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What is an American Manicure?

B. Miller
B. Miller

An American manicure is a style of manicure in which the tips of the nails are painted a soft ivory color, and the rest of the nail is painted a neutral shade or a very pale pink. This style of manicure is designed to make the nails look most natural, and is often referenced in comparison to a French manicure. In order to understand the difference, it is best to consider what a French manicure traditionally looks like.

Both of these manicures are typically done on longer nails, or on acrylic or gel nails that are applied to the natural nails to make them look longer. In a French manicure, the tip of the nail is painted a bright white, and the nail is painted a soft pink, often with a bit of shine added. The bright white nail tips are the characteristic marker of a French manicure; though the style is classic and very popular, some people believe that it can look fake and very unnatural, and prefer the American manicure style instead.

A bottle of nail polish remover.
A bottle of nail polish remover.

As mentioned above, rather than painting the nail tips bright white, in an American manicure the nail tips are painted in a soft ivory color to match the color of the natural nail. The nail bed may also be painted a more neutral, flesh-toned color to make it look more natural as well, but this varies depending on one's preference and the nail technician's idea. In general, a French manicure is preferred for special events where one wants to look very dressy, such as a wedding, for example. An American manicure, on the other hand, can be a great versatile look and can be worn for either special occasions or everyday wear.

American manicures result in a clean, natural look.
American manicures result in a clean, natural look.

In each style of manicure, the nails are painted with a clear top coat to make them look shiny and to make the polish last longer. When acrylic nails are used for an American manicure, the nail technician will typically use clear acrylic that is then painted when it has hardened. For a French manicure, the option exists to use pink and white acrylic, and then only a clear topcoat will be needed; this type of French manicure typically lasts the longest, because the white tips will not chip as easily.

American manicures are often compared to the French manicure due to the similarities they share in color and style.
American manicures are often compared to the French manicure due to the similarities they share in color and style.

Whenever one is getting a French manicure or American manicure at a salon, it is important to be sure the salon is clean and the instruments are sterilized. Powered instruments should not be used on the natural nails, such as those that grind away the top layer of nail. If a cut to the cuticle or finger occurs, be sure to wash it out right away, and cover it to prevent infection.

Discussion Comments

Anna10

I love the way both the American and French manicures look. They both are so clean and crisp and refined looking. My problem is that I can't afford to have them done professionally. I've bought French manicure kits, and tried to do it myself, but only make a mess of my nails. I wish I could find a way to do my own so that they come out looking nice!

If anyone has any tips I'd love to hear them!

Othilia

I prefer the American manicure. I think it has a softer, more natural look than the French manicure. American is my spa manicure of choice.

Lately I’ve started seeing another type of manicure, one that isn’t French or American. The tip is painted a bright color (like yellow) and the base is a completely different color (like white). A lot of the younger women in my town have their nails done like this. I don't have any idea what this kind of manicure is called.

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    • A bottle of nail polish remover.
      By: travis manley
      A bottle of nail polish remover.
    • American manicures result in a clean, natural look.
      By: Dmitry Sunagatov
      American manicures result in a clean, natural look.
    • American manicures are often compared to the French manicure due to the similarities they share in color and style.
      By: Valua Vitaly
      American manicures are often compared to the French manicure due to the similarities they share in color and style.
    • The fingernails are typically cleaned and soaked during the manicuring process.
      By: Photographee.eu
      The fingernails are typically cleaned and soaked during the manicuring process.