Don’t you just love subtle-looking, classy manicures that give a timeless chic look? All the nail lovers would swear by French manicures and Russian manicures when it comes to classic ‘clean girl’ nails.
But that understated charm isn’t limited to just these; there are other versions of such manicures that offer a softer and chicer finish. One of them is the American manicure, also called the ‘basic’ manicure. Instead of the sharp bright white tips, the American mani swears by mily white nail tips for a more flushed effect. Let’s dive deep into the details of what it is and how to achieve the look.
What is an American Manicure?
The currently trending ‘American manicure’, also known as the ‘Milky’ French manicure or the ‘basic’ manicure, is nothing but just a slight alteration of the French tip manicure. It is a minimalistic manicure style that swears by the ‘clean beauty’ look that may remind you of the Russian manicure as well. It is only different from the Russian with its simple and soft ethereal nail look that resembles natural elegance. More than the French manicure’s “my-nails-but-better” feel, the American manicure gives an “undone-yet-done” vibe with its charm.
The overall look resembles that of a basic manicure especially if you have shorter nail lengths. It gives a more subtle feel for those who love lowkey appearance when it comes to nails. They are as versatile as the French nails, perfect for daily and professional wear as well as for special occasions or events. You can experiment with the American manicure with different colors and designs and still maintain the classy charm of it.
History of American Manicure
The term ‘American manicure’ dates back to the 90s when the French manicure was tweaked to obtain a more subtle version of it. The look was created using a less intense, translucent, off-white color for painting the tip with a skin-tone flattering natural base. The look was also, at times, softened using an approach of ‘reversing’ the French manicure by painting the tip first and the base on top across the entire nail to apply a neutral shade to the white tip for the effect.
The 90s also used the name ‘American manicure’ to refer to the monochromatic French manicures where different shades or tones of the same color were used to create the base and the tips. This was a version that used colors instead of the classic nude and white combination to achieve a chic yet fun look.
All You Need To Know About The American Manicure
An American manicure is a professional, versatile, and stunning design that gives you an effortless chic look. Let’s see how.
The Base
While you may still be confused about what exactly is the American manicure, let’s make it easy for you. The American manicure uses a creamy nude or peach base for a more natural-looking nail bed. It uses the color just a shade or two darker than the nail surface which results in a more subtle and ‘undone-yet-done’ feel. The white is also not an opaque bright color but a muted off-white. This allows for the base to get blended into the tip effortlessly creating a flushed look.
The Blend
Speaking of blending the colors together, the American manicure has a blunt tip that isn’t as stark, or obvious, and looks like a soft transition from the base to the tip much like the natural nails. This is because the American manicure aims for your natural nails to be reimagined in an elevated manner and uses a translucent lacquer for the same. To make them look more blended, the clear top coat is ditched and a muted tone of nude is used to layer up the two colors and make them flush together.
The Wear
The biggest advantage of the American manicure is that it is perfect for short nail tips. Though it can be worn with any nail shape and length, it gives a more subtle and subdued appearance to short nails making them look neat and enhancing the ‘clean girl’ aesthetic. Many celebrities these days prefer to wear this style for an everyday look and even for ramps. You can easily carry it from your daily wear to professional settings and can enhance its charm combining it with designs and art to wear them for special occasions. Even brides these days are ditching loud colors and chunky nail art and switching to more ‘basic’ looks for their big day. The American style of nail art is versatile enough to be adapted as your signature style.
The Lasting
It depends on the products and techniques you use, but still, you can wear your American manicures longer than others. Since the artwork resembles natural nails pretty much, the grow-out isn’t quite evidently visible and you can easily pull them off if you maintain them well.
If you choose to DIY your American manicure, don’t forget to layer on the top coat correctly for the longest-lasting look. You can easily maintain your nails after four days of wear, with the tips intact and a natural, wearable base. For a professional gel manicure done by a salon nail technician, you don’t have to look back for at least 4-5 weeks because your nails won’t budge. The same is the case for acrylic and gel nail enhancements and even press-on nails if you choose the correct products and techniques. Also since it is preferred with shorter nail lengths, your long nails won’t be a problem in your daily tasks and chores when they grow out.
The Cost
The average cost of getting an American manicure, also called the ‘basic’ manicure, is in the range from $20 to $50 when you get it done from a professional nail salon. It will vary based on the salon you choose and the variations you ask for in terms of products used, colors, and art if you add any.
The cost can be way less if you choose to DIY it using press-on nails. The hack is to use the basics of a Russian manicure for the base to get subtly clean natural nail beds and the surrounding skin followed by using salon-quality press-on nails to finish the look. The cost of such a set is somewhere around $10 to $15 even if you get them customized from your favorite nail technician.
How to Achieve an American Manicure?
You can achieve an American manicure with either DIY techniques using your traditional nail polisher or getting gel nails done from a good nail salon. The simple idea to get it done is to have a steady hand at home or a professional nail technician.
To get the look, all you need is to apply a nude base coat all across the nail surface. Choose a color just a shade or two above your natural nail bed and go for a polish that has a subtle shine to it. Avoid using shimmers or mattes as the idea is to keep them as natural and subtle as possible. Over the nude base, paint a thin and translucent tip using an off-white shade. Avoid too many angles and curves and try to follow the natural lines of your white nail tip. You can even use a brush or a sponge to blend the white with the base for a more put-together ombre effect.
Finally, after everything has dried/cured, top it off with a layer or two of translucent nude top coat. The catch here is to skip the clear and high-shine top coats and use a color that is see-through for the art to be visible yet covering the harsh lines and creating a flushed look.
The Final Word
The American manicure offers a subtle and natural look that is perfect for everyday wear and various occasions. With its soft pink or beige base and white tips, this manicure style enhances the natural beauty of your nails without being too flashy. It’s a versatile option that complements a wide range of styles and outfits. Whether you prefer a classic or modern look, the American manicure is a timeless choice that can help you achieve a polished and elegant appearance. Consider trying this manicure style for a chic and understated look that is sure to impress.
