Spa Manicures

Part of the Spabreaks.com Spa Treatment Guides

Manicures can be so much more than just a file and polish, although if you’re short on time, that’s a wonderful pick-me-up too, either at home or at a spa. Before an event or simply to give you a sense of self-care and feel good factor during the week, a manicure is a comparatively small thing you can do for yourself that can make a big difference.

While the details may vary, and can range from a simple file and polish at the basic end of the manicure spectrum, all the way up to hand masks and nourishing moisturisers, this is an approximate guide to what happens in a spa manicure.

1. Preparation: Your therapist will usually begin by removing any traces of old nail polish
2. Cleanse: They might then move onto a soak to cleanse, and soften skin and nails.
3. Scrub: As part of the cleanse, they might use a scrub to exfoliate your hands, buffing away dead skin and nourishing it with oils and ingredients.
4. Mask: They may then apply a mask to the hands or feet and possibly place them in warming mitts for a period of time to really hydrate the skin and nails.
5. Massage: Once rinsed and dried, your therapist might add in a massage for hands with a cream or oil. This is an often underrated experience, but a hand massage can be extremely beneficial. So many people suffer with aches and pains in their hands because of all the time spent typing at computers. There is some science to show that hand massages can help to ease pain and increase hand strength when done regularly, as well as helping to reduce stress and anxiety. It’s also just a really lovely feeling - and how often do your hands really get that kind of care?
6. File: They will then file, trim and shape nails as wanted or needed.
7. Polish: The cherry on top is the colour. You will likely choose a nail polish at the start of your treatment. Therapists will apply your base coat, colour as required and top coat to seal.

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Prepare for an evening out or get ready for a holiday, manicures are also perfect for sharing (especially at Champagne nail bars). They’re ideal for small groups of friends or as part of a hen party or celebration, time with a loved one or mother/daughter spa days where you can talk at the same time as having your treatment together, especially if the spa has a dedicated manicure station. That way, you can book your treatment for the same time, and enjoy one another’s company in the process.

Manicures range in price depending on the type of treatment that you have. That can mean anything from £10 to over £100.

You can wear whatever you want during a manicure! If it’s part of a whole spa day you might want to stay in your robe and slippers, but if you’re just popping in for a quick treatment then your regular clothes are fine. You might find it helpful to wear sleeves that can be rolled up, however, so that therapists can wash hands or sometimes massage the forearms as part of the treatment.