American manicure: history, technology, features and interesting ideas

Manicure is one of the important components of female beauty. Many people pay attention to the well-groomed nails, determining for themselves how much a girl takes care of herself. There is a large selection of types, as well as techniques for its execution. However, manicure is not only about covering nails with varnish, but also about caring for hands and nails in particular.

History of manicure

Previously, nails were painted with henna, and this tradition came from Babylon. The tools used to care for nails were smelted from gold. What is noteworthy is that both men and women did it equally. In the countries of ancient Egypt and the East, manicures have been done since ancient times. But this tradition reached Europe only in the 19th century.

The term “manicure” itself, as well as its more modern understanding, originated in France. And if initially this term was used to refer to hand and cuticle care, then a tradition arose of covering nails with colored paint. At that time, a special paste was created for this, which was rubbed into the nails and then polished with a nail file.

The first varnish was released in 1932. It was red (probably that’s why varnish of this tone is considered a classic of the genre).

A little later, various fixatives and coatings began to be produced. And the first brushes for applying such varnishes were made of natural wool coated with wax.

Innovative technologies in the world of cosmetology do not stand still. Therefore, a large number of different means for caring for hands and nails have now been invented, as well as to ensure that the need for caring for the nail plate is reduced to a minimum. Now almost every woman can afford to cover her nails once a month, and they will be beautiful and well-groomed for a very long time.

Features of manicure

Designers are offering new types of manicure - from calm and elegant to catchy and bright. One of the species that has become extremely popular for its colorfulness and variability is the American one. It allows the use of different shades and patterns, is suitable for any occasion, for these qualities it is probably loved not only by American women, but also by women in other parts of the world.

What are the features:

Brightness and saturation of color solutions.
Round shape and length of the nail plate.
Pair with lipstick of the same color. The permissible difference is no more than one tone.

Therefore, blue, indigo and green colors are not used - it is difficult to imagine lips of similar shades. Recently, the rules are not so strict - beige varnishes are used, which are suitable for fashionable nude lipsticks. A fashion trend - it is allowed to combine varnish with shadows.

Types of manicure

Nowadays, many ladies prefer to trust the care of their hands to professionals who have been trained in various manicure techniques. Such specialists are very common nowadays. They offer a wide range of services.

Three main typologies of manicure are used, which have many types and subtypes:

for the intended purpose;
according to the method of processing the cuticle;
by type of varnish application.

It is worth talking about each typology in more detail.

According to the intended purpose, a manicure can be:

Everyday. Involves the choice of a wide variety of coating techniques, execution and colors.
Business. Often the nail plate is rounded, but it should not be too long (no more than 3-4 mm). The colors are chosen neutral. It can also be a French manicure without colorful additions.
Evening. Its main aspect is harmony with the image. Suggests bright colors and extravagance.
Wedding. Shades of beige, white, milky are used. Often several nails (and sometimes all) are decorated with rhinestones.

According to the method of processing the cuticle, manicure can be:

Edged. The most common type. It is called trimming because the cuticle is removed (cut) with special forceps, after being softened first. However, there is a high probability of injury to a finger when performing such a manicure (even very experienced masters are not immune from this).
Unedged. Oils with fruit acids are applied to the cuticle. This slows down the growth of the cuticle and softens it. It is moved with an orangewood stick to the base of the nail.
Hardware. A special device is used to remove the cuticle and polish the nail.
Hot. Very useful for those who have brittle nails. Since this type strengthens the nail plate. To do this, water is heated to a certain temperature. Then a nourishing lotion is added to it, and then the nails are dipped into a bath of water.

What is the difference between technologies?

Classic and American manicures have much in common - in both cases, the cuticle is softened and trimmed with special tweezers. The difference is in the shape that the nails are given - in American it is round. In addition, it was originally assumed that the shade of lipstick and polish should be the same, but in recent years this tradition has lost its relevance.

In European style, the softened cuticle is not cut, but gently moved using an orange wood stick. This type eliminates injury, which means there is no risk of infection in the wound, and the procedure does not cause pain. Unfortunately, it is not suitable for treating very rough skin; in this case, you will have to resort to the help of scissors and nippers.

There are many ways to create a fashionable and original American nail design; choosing one to suit your taste is not difficult. Every year it becomes more and more popular - for its brightness, elegance and ease of execution.

Application methods

According to the type of varnish application, manicure is as follows:

French (or French). One of the most common types of application. Considered a classic nowadays. A natural shade of varnish is applied to the nail plate, and white to the edge of the nail.
American manicure. Bright polish on oval shaped nails.
Spanish. Use matte or white varnish.

Beverly Hills

Beverly Hills is a manicure option that is a cross between American and French manicure. Its main secret is that only pastel varnishes are applied to the entire nail, and the free edge is decorated with a shade of coating that matches the natural color of the nail as closely as possible. The result is a very impressive coating with a transition of shades. The main thing is not to use too contrasting shades that do not match each other. This manicure is very versatile, will suit any outfit and will be appropriate in any situation.

Manicure in Beverly Hills design

Photo: Social networks

Design options - nail art

There are many designs:

Universal. It is suitable for any occasion, so it has discreet colors and simple patterns.
Classical. Suitable for serious events, work or study. If you look at the intended purpose, then this is an analogue of a business one.
Avant-garde - suitable for relaxation and parties. Suitable for young girls. However, this does not mean that it must be catchy or bright. This manicure can be very different, even delicate - it all depends on its design.

How to do an American manicure at home?

It is performed quite simply in terms of techniques for cleaning the nail plate, removing cuticles, massage and other procedures. In this regard, it is indistinguishable from the classic options, since it requires mandatory preparation of nails and hands. It involves taking care of them, because the image of a purposeful, business-like and luxurious woman cannot do without this aesthetics. Otherwise, the whole picture will be spoiled by sloppily painted fingers that stand out from the general background of a business woman.

It is much more difficult to master the method of applying an American flag design to graceful nails. If in a salon this can be done on all fingers, then at home - at least on a couple. The decor will look very impressive and will not spoil the image at all. Rhinestones, sparkles and the like are usually not used - only designs in the form of lines, stars and segmented panels.

For this type of manicure you need:

tweezers to treat the edges of the nail plate and periungual ridges;
nail files with standard coating - abrasiveness within 200 units;
miniature scissors for cutting nails;
oils and decoctions for a softening and relaxing bath;
cream or other massage products;
disinfectant;
napkins and cotton pads;
small towel;
disposable sticks for working with cuticles;
varnish of specific shades.

American manicure step by step

The technique is basic, standard. There is nothing unusual in this regard - the same steps of nail and hand care are practiced as always.

Step one. Clean the nail plates from traces of the previous polish using remover. To do this, soak a cotton pad or regular sterile cotton wool in the solution and gently rub it over the nail, removing the coating towards the free edge.

Step two. Wash your hands in soapy water or disinfect with any means.

Step three. You begin filing the edge, giving the plate a strictly oval shape. If necessary, trim excessively long nails slightly before doing this.

Step four. Remove hangnails with miniature scissors and lubricate these areas with a special compound.

Step five. Proceed to working with the cuticle by soaking your fingers in a softening bath with special additives. These could be cosmetics, a few drops of lavender oil, or a herbal decoction.

Step six. Push the cuticle as far as possible with a disposable stick - preferably a wooden one. But a special spatula with a special tip that does not injure the nail plate is also acceptable. Try to get an oval nail shape at the cuticle (on the opposite edge of the fingertips).

Step seven. If necessary, file the free edge again for symmetry. Polish the nail plate.

Step eight. Massage your hands with the cream, gently rubbing it into the skin.

Step nine. Apply an even layer of varnish of the selected tone (base) and let it dry.

Step ten. Using adhesive strips or a stencil, highlight areas of a different color on the painted nail - a softer tone that extends to the tip. Or draw the flag yourself, adding your own motifs. Finally, coat the design with clear varnish.

American nail art

Quite a popular type of manicure now. It has several characteristic features, some of which must be performed in order for the manicure to be considered American. Now we will look at them.

The oval shape of the nail plate is a prerequisite for this type of manicure. In this case, the nails should be long. Bright colors are welcome. The color of the polish should match the shade of the lipstick - this rule used to be mandatory. Nowadays it is no longer such. However, if you take this aspect into account, the image will be more impressive.

Striped manicure

Stripes are applied to a plain base using a stencil. Any stripe width can be selected. The stripes themselves can be longitudinal, transverse or diagonal. Most often, their shade is dark, and the color of the main background varnish is light.

Option for an elegant striped American manicure

Photo: Social networks

Let us remind you what manicure is fashionable this year.

American manicure: history

Its history dates back to the mid-20th century. It was then that the idea of absolutely matching the colors of lipstick and nail polish arose. Previously, bright colors were only allowed to people of high society. However, after some time, confident women began to choose juicy, sometimes poisonous shades. Because of this, this manicure has gained immense popularity in the modern world.

This stereotype existed for quite a long period. Recently, it has become fashionable to paint nail plates in different colors, and the color of lipstick is mostly matched to the color of the nail polish on your feet.

Geometric designs

Thin lines, squares, zigzags on a single-color coating are a new trend in American manicure. The main thing is not to overdo it with the designs, so that the main color is not lost and the manicure does not look overloaded.

An example of an American manicure with a pattern and accent coating

Photo: Social networks

American manicure: execution technology

Initially, hands and nails are cleaned and treated with an antiseptic. The plates should be degreased so that the varnish lasts longer.

Afterwards the nail is given an oval shape - this is very important. However, it is worth considering that it should remain long.

Treating the cuticle is the next step. You can use any of the techniques. Complete cuticle removal is also possible. Afterwards, apply nourishing nail cream. And the last step is applying varnish. The main thing is to apply no more than 4 layers. Moreover, you should take into account the base, the fixative, and the decorative varnish.

Application technique

Performing an unedged manicure
Before the manicure procedure, you should thoroughly treat your hands with an antiseptic composition to cleanse the skin of dirt and bacteria.

Procedure steps:

use a file to give the desired shape. The length can be removed as desired during adjustment;
soften the cuticle, remove it with tools or an orange stick;
apply a nourishing cream (you need to wait until completely absorbed);
cover with a layer of base transparent varnish, then two layers of colored;
Apply a setting topcoat.

Interesting! Orange sticks are used because of the structure of the wood - it is soft and dense, and has antiseptic properties. Therefore, sticks made from it do not delaminate and do not injure the skin.

Varieties

What could an American manicure look like? Designs for this manicure are usually limited only by imagination. However, they still lend themselves to some classification. Let's take a look at it:

Vanguard. A wide variety of color and shade combinations are used. Nails are decorated with catchy designs. "American flag" is one of the variations of this design.
Two-color. Speaks for itself, with one of the colors covering most of the nail plate.
Striped cover. This design visually lengthens your nails. Stripes are applied along the nail with a varnish of a different color.
Striped design. Unlike the previous type, more than two colors of varnish are used. In this case, the stripes can be applied in any direction.
“Beverly Hills” is, in fact, an American French style. The manicure is similar to French design, so more natural tones are used. However, if the French style presupposes a white tip of the nail, then an American-style manicure allows absolutely any color - even the most extravagant.

In 2022, fashion for all shades of white and red has returned. American manicure allows you to combine these colors very successfully. Also, matte varnish has not lost its relevance for a long time. In addition, shocking manicure is now a trend among stars, and, as you know, it is they who set a certain style. This means it’s worth taking a closer look at the nails of popular people.

Also now gradient and ombre manicures, which combine a variety of colors and therefore seem unusual, have gained great popularity.

And a new trend in technology has become water manicure, which will not leave indifferent lovers of everything extraordinary. Suitable for any design and occasion, it all depends on the chosen colors and type of pattern.

Another stylish new product is metal manicure and “broken glass”. The names speak for themselves, but some girls are still afraid to choose this type because of its originality. Although it is, of course, more suitable for young people. This kind of nail art is inappropriate for everyday use, but for a party it’s just right.

American way

Manicure for Halloween
Manicure received this name due to its exceptional popularity among the female population of the United States.

Currently, designers have invented several original methods:

avant-garde - implies rich colors and bright images. The most common design is the US flag. With such nails you can go to a party or sit in a cafe. Effective and easy to implement.
“Beverly Hills” is a favorite view of Hollywood stars and businesswomen. Perfectly complements the image, always looks neat and bright.
horror theme - in this case you need to show your imagination, use a photo and create a “horror story” design. This is not an everyday manicure - perfect for Halloween or a masquerade party.
two-color - the name itself says that the design uses two contrasting colors, often pastel and bright red tones. Dark is applied to the upper part, light - to the lower.
striped - longitudinal stripes lengthen the nail. Carefully apply strips of any width (with a brush or with a stencil) onto a well-dried base. The direction of the drawing is at the girl’s choice - along, diagonally or across. Usually dark stripes are drawn on a light background.

"Beverly Hills"

The method is similar to the French one - it is made in calm colors, only flesh is used instead of white. How to do it correctly step by step:

Remove the cuticle, use a nail file to give it an oval shape, treat with an antiseptic, and degrease.
Cover the entire plate with light natural varnish.
Using strips, create the edge of the nails.
Then you need to draw a “smile” on the tip of the nail with a light varnish. If you don’t have enough experience, you should use a stencil. Apply sealer.

This method is neutral, has a natural shape, and is therefore universal.

Two-color designs are often used in American manicure.

Colors can be both bright and calm. Color combination to suit your taste. The main rule in a two-color manicure is that the light shade is on the bottom and the dark one on top. And one color must blend unevenly onto another, as if with smudges. To visually lengthen short nails, use a striped coating. Stripes can be applied using either a special stencil or a brush. The rule is also that a light shade of varnish is applied first, and after it has completely dried, stripes of darker or brighter shades are applied. We fix it on top with clear varnish. We can also use any colors. Varieties of nail art are often used. These are various drawings, patterns, paintings on nails. You can use designs on all nails, or on one or two fingers. The main thing is to take into account the color of lipstick and the color of nail polish.

Drawing the "American flag"

Since the manicure is called American, it involves drawing the US flag. It looks best on the ring and middle fingers; it also decorates the smiles of the nail plates. It is not advisable to draw a flag on every finger; let it be present on two or three fingers.

Apply base varnish.
Take red and paint your nails. Let the varnish dry.
Take a thin brush and apply three or four white stripes. We are waiting for the coating to dry.
In the lower or upper corner of the nail, draw a small rectangle in blue.
As soon as the varnish dries, we place white dots on the rectangle that imitate stars. You can draw stars using a stencil. Let the varnish dry.
We apply the top.

There is another avant-garde way to create a flag:

Apply base to nails.
We paint all the nails with red varnish, except for the nails on two fingers: the ring and middle fingers.
Paint the remaining two nails blue.
As soon as the varnish is dry, paint snow-white stars. We use a stencil.
On red nails we draw stripes in white.
The varnish must dry.
We apply the fixative.