When you’re getting a manicure and pedicure at a salon, you can unwind after a challenging week, get ready for a wedding, or get ready for a trip.
Salon technicians have the right tools and know the right procedures to make your hands and feet smooth and beautiful with funky nail art sets.
Where did they pick up these techniques? Pedicures and manicures have a long history, are considered luxurious, and are still in use today.
Manicure Background
The art of manicures has roots that stretch back thousands of years. In India, henna was first used as nail polish over 5,000 years ago, coloring nails with natural dyes in a practice that combined beauty with tradition.
From there, the custom spread to China, where nails took on a new cultural significance.
#1 Floral French
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#2 Candy Swirls
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#3 Cartoon Farm Inspired
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Cixi, the powerful dowager empress of the Qing dynasty, became famous for her long, elaborate nails, which she always kept perfectly groomed even though they were artificial extensions.
Her nails became a symbol of refinement and status, proving that nail care was not only about beauty but also about power and identity.
#4 All-in-One
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#5 Jisoo’s Red Gingham Set
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#6 Extra Glamorous Blue
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As the centuries moved forward, the desire for fashionable nails only grew. For women who didn’t naturally have long nails but still wanted the polished look, fashion nails became the solution.
By the 20th century, the invention of acrylic nails revolutionized the beauty world, allowing people to create durable, customizable nail shapes that mimicked natural length.
#7 Everything Shiny
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#8 Lilac Lovers
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#9 Mint Mix-and-Match
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Soon after, UV gel nails joined the trend, offering a glossy, long-lasting finish that’s still beloved today.
Together, acrylics and gels transformed manicures into a form of self-expression and creativity, paving the way for the diverse nail art we enjoy in the 21st century.
#10 Rainbow French
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#12 Art Inspired
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#13 SpongeBob Inspired
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#14 Almond Tie Dye
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#15 Sticker Nail Set
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French Manicure
The French manicure, one of the most timeless nail styles in beauty history, was actually born out of practicality in Hollywood.
In 1975, film producers wanted a versatile nail look that would match every costume change an actress went through on set.
To solve this, Jeff Pink, founder of the nail lacquer and treatment brand Orly, created the now-iconic design: a pale pink nail with a crisp white tip.
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#18 Soft Punk
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The look was instantly chic, elegant, and universally flattering. Wanting to give his creation a glamorous edge, Pink named it the “French manicure” in honor of his friends in Paris, where he noticed runway models effortlessly rocking the new style.
As Pink later explained, “I realized the most elegant, universal nail look is a natural nail look.”
#19 Summer Set
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#20 Colorful Core
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#21 For Hello Kitty Lovers
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#22 Soft Yet Edgy
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From movie sets to fashion runways, the French manicure quickly became a beauty classic.
Its clean, understated style made it a go-to for both everyday wear and special occasions, proving that sometimes the simplest designs can become the most iconic.
#23 Art Deco
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#24 Whimsical Sky
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#25 Pink Punk
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#26 Sweet Fruity World
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Benefits Of Manicure And Pedicure
Manicures and pedicures are the rituals of self-care. These relaxing, stress-relieving sessions soften your skin, boost circulation, and leave you feeling refreshed from head to toe.
With regular oils and nourishing lacquers, your nails don’t just look better; they become stronger and last longer, too.
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The best part? You don’t always need a salon appointment to enjoy these benefits.
Learning how to do a manicure or pedicure at home can save you money while giving you a quiet moment to recharge. It’s a simple way to indulge in some much-needed alone time, while still keeping your hands and feet healthy and polished.
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And if you’re looking for inspiration, we’ve got you covered. You’ve gone through some of our favorite manicure photos to spark your creativity.
Want more? Head over to our “Ideas” section, where you’ll find endless pedicure designs and toenail art collections to explore. From subtle elegance to bold statements, there’s a look waiting for you that will make your nails the highlight of your style.
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