What's An American Manicure?

Most women today prefer the French manicure - an elegant look with a pale pink or nude base color and the whitest-white nail tips. This is always a popular choice due to its versatility. It looks great with almost any outfit for any occasion, from a casual night on the town to a black-tie wedding. As classy and sophisticated as this manicure looks, sometimes it can be a bit overpowering. If you're looking for a more toned-down look that's still pretty and simple, then consider getting an American manicure.

American manicures tend to resemble the French manicure but have a few slight differences. French manicures are very bold; as mentioned earlier, they are noted for their bright white tips. (Many compare this shade of white to that of white-out.) American manicures also start by using a pale shade of pink or a soft neutral color, but are finished by using an opaque white to paint the tips. Sometimes the tips are painted first in an American manicure, followed by the application of the pink or neutral shade over the top. The end result is a soft look that's every bit of glamorous as it is simple.

American manicures can be done professionally at a salon or spa or at home without the help of a professional. Professional American manicures typically cost around $10 without the application of acrylic tips, and around $30 if you plan to receive the tips. In addition to a beautiful set of nails, most American manicures also come with a wonderful hand massage if done professionally.

You can purchase American manicure kits at most drug stores or department stores if you plan to do it yourself at home. While these kits are usually pretty reputable, you may want to consider purchasing your supplies for an American manicure through a beauty supply retailer. These supplies are typically the exact same ones used in your local salons and spas. To give yourself an American manicure, you will need the following items:

- Non-acetone based polish remover
- Cotton Balls
- Basic manicure tools, such as clippers, a file, and nail scissors
- A light pink, beige, or neutral polish color
- An opaque or soft white polish color
- Manicure adhesive strips or stencil to paint your white tips
- Clear top coat to add protection to your manicure

First, make sure your nails are thoroughly cleansed and free of any previous polish. Remove any hangnails using nail scissors and follow-up by filing your nails to your desired length and shape. Next, apply a thin coat of your base color evenly and allow to dry. Then using your adhesive strips or stencil, paint your tips white and be sure they are dry before removing the strips or stencil. Paint a thin coat of clear polish over the entire nail and allow to dry. You should now have a beautiful American manicure!

Whether you choose to have your American manicure done by a professional or you do it yourself, you can never go wrong with this soft and simple look!