Manicure and Pedicure: New Designs and Secrets of Perfect Nail Design

The concepts of "manicure" and "pedicure" are known to every woman. The beautiful design of the nails gives the female image completeness, and the woman herself - confidence in her own beauty. However, not every one of us has information about what exactly is meant by these terms and what stages modern nail design consists of. But knowledge of these nuances will allow you to be not only fashionable and perfect: it will help many to learn how to design their nails on their own, without resorting to the services of professional masters.

Considering general concepts, there are several types of manicure and pedicure. They are medical, cosmetic, decorative and permanent. Moreover, each type has its own characteristics. For example, the medical option is divided into two types: hygienic and medicinal. With regard to the cosmetic variety, it is worth noting that it is divided into several methods:

• Edged. Technique with soaking nails and cutting the cuticles.
• Unedged. A European technique in which the cuticle is softened with a remover and pushed back.
• American, almost echoing the classic manicure or pedicure with the only difference that the shape of the nails tends to be almond-shaped.
• Brazilian. A technique with a lot of procedures, soaking, using a remover, pushing back and removing the cuticle.

• Japanese. A technique without the use of rough metal tools, in which it is important to maximize the natural appearance of the nail plates.
• Spanish. Option with layering of contrasting varnishes and technique, similar to the European one.
• Spa. A set of procedures to improve the skin of hands and nails.
• Build-up. Classic and nail lengthening with the use of acrylate at the same time.

The hot technique differs from other varieties by adding warm (about 40-50 degrees) lotion to the water. Otherwise, this is the same classic method. The use of a warm lotion helps to soften the skin, such a manicure (pedicure) is especially indicated for dry and rough skin. A man's manicure differs from a woman's in that nippers are used with it due to the denser and coarser skin. For children, use special products that do not cause an allergic reaction. In addition, this technique does not provide for cutting off the nail plates.

In addition, there are methods according to the Jessica system and the hardware method, hot and male, as well as for children. As for the hardware technology, it differs from other varieties in that most of the operations are performed using various attachments of a special apparatus. This method is also notable for the fact that it is always performed on dry nails. It is also encouraging that today on sale you can buy devices adapted for work at home.

Permanent type involves the use of gel polish. This is a fairly stable and durable design, which is performed using hybrid varnishes that combine the properties of gel and varnish. These varnish products need to be dried under a special lamp, after which they acquire high wear resistance and do not need to be corrected for almost a month. However, the service life of the coating can be reduced if the execution technology was violated during execution.

It is best to cover your nails with gel polish. Whatever one may say, today this product does not know any competitors. In addition to the fact that it adheres perfectly to the nails, it also looks at the same time as if it had just been done. As a rule, the coating does not lose its attractiveness of its original appearance for a long enough time (usually from two weeks and for some clients up to two months). Durability depends not only on technology: the experience of the master, as well as his attitude to his work, means a lot.

Professional manicure or pedicure is usually performed for a long time. At the same time, sometimes it does not matter whether it is an express method or a full range of procedures with soaking and moisturizing the skin.

The choice of coatings for manicure or pedicure today can be confusing, because there are many varieties of different varnishes. In addition to the fact that the color palette is replete with a variety of various shades of hybrid products, the coatings themselves attract attention. For example, you can buy the following options today:

• matte;
• glossy;
• chameleon;
• temperature;
• jelly;
• craquelure;

• holographic;
• shimmery;
• with sequins;
• with the effect of "cat's eye";
• mirrored;
• yoghurt.

In addition, there are various types of rubs and acrylates, with which you can change your own nails beyond recognition. As for fashion trends, today they have their own favorites from the presented list of varnish varieties.

Other popular coatings include glossy gel polishes. They are an excellent base for any manicure, and they can be matted without much difficulty using a top with a matte effect. Other popular finishes include options for a metal surface or mirror, as well as options with an aquarium effect. Jelly varieties and translucent coatings are also popular.

With the advent of the new season, the trends in the shape of the nail plates of the hands and feet are changing. As for the nails of the hands, today the fashion recommends:

• do not make the cuts sharp straight (they need to be rounded in the corners);
• avoid excessive length and sharpness of the edges (butterfly nails are taboo);
• remove false nails from everyday life (it is better to build up your own if their shape is far from ideal);
• avoid short length: priority is the elongated shape;
• choose from all types of shapes (oval, straight and almond) the one that is more suitable for your natural nails.

It is also important to pay attention to the fact that all nails (be it manicure or pedicure) must have the same length. Different lengths are not allowed, as well as different saw cut shapes. It is necessary to pay attention to each nail, otherwise the blemishes will be noticeable in the final result.

Fashion and toenails did not pass by. Today:

• false nails are categorically contraindicated;
• large length is prohibited (maximum nail should rise 2 mm above the finger);
• there should not be any voluminous embellishments that will cling to anything;
• the sharpness of the edge of the nail plate is unacceptable.

Decorative manicure and pedicure are also divided into several types. For example, they include design:

• classical;
• traditional and inverted jacket;
• lunar;
• gradient;
• powdery;
• veil;
• broken glass effect.

Along with the already established options, fashion today also offers new design items. To date, from the well-known execution techniques, several can be distinguished. Let's consider their main nuances, taking into account current trends.

Monochromatic nail design is called a classic. In this case, the nail plate is painted over the entire area using any coating with a different type of texture. The classical technique is an excellent base for further decorating nails. Often, for this design, coatings with a noble texture are also used, which do not need additional decoration. For example, it can be a gel polish with a velvety matte effect.

Someone mistakenly calls French manicure a classic, although in reality the design differs from the classic. In contrast, the jacket has a stroke on the top edge, called a smile. A smile can be different, for example, today, in addition to a thin strip, it is often framed asymmetrically in the form of a diagonal. In addition, it is made out on a monochromatic basis, leaving an unpainted triangle.

This technology is nothing more than a service jacket in reverse. This design differs in that a smile is not drawn up at the top, but at the very base of the nail plate. At the same time, an inverted smile is often more reminiscent of a thin outline of the nail plate than a bow with a thickened middle. This season, craftsmen often use gold and silver to emphasize the cuticle area.

This design is somewhat similar to an inverted jacket. The difference is the shape of the arc. In the lunar design, it resembles a semicircle, while in the inverted jacket it is nothing more than a strip. Today it is customary to use the so-called negative space technique in design. Outwardly, this is an unpainted hole against the background of a monochromatic coating. In addition, the design of the hole with a secondary bow is popular. The hole itself can be made in gold or silver, as well as varnish contrasting with the main color.

This technique refers to the design of nails with an ombre effect. This design is created using several contrasting or related shades of gel polish. According to fashion trends, today ombre should have the smoothest stretch possible. For this effect, the masters rub the tone transitions with a brush, doing it directly on the nails themselves or using a special sponge.

This technique is performed using a special polymer powder or acrylic powder. The substance has a lot of shades and allows you to create a unique surface texture, which is often compared to semolina. Today this is one of the most popular techniques, however, it is more often used not for the main manicure, but for accent nails. The powder is applied to the top layer and then dried. If desired, the powder does not create a solid coating, but drawings.

The technique that allows you to create a thin veil on the surface of the nails has the second name "nylon tights". Today, this design is among the best and most fashionable. It is created by adding a few drops of pigment to the transparent gel polish. The resulting translucent varnish is used to cover the surface of the nails, and then decorate them with drawings made using acrylic paint. The finished design is secured with a top layer.

Such a design today takes the honorable first place in the top three favorites of the season. It is distinguished by its ultra-originality, and this design is created using a special film. The protective coating is removed from it, sometimes the sticky layer is removed, cut, and then glued to the nail plate, forming pieces of film close to each other. After the decor is fixed with two layers of top. On light and dark pigments, this design looks different, but always bright and effective.

Many of the techniques described above involve further decorating the surface of the nails of the hands and feet. Nail decoration today also has some peculiarities. Taking into account the fashion trends of the new season, today it is accepted:

• reduce the amount of decor used, since this makes the design lose its expressiveness;
• reduce the number of accents (a design in which decor is on all fingers looks ridiculous and tasteless);
• get rid of acidic and toxic shades of coatings (the used tones of coatings should be soft and noble);
• strive for the minimum use of volumetric decor;
• try to decorate the nails so that the drawings on the general background do not get out of the color combination of the base and contrast;
• if possible, create seasonal designs, which will allow the design to harmoniously complete any women's bow;
• select shades and designs, taking into account the main images;
• use modern decoration techniques that make it easier to work with drawings;
• to achieve ease of perception of design (overloaded with a complex pattern and an abundance of contrasts, a manicure or pedicure can destroy a woman's bow).

Unique design ideas can be very different. For example, today they use different decoration techniques. Among them, the following are especially in demand:

• drawings with acrylic paints and special thin pens, allowing you to get the finest professional lines and patterns;
• all kinds of stickers of flat or 3D type, due to which you can save time for drawing small details of the picture;
• stamping or stamps with ready-made patterns, which are applied to the surface of the nails by printing using a sponge;
• broths or microscopic beads that allow you to give accent nails an original surface texture;
• special foil, due to which you can make even the most laconic design bright and effective;
• small rhinestones, through which you can bring elegance and solemnity to the design of nails, giving them sophistication and femininity;
• pieces of newspaper, allowing you to create a design with letters or even hieroglyphs;
• all kinds of sparkles and glitter, due to which you can diversify your nail design;
• rub or special powder that gives a unique multifaceted look even to the simplest gel polish.

Seasonal manicure is in vogue: you can decorate your fingernails with a trendy beach design depicting the seaside. Designs with a summer floral theme look harmonious.Flowers and plants are fashionable designs for the summer season, as well as branches, lace and feathers. Leaves and ears are good for fall designs.

To date, there are no hard restrictions, indicating in favor of abandoning different designs and colors. However, there should be a sense of proportion in everything. Let's say the same design on the arms and legs looks beautiful and aesthetically pleasing. No less harmonious is the combination of related tones of the color palette in the design of the nails of the hands and feet.

In general, fashion trends are confident that the color of manicure and pedicure can be different, but at the same time it must be combined. Today stylists suggest not to puzzle over the best duo of color shades, but to use general harmonious contrasts. Moreover, it is important to think over not only the combination of colors of manicure and pedicure: their combination with wardrobe clothes matters.

Of course, a complete match of the color of nails on hands, feet, and even clothes will look boring. It is especially contraindicated to decorate the nails of the hands and feet with gold and even more so with neon. The best combination would be to use two related shades of the same color. For example, it can be light and rich coral, pink and warm lilac, beige and light brown. Shades can differ from each other by one or several tones, while such an image will look quite beautiful and appropriate.

The use of complementary colors is possible. For example, it can be a combination of yellow and green, lime and purple. A combination of two bright tones is allowed, one more saturated with a muted contrast (red with coral, red and white, purple and black). The unity of light and dark tones (beige and wine, white and black, mallow and light pink) looks harmonious.

In addition to harmonious combinations of neutral shades (for example, gray and white), it is appropriate to combine them with colored paints, as well as gold and silver. It is convenient to match color when multi-color designs are planned. In this case, you can paint your toenails or hand nails in one of the accent colors. Summing up, we can say that the mixes look beautiful:

• in a related color;
• in the same range;
• complementary;
• duets of dark and light;
• neutral paints;
• neutral with color;
• multicolored with one of the pattern tones;
• with a similar texture;
• with different temperatures of the main color.

Beautiful combinations of shades on nails are combinations:

• coral and silvery;
• nude with white;
• white with pink;
• blue with white and silver;
• red with white;
• lilac with mint;
• pink with menthol;
• turquoise and white;
• purple with milk;
• mint with pink and lilac;

• blue with powdery;
• white with silver and black;
• yellow with blue;
• coral with blue;
• purple with pink;
• emerald with orange;
• dark pink with sunny;
• dark blue with white and wine;
• purple with white;
• peach with blue;
• azure with green.

Today, there are many noble tones in the color palette, through which you can make a monochromatic coating without any pattern. The best shades of this season are wine, lilac, purple, mint, beige. Pink is incredibly popular today, which is presented in a variety of textures of the produced varieties.

Black color is surprisingly in demand, as well as its combination with colored paints of the color palette. Blue and blue colors deserve special attention. This season, they are represented by a mass of shades of various temperatures and saturation. The burgundy-violet color, as well as the coatings with rubbing, attracts attention.

The modern approach to nail design allows you to carry out the procedure yourself at home. In order to make a design at home that is not inferior to a professional one, it is worth preparing the necessary tools for processing nails. These are cuticle tweezers, nail scissors, as well as tools for lifting and removing cuticles and pterygium.

We'll have to stock up on a special drying lamp, without which it is impossible to work with gel polish. It can be different (UV and LED), differ in power and size. For a home, a medium power option is enough and the model under which you can place one arm or leg. Budget options for such equipment will be 300-500 rubles. Moreover, such lamps have a built-in timer, which eliminates the need for timing the drying time for each applied layer.

For the design itself, it is worth preparing a dehydrator, base and top coat, pigmented gel polish and decorative elements. You can't do without an extra brush if you want to use stickers. If you plan to use rubbing or powder, this is also taken care of in advance. Nothing should be distracting when the procedure has already begun.

In reality, making nail designs at home is not that difficult, although this process will require careful preparation of the nail plates and accuracy. This work is the basis of the basics: if you rush and tug on the skin, you can injure it. Consider the main nuances of performing a manicure (pedicure), which will allow you to understand the very essence of design technology.

The nails are soaked in warm water: this will make it easier to work with the cuticle and remove the pterygium (the skin on the sides growing into the nail plate). After 10-15 minutes, the fingers are removed from the water and wiped off. A softening oil is applied to the skin in the cuticle area. This will simplify the work of preparing nails for decoration.

Next, with the help of tools, the side ridges are cleaned, removing the pterygium. After that, the cuticle is raised and cut off, for example, with nail scissors. In order not to cut off more than necessary, the skin is pulled back: this will show the border of a possible cut, and also save the fingers from a painful, injured look.

Form the edge of the nail, giving it the desired shape. In this case, the length and symmetry of each nail plate must be taken into account. If necessary, check that the nails of the two hands (feet) are identical. Special attention is paid to the edge: the durability of the design and the degree of resistance of the coating will depend on its preparation.

If there are skin roughness on the sides, you can get rid of them using a file for grinding the nail plates. However, this must be done before the fingers soften. After the cuticle is removed and the side ridges are cleaned, it is necessary to remove the gloss from the nails themselves. This will allow the coating to stay on your nails longer.

Remove the gloss using a soft fine grain file. This is done carefully, without pressing the file into the nails strongly. In no case should you remove the gloss with an ordinary nail file: this will not only create roughness, which will prevent the varnishes from spreading evenly, but the nail plate will also become thinner.

When the gloss has been removed from all nails, you need to remove the residual sawdust and oil residues. To do this, use a degreaser or dehydrator. All this is removed so that it does not cause the coating to lag behind the base. At this stage, the preparation of nails is considered complete, it's time to start painting and decorating.

Until recently, nails were painted with ordinary varnishes, and in most cases such coatings were chipped off by the end of the working day. Today, manicure (pedicure) is impossible without special tools that are applied to the nail plates like the varnishes themselves.First, take a base or base coat and spread it in a thin layer over the entire area of ​​the nail. The layer should be practically weightless, because the thickness can cause the composition to flow over the cuticle area and lateral ridges.

In addition, it is important to take into account that all applied layers must be thin, otherwise the coating will quickly peel off the nail and will not last even several days on it. After drying the base, the nail is covered with two layers of pigment with drying under a special lamp for each of them. To prevent the pigmented gel polish from streaking, after application you need to give it at least half a minute, and only after that start drying. Time is needed for the pigment to spread over the nail plate.

If a thick layer of varnish is applied, it will flow over the side ridges and cuticle at the base. For those who are unsure of their accuracy, after preliminary preparation of the nails, it is worth applying a special latex film to the skin around the nails. After application, it will harden and the varnish that falls past the nail will remain on it. You can remove it at the very end of the manicure (pedicure).

After you have painted the nail and dried it under the lamp, all that remains is to decorate the accents. To do this, pictures are created on the selected nails or stickers and rhinestones are glued to them. Such decor is almost always glued onto a layer of undried top. If your design does not provide for decoration, after the pigment, the nails are covered with a top layer and dried. Next, you need to remove the residual stickiness. The work is over.

We bring to your attention several successful and stylish examples of modern nail design.

• A stylish jacket in a powdery color with an accent in the moon technique does not go out of fashion.
• Any fashionista will like this bright solution in the marine theme.
• Combination of monochromatic classics and service jacket. Using two different techniques for the legs and arms.
• Spectacular manicure design with a plant theme in a blue-powdery contrast.
• A chic beach-themed pedicure with sequins and gilding.
• Design in pink with stamping and small rhinestones.

• The use of varnishes of different textures, but a related color.
• Harmonious design of nails with kamifubuki and shiny decor.
• A combination of contrasting colors, a stylish and fresh solution for summer.
• Extraordinary manicure / pedicure design using ethnic ornament.
• Fresh solution in yellow tones. Combination of service jacket with classics.

The secrets of the perfect pedicure are in the next video.