Some Manicures are Workplace-Appropriate While Others Should Be Left Out of the Office
Manicures date back 5,000 years ago, with the word deriving from the French usage meaning “care of the hands.” Styles of manicures vary widely, from a basic buff and polish of the natural fingernail to extravagant designs, bejeweling and application of acrylic nails. Like all forms of cosmetic treatments, some manicures are workplace-appropriate while others should be left out of the office.
The following manicure styles, encompassing both classic looks and current trends, are suitable for all hours of the day, from your company all-hands meeting to cocktail hour.
This fashion trend first began with hair, including the typical style of hair lightening from the roots to the tips as well as rainbow ombre. The fad hasn’t gone away, instead making its way from the head to fingertips. Although some ombre manicures transition from the thumb to the pinky, a classier look is to apply a gradient effect on each nail. The key to keeping it professional is to use neutral or dark colors.
2. Nude
Going nude is generally a no-no in public, but this understated manicure is perfect for occasions where you want to look polished but not flashy. Just like how white wall paint comes in a dizzying amount of shades, no nude polish is the same. Different undertones complement different complexions; for fair skin, look for nude polishes with pink undertones (Essie’s Ballet Slippers or Burberry’s Nude Pink). For medium and olive complexions, look for peachy undertones (Deborah Lippmann’s Naked or Zoya’s Giselle). For darker complexions, nude polishes with orange or coffee undertones are a great final touch to an ensemble (Zoya’s Dea and Butter London’s Crumpet).
3. Half moon/play on French manicure
Though a classic French manicure, with a natural pink base and white tips, is a failsafe option, other takes on this look are also suitable for the workplace when done right. The inverted version, the half moon manicure, highlights the nail bases rather than the tips. Just like with the ombre trend, do not kitsch out this look with bright colors. The style is the statement; keep the colors neutral.
For years, most manicurists have asked which one of three shapes their client wants: square, oval, or their love-child: squoval. However, the almond-shaped manicure has made its return to runways and fashion blogs. This style, which features a more pointed tip, pays homage to the manicure style of the ‘40s and ’50s, prior to the popularization of a more rounded shape. Just be sure the tips don’t end up too pointed, or Mountain Peak shape (think Lady Gaga talons).
5. Buffed nails
Looking polished doesn’t have to entail nail lacquer; buffing your nails to a natural sheen is a great finishing touch to your look that will never go out of style. Instead of applying color as the last step in a manicure, use the fine grit end of a nail buffer to bring out their natural shine. Nail buffing cream or a buffing block can be used for this effect, but be sure to not buff too often as this might result in thinning the nails.
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