines make a bold statement.
• Pinks – Feminine rosy pinks and fun hot pinks brighten up any look.
• Corals – Fresh peaches, oranges, and salmon colors give a summery vibe.

Creme manicures are versatile and pair well with any outfit. They look great on both short and long nail lengths. For the most flawless application, use thin coats and allow proper drying time between them.

Dark Colors

Dark polish shades are glamorous, edgy and full of drama. Vampy blacks, shimmering emeralds, rich navies and deep plums make an eye-catching style statement. Tips for rocking dark manicures:

• Apply a base coat first to prevent stains on the nails.
• Use quick-dry top coat to prevent smudges and chips.
• Beware of polish rubbing off on clothing; wear an apron when dressing.
• Touch up chips promptly to maintain the clean look.

Dark nails look best on short to medium length nails. Stiletto, oval, square and round shapes show off the bold colors nicely. Match to your stylish outfit for evenings out or make a subtle contrast against casual daywear. Either way, dark nails elevate your look with an extra dose of glamour.

Neon Brights

No nail color pops quite like a neon! Vibrant neon polishes make a fun, youthful statement and really stand out. They seem to glow under indoor lighting. The most popular neon shades are:

• Yellows – Taxi cab and highlighter yellows really grab attention.
• Oranges – Traffic cone and bright tangerine oranges are playful.
• Pinks – Hot neon fuchsias and barbies scream fun.
• Greens – Lime greens add a trendy pop of color.

Neons look awesome as a full manicure or as an accent nail. They pair well with both warm and cool outfit colors. For the brightest color payoff, apply over a white base. Top with a glossy top coat to really make them shine. Neon brights are fun, youthful and make a cheerful style statement.

French Tip Nails

Classic French Manicure

The classic French manicure is the original version that started the trend. It features a nude or pale pink base coat on the nail bed, with bright white tips. This creates a clean, polished look. The white tip is usually one to two millimeters thick and framed by clean diagonal edges where it meets the pink base.

Application of a classic French manicure starts with a base gel or regular nail polish as foundation. After drying, the nail technician uses a special striper brush dipped in white polish to paint on the pristine white tips evenly across all nails.

Then a clear top coat is added over everything to seal and protect the manicure, allowing it to last from 1-2 weeks typically.

The classy, elegant French manicure works well for women of all ages and can be dressed up with embellishments like gems or glitter for special occasions. It remains one of the most popular and timeless manicure choices decades after its debut.

Inverse French Manicure

The inverse French manicure flips the traditional design on its head with white nail beds and tips dipped in color. While classic white tips framed against nude nails exude refinement, the inverse look offers an unexpected, fashion-forward edge.

Application starts with a clean white base extending to cover the entire nail bed. Then using a small detail brush, the technician paints on the contrasting color just at the tips, usually also angled with clean diagonal edges like the classic style.

The depth of the color dip can range from very subtle to more prominent depending on preference.

Rather than traditional pinks and nudes, popular color choices for the inverse French include black, blue, gray, dark green, burgundy, or metallic tones. This allows for an almost dangerous mood, conveying mystery or attitude. The inverse French works best for short to medium nail lengths.

American Manicure

The American manicure builds upon the classic French style while integrating added color. Like its inspiration, it starts with a nude base extending across the nail bed. But instead of leaving clean white tips, the American look features a bold, bright-colored band wrapping around the tip of the nail, followed by thin white highlights along the very edge.

Vibrant red, blue and black polished tips are prevalent, but the rainbow is the limit when selecting that central color pop. For application, the technician first paints on the nude base, then uses tape to isolate the nail tip before painting on that central band.

Finally, the tape gets removed and an angled detail brush adds the finishing fine white line.

This patriotic style allows for playful, fearless color combinations while still retaining the classy shape of a French manicure. The bold tip color modernizes the look. Salons often suggest American manicures for summer pedicures, with bright coral or turquoise on toes.

Special Effect and Embellished Nails

Chrome or Metallic Nails

Chrome or metallic nails are a fun and flashy manicure option. These nails are coated in a mirror-like chrome powder or metallic foil that reflects light. This gives them an eye-catching, holographic effect. Chrome and metallic nails are bold statement makers, perfect for a night out or special event.

Some popular chrome nail looks include:

• Full chrome or metallic nails, with each nail covered in chrome powder or foil.
• Accent nails with just one or two nails coated in chrome.
• Ombre chrome that fades from dark to light.
• Chrome French tips for a futuristic take on the classic French manicure.

When done properly, the chrome effect can last 1-2 weeks without chipping. Metallic nail polishes are also available for a temporary chrome look that’s easier to apply at home.

Glitter Nails

Glitter nails add sparkle and fun to any manicure. They are versatile enough for everyday wear or special occasions. There are many ways to wear glitter nails, including:

• Glitter tips – coating just the tips of the nails in glitter polish.
• Full glitter nails – each nail is fully coated in glitter.
• Glitter ombre – glitter fades from dense at the tips to sparse near the cuticles.
• Glitter accent nail – glitter on just one nail, like the ring finger.
• Glitter French manicure – glitter at the tips with nude or sheer color on the rest of the nail.

Microfine glitter provides a shimmery sheen, while larger glitters and sequins create a bolder look. Holiday glitters in red, green, gold, and silver are festive for Christmas and New Year’s. The sparkly glitter effect can last up to a week before needing a touch up.

Nail Art and Designs

Nail art covers any creative designs painted on fingernails. From florals and abstract patterns to landscapes and animal prints, anything goes! Some popular nail art techniques include:

• Freehand brushwork – using a small art brush to hand paint designs.
• Nail art pens – fine-tipped pens to draw designs like stripes, florals, or lettering.
• Stickers and decals – pre-made motif stickers applied on top of a base color.
• Stamping – using a patterned stamper dipped in polish to transfer image onto nails.

Water decals and pre-designed press-on nails make DIY nail art easy for beginners. YouTube tutorials also provide inspiration and how-tos. When sealed with a quality top coat, artistic nail designs can look fresh for up to a week.

3D Nail Art

3D nail art uses appliques, charms, and acrylics to add dimension and textures. Some popular 3D nail embellishments include:

• Rhinestones – add sparkle and luxury with Swarovski crystals or flat back gems.
• Foil shapes – metallic gold, rose gold, or silver foils in fun shapes.
• Fruit slices – thin slices of fruit like citrus or kiwi applied with adhesive.
• Bow and floral appliques – self-adhesive fabric or plastic motifs.
• Tassels and fringe – for a whimsical, tufted look.
• Acrylics – colored acrylic powders sculpted into flowers, bows, and other 3D shapes.

The 3D elements should be applied by a professional nail technician for best adherence. They can last 2-3 weeks on natural nails and even longer on acrylics or gel manicures. 3D nail art takes an ordinary manicure to extraordinary new heights!

Gel, Dip, Shellac, and Acrylic Nails

Gel Manicures

Gel manicures involve applying a gel polish that is then cured under a special light. They are an extremely popular choice due to the long-lasting, chip-resistant finish they provide. Gel manicures can last up to 2-3 weeks without chipping or peeling.

The polish is cured by UV or LED light, allowing each coat to harden instantly. For optimal longevity, nail experts recommend avoiding water exposure as much as possible for the first 24 hours after application.

While gels offer a stunning, glossy finish and impressive wear time, they do require careful removal to avoid weakening the natural nail. Gentle filing followed by soaking in pure acetone is key. It’s also vital not to pick off peeling gel, as this can remove layers of the nail plate.

According to popular nail care site Nail Care HQ, about 80% of nail damage cases they see stem from improper gel removal.

Dip Powder Nails

Dip powder nails provide a lightweight yet strong artificial nail surface that can last 3-4 weeks with fill-ins. The process begins by preparing and shaping the natural nail, then applying several coats of base liquid.

Each coat is then “dipped” into a colored powder of choice from a selection of shades. Multiple thin layers create a durable surface.

The biggest advantage of dip nails is the damage-free removal process. After a short soak in acetone, the product lifts right off, unlike wraps that require grinding or gels that can take the nail plate with them if not removed properly.

Dip manicures are also praised for their comfortable, lightweight feel. The flawless finish and vast color options for creative looks make them a top choice at nail salons today.

Shellac Manicures

Shellac polish by CND claims to offer “14 days of flawless wear” without chipping or peeling. While very similar to gel polish, Shellac has some key differences. It is thinner, so it’s important not to apply too-thick coats.

Shellac also requires a UV light to set, whereas some gel polishes use LED lamps.

Because Shellac is soaked off just like regular polish instead of being gently filed away, it allows for easier removal. However, like other polish options involving lamps for setting, avoiding water is still key for the first 24 hours. Without proper technique, Shellac can damage nails when removed.

According to nail care education site Beautiful Nails, keeping removal wraps saturated with acetone and avoiding scraping or pulling is vital.

Acrylics and Artificial Nails

Acrylic nails are formed using a liquid and powder combination that hardens on the natural nail to extend its length and shape as desired. Artificial nail tips can also be placed on the edge of the natural nail and then acrylic is applied over the entire nail surface to blend and strengthen.

These options allow for dramatic lengths and shapes, even adding custom art or rhinestones.

The acrylic or “fake” nail surface also offers long wear without regular polish touch-ups. However, they do require maintenance. As the natural nail grows out, acrylic and artificial nails need refills every 2-3 weeks to look their best.

Improper application or removal risks short-term nail plate damage or long lasting issues if not done correctly. Frequent breaks are key to maintaining nail health.

Sheer and Matte Finish Nails

Nude and Sheer Manicures

Nude and sheer manicures are classic, elegant choices that work for any occasion. These understated nails allow your natural beauty to shine through. A nude or sheer polish has a light, delicate finish that creates a clean, polished look.

While bright colors demand attention, a nude manicure is subtle yet stunning.

Nude nails come in various natural hues that closely match your skin tone. The right shade will make your hands look seamless and finished. Popular nude polish colors include blush pink, beige, light brown, and pale peach. Sheer polishes add a hint of color in a translucent wash.

They provide just enough tint to even out the nail plate. Fuchsia, baby blue, and neutral sheer shades are flattering options.

These minimal manicures are ideal if you want a modern, refined style. They look professional for the office and elegant for formal events. Nude nails are also perfect if you want the focus on your sparkling jewelry. Skip the accessories altogether to let your flawless nude mani take center stage.

When choosing a sheer nude polish, look for one with a glossy cream finish. The texture should glide on evenly. Avoid polishes that appear streaky or clumpy on the nails. Top off your mani with a quality top coat for a glossy shine that smoothly blends the color.

Matte Nails

Matte nail polish offers a modern, on-trend alternative to high-shine finishes. These sophisticated nails have a subtle, velvety look. The matte texture reflects less light, creating a muted, demure effect.

Matte manicures are statement-makers on their own. They grab attention with their uniqueness and edge. Matte polish also provides the perfect background for nail art, since additional details really stand out. Matte top coats transform traditional polishes from shiny to matte.

This texture has a smoothing effect that minimizes imperfections. Matte nails conceal ridges and flaws in the nail plate. The polish flows on evenly and dries to a flawless, uniform finish. Like airbrushed makeup, matte nails have a soft-focus effect.

While glossy nails feel slick, matte nails have more grip. The velvety texture is similar to a powder finish. Matte manicures last just as long with proper prep and top coat. Apply a base coat first, then two thin layers of matte polish. Finish with a matte top coat to lock in the look.

Matte nails pair perfectly with casual everyday wear but also suit formal looks. Brides love the soft romantic vibe of matte wedding manicures. Oxblood, nude, gray, and black are elegant matte color choices. Have fun with on-trend pastels, metallics, and marbled effects too.

Conclusion

With so many nail styles to pick from, it can be fun to experiment with different manicures for different occasions or just to match your mood. A bright neon or glitter manicure may be perfect for a music festival, while a classic French tip or nude look can work well for the office or formal events.

The options are endless!

No matter what nail style you decide on, just remember to care properly for your manicure so it lasts as long as possible. Apply cuticle oil daily, use gloves for cleaning and gardening, and avoid picking at your nails and cuticles. Enjoy showing off those beautiful nails!