Manicure is not only about applying a coloured coating. Firstly, it is a care procedure that makes your hands and nails look beautiful and well-groomed. There are many techniques for performing it, and one of the most delicate is the European one. In this article, we'll look at what a European manicure is, what its features are, and how it is performed. We will also consider whether it is possible to do this procedure at home and what you may need for this.
Features of European manicure
European manicure is a delicate cuticle treatment technique that excludes the use of cutting tools. Instead, a special remover is used. It contains fruit acids that dissolve dead skin particles. Thanks to this, the cuticle can be easily pushed back and removed, even with an ordinary orange stick.
European manicure has many advantages:
- Delicacy. The procedure does not cause pain or discomfort.
- Long-lasting effect. If you do a European manicure systematically, the cuticle grows more slowly, becomes thinner, and looks more neat.
- Safety. The absence of cutting tools reduces the risk of skin injury or burrs.
All of the above points are especially important for people with sensitive skin or closely spaced blood vessels.
Types of European manicure
European manicure is not limited to one technique. It has several varieties that are chosen depending on the condition of the nails. Let'shave a look at the main ones.
Dry European manicure
This is the fastest and easiest option. During this manicure, an acid-based remover (e.g., lactic or fruit) is applied to the cuticle to soften the skin. Then the cuticle is pushed back and removed with an orange stick or pusher. This technique does not involve bathing, so it is ideal for quick care when time is short. This option works well on thin cuticles, but it may not give the perfect result on rough or neglected skin.
Wet European manicure
In this method, after applying the remover, hands are immersed in warm water (35–40°C) for 5–7 minutes. You can add a couple of drops of essential oil or sea salt. Thanks to the bath, the skin softens more effectively, making it easier to work with.
Hot European manicure
This is a technique that uses heated oil or cream instead of water. «Hot» is a conventional name, the temperature of such a bath is comfortable (35–45°C), and the effect is amazing: the skin becomes soft, and the cuticle easily comes off the nail plate. This type of manicure is ideal for weakened nails because it combines care and restoration.
What a European manicure looks like
European manicure is the embodiment of natural beauty. After the procedure, your hands look neat and well-groomed. The cuticle has an even contour, the skin becomes smooth, without burrs or redness, and the nail plate itself is smooth and shiny. A European manicure will look equally beautiful with or without a coating.
European manicure technology
European manicure is a procedure that consists of several stages. Let'shave a closer look at each of them.
Preparation
First, the hands are treated with an antiseptic. If there is an old coating (varnish or gel polish), it is removed with a special liquid. Then the nails are shaped and, if necessary, the length is removed.
Softening the cuticle
The second step depends on the type of manicure you choose. For the dry method, a remover is applied to the cuticle. For the wet or hot method, hands are additionally immersed in a warm bath with water, oil, or cream.
Cuticle treatment
At the third stage, the cuticle is gently pushed back with an orange stick or a pusher. Remnants of the remover and keratinized skin are removed with a cotton pad or soft napkin.
Moisturizing
Apply nourishing oil to the cuticles and cream to the hands. These moisturizing methods are basic, but they can be supplemented with SPA treatments, such as a scrub or mask.
European manicure at home
Is it possible to do a European manicure at home? The answer is definitely yes! This is one of the simplest and most affordable techniques that does not require professional skills or expensive equipment. You don't have to buy a nail drill machine or learn sophisticated tools — a basic set, a little patience, and 30–40 minutes of free time are enough.
The advantage of a home European manicure is that you control the process yourself: you can reduce the time of the remover if your skin is sensitive, or add a warm bath for relaxation. The procedure is so intuitive that even beginners quickly master it. Of course, the first attempts may not be perfect. But with each subsequent time, the result will get better.
Everything you need to perform this procedure at home can be easily found in cosmetics stores. What exactly you should buy and what to look for will be discussed in detail in the next section.
What you need for a European manicure
To do a European manicure at home, you need a minimum set of tools and products, which includes:
- Antiseptic — for disinfecting hands and tools before starting the procedure.
- Nail file (180–240 grit) — to shape the nails.
- Buff — for sanding or polishing the nail plate.
- Remover — to soften the cuticle.
- Orange stick or pusher — to push back the cuticle.
- Cotton pads or napkins — to remove remover residue.
- Cuticle oil — for moisturizing and nourishing.
- Hand cream for skin care.
If you plan to apply a coating to your nails after performing a European manicure, you may also need it:
- Degreased.
- Base.
- Gel polish.
- Top.
- Lamp (UV/LED).
It is not necessary to buy tools and products from professional brands for home use. The main thing is that they are of high quality and effective.
A European manicure is a delicate procedure that helps to make your hands and nails well-groomed and beautiful without the use of cutting tools. This technique is ideal for people with sensitive skin, as it minimizes the risk of irritation and damage. Thanks to the variety of types — dry, wet, or hot — you can choose the option that best suits your needs. With regular use, you will notice that over time, your cuticles become softer and less visible, and the results last much longer.