Gel! Acrylics! Dip! Your Comprehensive Guide to Every Type of Manicure to Be Aware of in 2026.
Today, visiting a nail salon is no longer a straightforward process. In the past, one could simply walk in, choose a color, and enjoy an hour of pampering. However, the manicure scene in 2026 has transformed significantly, offering such a wide range of services that a glossary is necessary. Depending on what style you prefer, be prepared to spend hours in the chair. (Some clients even download shows on their phones to pass the time while getting extensions, intricate nail art, 3D appliqués, and more.) While we won't delve into the numerous (and ever-evolving) types of manicures available today, we aim to make the salon experience easier for those interested in trying something new or different. From classic nail polish to trendy BiAB (builder in a bottle) manicures, there are several terms to familiarize yourself with to navigate today's salon landscape.
“I don't think people realize there are various levels,” says celebrity manicurist and educator Julie Kandalec, who identifies soft gel, semi-hard gel, and longwear systems like DazzleDry. Celebrity nail artist and brand founder Tom Bachik agrees. “People often use 'acrylics' like 'Kleenex,' when in reality they're getting Gel-X,” he explains. “Those in-between categories deserve attention,” Kandalec adds. Below, Kandalec and Bachik clarify the 11 most common service names found in contemporary nail salons.
**Regular Nail Polish**
Regular nail polish, or lacquer, is simply polish that air-dries and doesn’t require any special lamps or top coats. The process involves a base coat, one to three layers of polish, and a top coat for sealing—though professionals suggest using acetone with at least 90% purity to remove natural oils before application for better longevity.
- **What materials are used?** Air dry polish
- **How long does it last?** 3-7 days
- **Who should get this manicure?** Anyone looking for a short-term, non-damaging option.
**Long-Wear Nail Polish**
These are also air-dry polishes but formulated for durability. Kandalec cites specific formulas like CND Vinylux, Dazzle Dry, and Essie Gel Couture as examples that preserve color, resist chipping, and enhance wear time for up to a week. Most of these come with a corresponding top coat to prolong the manicure's lifespan.
- **What materials are used?** Air dry polish
- **How long does it last?** One week
- **Who should get this manicure?** Those seeking chip-resistant polish lasting a week without gel.
**Soft Gel**
Gel polish was among the earliest options that weren’t acrylic or standard polish and gained immense popularity. While there are several gel categories (soft, semi-hard, and hard), most clients asking for a gel manicure typically refer to soft gel (think: CND Shellac, Tom Bachik’s Neudes, or OPI Intelli-Gel). “Soft or semi-soft gels work as overlays,” says Bachik, meaning they provide a polish layer atop the natural nail. “Hard or semi-hard gels are utilized when creating length,” he continues.
This polish is usually sold only in beauty supply stores and requires a UV lamp to cure (dry)—they do not air-dry. The formulations consist of pigments and polymers that solidify under UV or LED light, resulting in a glossy, durable finish that lasts much longer than regular polish.
- **What materials are used?** Gel polish
- **How long does it last?** 10-21 days
- **Who should get this manicure?** Those wanting a high-shine, chip-resistant finish that's more durable than regular polish.
**Structured Gel**
Structured gel refers to brush-on gels found in bottles, like The GelBottle’s Builder in a Bottle (or BiAB) and CND’s PlexiGel. Manicurists previously had to dip brushes into potted gel formulas, but some brands have simplified the application with this innovation. Kandalec describes structured gel as “thin to medium-thick layers of hard or soft gel, sometimes coated with gel polish”—soft in the case of BiAB, and hard for PlexiGel.
BiAB excels in creating uniformity over the nail, protection, and a natural-looking thickness. PlexiGel is versatile for adding both thickness and length. The technician fits an extension form to the finger, applies the gel, and then cures it under an LED lamp.
- **What materials are used?** Hard, semi-hard, or soft gel
- **How long does it last?** 3-4 weeks
- **Who should get this manicure?** Anyone wanting plumper nails and the ability to grow (or wear) long nails without acrylic or tips.
**Sculpted Nails**
For sculpt
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Gel! Acrylics! Dip! Your Comprehensive Guide to Every Type of Manicure to Be Aware of in 2026.
Nail literacy for everyone.