Everyone needs to be pampered once in a while, and it can be as easy as popping down to your local nail salon and treating yourself to a manicure and pedicure. Many people still think these nail treatments are done purely for vanity reasons, but they can also have a few health benefits. With that being said, you may be wondering how often you should get a manicure and pedicure, so here’s everything you need to know!
What is a Manicure?
A manicure is a beauty treatment that helps maintain the health and appearance of your nails and hands. This is often done by trimming and shaping the nails, pushing back and trimming the cuticles, moisturizing, and massaging the hands, before applying nail polish. At the end of a manicure session, you’ll leave with clean and polished fingernails and soft and moisturized hands.
What is a Pedicure?
A pedicure is a beauty treatment that focuses on your feet and toenails. With this service, you can expect your toenails to be trimmed, filed, and shaped before some nail polish is applied. However, a pedicure often brings more attention to the feet as well, with nail technicians exfoliating and massaging the skin, while also addressing any concerns like calluses and rough patches, so that you can have beautiful feet by the time you leave the salon.
How Often Should You Get a Manicure and Pedicure?
Professionals generally recommend getting a manicure or pedicure every two to three weeks, which is more or less how long your nails can last without suffering any chips or damage. However, how often you should get a manicure and pedicure will greatly depend on both the type of nail polish used:
- Regular Nail Polish: A manicure or pedicure that uses regular nail polish will last anywhere from one to two weeks before needing to be removed and redone. This is because regular nail polish is less resilient and is often applied in thin layers.
- Gel Nail Polish: A manicure or pedicure that uses gel nail polish will last around two to three weeks before any visible signs of damage or wear and tear begin to show. Gel polish forms a stronger bond to your nails, especially when cured under a UV lamp.
Here are some additional tips that can prolong the lifespan of your manicures and pedicures:
- Choose gel nail polish, which is much more durable and longer lasting than regular nail polish.
- Apply both a base coat and a top coat to increase the longevity of your nails
- Apply and massage some cuticle oil into your nails every night to keep them moisturized and less prone to breakage and splitting.
- Be more mindful of your nails and take extra measures to protect them, such as wearing gloves or avoiding any activities that could cause them to get scratched or break.
Manicure and Pedicure Benefits
Manicures and pedicures offer several benefits that you may not be aware of:
- Better Nail Health: Both manicures and pedicures deep clean your nails and remove all the dirt and bacteria in your nails and skin. Along with the regular maintenance of your cuticles, they also prevent a wide range of issues, such as infections and ingrown nails.
- Improved Blood Circulation: Aside from relaxation, massages also contribute to the health of both your skin and nails by improving blood circulation. When there’s better blood flow, more nutrients and oxygen can reach your hands and feet, giving them a bright glow.
- Soft and Moisturized Skin: Your nail technician will use gentle scrubs and other exfoliating tools to get rid of any hard bumps and areas on your skin and help you achieve a much smoother finish. This is often followed up by rich creams, moisturizers, or lotions that will keep your skin feeling soft, smooth, and nourished.
- Improved Mental Health: From the long soaks to the soothing massages, manicures and pedicures can do wonders for your mental health and help you better manage your stress and anxiety.
The Takeaway
How often you should get a manicure and pedicure will ultimately depend on what type of nail polish or treatment you choose, as well as how much damage your daily lifestyle can cause. Fortunately, there are a few things that you can do to prolong your nails, all of which focus on taking better care of them in general.
With that being said, it can be incredibly beneficial to get manicures and pedicures regularly, as they can help keep your nails and skin healthy and beautiful. This can be as easy as either scheduling an appointment at your nearest salon or booking a session with an at-home service. Luce can bring both manicure and pedicure services right to your doorstep so that you can enjoy a nice pamper session without having to leave the comfort of your own home!
