Pub on a Sunday. 99 with a flake. Westlife. The classics. Sticking to the good stuff extends to our beauty treatments too, because sometimes, there’s nothing better than an old school manicure. No UV lamps, no tin foil removal, just a traditional freshening-up of the fingertips. Gel nails can have a bad reputation (FYI, here’s the truth), but the classic mani really is a nail saver. So aside from the normal cleaning service – cuticles pushed back, tips trimmed, nails buffed – why is this the darkhorse favourite? Here’s why the classic manicure is a good idea.
By Rachel Spedding
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1 It gives your nails a break
From gel and acrylic. Like taking your makeup off at the end of the day. Strip it back to basics, with a slick of polish and nothing more. It’s good to give your nails a breather from gels as, sadly, it can dehydrate the plate a little. Plus, the removal process is tough (always head to a professional). A classic manicure is a little kinder to your fingertips. Leave them bare (birthday suit nails), or get going with colour.
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2 You can change up the colour
Alright, the hard bit. It’s so darn tricky to choose your gel mani colour – that baby is staying on your fingertips for up to four weeks. Not this one. Traditional polish will remove with ease, so you can head for more regular manis (without the damage), and indulge in all the
nudebright shades you wish. If you’re a nails-to-match-my-outfit kind of soul (you organised thing, you), this is the manicure for you. -
3 Your appointment will be quicker
As much as we love chilling out in the nail bar and turning our mental out of office on, if you are looking for a speedy salon trip, classic cuts the mustard. An appointment will have you in and out in under thirty minutes – everybody’s got time for that. No waiting for the UV lamp to ‘cure’, just you, your nail technician, and fresh looking fingertips. You can even take this mani off at home: a little rub of nail-varnish remover on a cotton pad, and you’re ready (for your next appointment).
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4 It's one for the budgeters
We’re more than happy to splash out on our mani (and, we know there’s a salon to suit every budget), but if you are counting the pennies, a classic manicure is seriously budget-friendly – I’m talking under £20. Nails looking buff, preened and polish, you’ll save time and dollar with a basic mani. Or you could spend that saved cash elsewhere… matching pedicure?
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FAQs
Why should you choose a classic manicure over gel nails?
A classic manicure is gentler on your nails and gives them a break from gels or acrylics. The process avoids dehydrating the nail plate, offers a traditional freshening-up without harsh removal methods, and lets your fingertips recover naturally.
How long does a classic manicure appointment usually take?
You can expect to be in and out in under thirty minutes with a classic manicure. There’s no waiting for UV lamps to cure polish—just quick nail care, making it ideal for people with busy schedules.
Are classic manicures better if you want to change nail colour often?
Yes, classic manicures make it easy to change your nail colour as often as you like. Traditional polish removes easily, so you can refresh your look regularly without causing extra damage to your nails.
How much does a classic manicure cost?
A classic manicure is budget-friendly, typically costing under £20. This treatment suits people who want their nails looking neat and polished without spending a lot.
Can you remove a classic manicure at home?
Yes, you can take off a classic mani at home using nail-varnish remover and a cotton pad. This straightforward removal means you don’t need a professional appointment to change your polish.