The Top 11 Types of Manicures to Know in 2026

The Top 11 Types of Manicures to Know in 2026

Nowadays, going into the nail salon isn’t a cut-and-dry experience.

While once upon a time you could simply go in, pick a color, and extend your digits for an hour of primping and priming, the manicure landscape in 2026 looks vastly different—offering an array of services so vast that it requires its own glossary. Depending on your preferred style, you could be sitting in the chair for hours. (Some people even download shows onto their phones to get through the half-day process of getting extensions , intricate nail art , 3D appliques , and more.) While we won’t get into the nitty-gritty of the nearly innumerable (and constantly evolving) types of manicures that are available today, we do want to simplify the salon experience for anyone curious about switching things up or experimenting with a new style.

A Guide to the Top 11 Types of Manicures

Azuloz Insight

From regular nail polish to buzzy BiAB (builder in a bottle) manicures, there’s a handful of names worth knowing to be manicure literate in the salon-scape today. “I don’t think people know that there are different levels,” says celebrity manicurist and educator Julie Kandalec , listing soft gel, semi-hard gel, and longwear systems like DazzleDry. Fellow celebrity nail artist and brand founder Tom Bachik would have to agree. “People will use the term ‘acrylics’ like ‘Kleenex,’ when really they’re getting Gel-X,” he explains. “Those in-between categories are worth making sure people know about,” Kandalec adds.

1. Regular Nail Polish

Simply put, regular nail polish, or lacquer, is the type of polish that air-dries and doesn’t require any special lamps or top coats. There aren’t any fancy tools or extra steps required outside of a base coat, one to three layers of polish, and a top coat that seals everything in—though the pros recommend using pure or 90-plus percent acetone to remove all natural oils from the surface beforehand for the longest wear.

What materials are used?

  • Air dry polish

How long does it last?

  • 3-7 days

Who should get this manicure?

  • Anyone who wants a short-term, non-damaging manicure

Shop

  • OPI Nail Lacquer in Put It in Neutral
  • Essie Vegan Nail Polish in Marshmallow
  • CHANEL Le Vernis Longwear Nail Colour in Pompier

2. Long-Wear Nail Polish

While still air-dry polishes, these long-wear formulas are made to go the distance. Kandalec mentions specific formulas like CND Vinylux, Dazzle Dry, and Essie Gel Couture polishes as examples—all of which have technical formulas that preserve color, resist chipping, and boost longevity for up to a week of wear . Each polish usually comes with a matching topcoat that extends the shelf life of each manicure, or even a bespoke system (like Dazzle Dry’s four-step process ) to grant the best results.

What materials are used?

  • Air dry polish

How long does it last?

  • One week

Who should get this manicure?

  • Those who want a chip-resistant, week-long manicure sans gel

Shop

  • CND Vinylux Long-Wear Nail Polish
  • CND Vinylux Long-Wear Shine Top Coat
  • Dazzle Dry Full System Kit
  • Essie Gel Couture Long-Wear Nail Polish
  • Essie Gel Couture Top Coat

3. Soft Gel

Gel polish was one of the first non-acrylic, yet non-regular polish options to take the nail market by storm. Though there are different gel categories, including soft, semi-hard, and hard, most customers think of soft gel when they ask for a gel manicure. (Think: CND Shellac, Tom Bachik’s Neudes, OPI Intelli-Gel… we could go on.) “Soft or semi-soft gels are more for overlays,” says Bachik—meaning a coat of polish overlaying the nail. “As you get into the harder or semi-hard gels, that’s when you can start creating length,” he adds.

What materials are used?

  • Pigments and polymers that harden under UV or LED light

How long does it last?

  • Up to two weeks

Who should get this manicure?

  • Those who want ultra-shiny, chip-resistant, and more hard-wearing manicures than regular polish can offer

Shop

  • CND Shellac Gel Polish
  • Tom Bachik’s Neudes Gel Polish
  • OPI Intelli-Gel Gel Polish

4. Structured Gel

Structured gel is the umbrella term for bottled brush-on gels. Manicurists used to have to dip nail brushes into a potted gel formula, but some brands have combined them to make application easier. Structured gels come in different forms, including thin to medium-thick layers of hard or soft gel, sometimes with a gel polish color over it.

What materials are used?

  • Pigments and polymers that harden under UV or LED light

How long does it last?

  • Up to two weeks

Who should get this manicure?

  • Those who want a strong, durable finish

Shop

  • CND Shellac Gel Polish
  • Gelish Structured Gel
  • Artistic Nail Design (AND) Gel

5. Builder in a Bottle (BiAB)

BiAB is a type of manicure that uses a bottle of gel to create a uniform, smooth finish. It’s known for its ease of use and versatility, making it a popular choice among nail artists. BiAB can be used to create a range of effects, from subtle to dramatic.

What materials are used?

  • Pigments and polymers that harden under UV or LED light

How long does it last?

  • Up to two weeks

Who should get this manicure?

  • Those who want a uniform, smooth finish

Shop

  • CND Shellac Gel Polish
  • Gelish BiAB
  • Artistic Nail Design (AND) Gel

6. PlexiGel

PlexiGel is a type of gel polish that is known for its durability and long-lasting finish. It’s made with a combination of gel and resin, which gives it a strong, flexible finish that resists chipping and cracking.

What materials are used?

  • Pigments and polymers that harden under UV or LED light

How long does it last?

  • Up to two weeks

Who should get this manicure?

  • Those who want a strong, durable finish

Shop

  • CND Shellac Gel Polish
  • Gelish PlexiGel
  • Artistic Nail Design (AND) Gel

7. Acrylics

Acrylics are a type of nail enhancement that is made from a mixture of liquid monomer and powder. They’re applied to the nail in thin layers, allowing the nail to grow out naturally while maintaining a strong, durable finish.

What materials are used?

  • Liquid monomer and powder

How long does it last?

  • Up to two weeks

Who should get this manicure?

  • Those who want a strong, durable finish

Shop

  • CND Shellac Gel Polish
  • Gelish Acrylic
  • Artistic Nail Design (AND) Gel

8. Gel-X

Gel-X is a type of gel polish that is known for its durability and long-lasting finish. It’s made with a combination of gel and resin, which gives it a strong, flexible finish that resists chipping and cracking.

What materials are used?

  • Pigments and polymers that harden under UV or LED light

How long does it last?

  • Up to two weeks

Who should get this manicure?

  • Those who want a strong, durable finish

Shop

  • CND Shellac Gel Polish
  • Gelish Gel-X
  • Artistic Nail Design (AND) Gel

9. Dipping Powder

Dipping powder is a type of nail enhancement that is made from a mixture of powder and liquid. It’s applied to the nail in thin layers, allowing the nail to grow out naturally while maintaining a strong, durable finish.

What materials are used?

  • Powder and liquid

How long does it last?

  • Up to two weeks

Who should get this manicure?

  • Those who want a strong, durable finish

Shop

  • CND Shellac Gel Polish
  • SNS Dipping Powder
  • Artistic Nail Design (AND) Gel

10. Nail Wraps

Nail wraps are a type of nail enhancement that is made from a thin layer of adhesive-backed vinyl. They’re applied to the nail to create a strong, durable finish that resists chipping and cracking.

What materials are used?

  • Adhesive-backed vinyl

How long does it last?

  • Up to two weeks

Who should get this manicure?

  • Those who want a strong, durable finish

Shop

  • CND Shellac Gel Polish
  • Gelish Nail Wraps
  • Artistic Nail Design (AND) Gel

11. SNS

SNS is a type of nail enhancement that is made from a mixture of gel and resin. It’s applied to the nail in thin layers, allowing the nail to grow out naturally while maintaining a strong, durable finish.

What materials are used?

  • Pigments and polymers that harden under UV or LED light

How long does it last?

  • Up to two weeks

Who should get this manicure?

  • Those who want a strong, durable finish

Shop

  • CND Shellac Gel Polish
  • SNS
  • Artistic Nail Design (AND) Gel

Conclusion

Azuloz Insight

With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right manicure for your needs. By understanding the different types of manicures and what they offer, you can make an informed decision and find the perfect look for you. Remember to consult with a professional nail technician to determine the best course of treatment for your nails.

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