Page 39 - Cosmetology
P. 39
Manicure
Example of a French Manicure
A manicure is a cosmetic beauty treatment for the fingernails and hands enjoyed by both
sexes. A manicure can treat just the hands, just the nails, or both. A standard manicure
usually includes filing and shaping of the nails and the application of polish. Some
speciality manicures, such as the French Manicure, may also be offered. Treatments for
hands usually include soaking in a softening substance and application of hand lotion. A
similar treatment performed on the feet is a pedicure. The word "manicure" comes from
the Latin manus, meaning "hand," and cura meaning "care".
Various services for nails can be provided, such as the application of artificial nails such
as nail tips, acrylics and artificial nail gels. A manicurist can also apply treatments to real
nails, such as filing, polishing, and painting. Fancier manicures include painting pictures
or designs on the nails or applying small decals or imitation jewels.
In many areas, manicurists are regulated and must be licensed. Since the skin is being
manipulated and sometimes trimmed, and because there is a risk of infection when tools
are used on multiple people, proper sanitation is critical.
History
It began 5000 years ago. In India, henna was used for manicure. The term mehendi, used
synonymously for henna, derives from the Sanskrit mehandika. Much of the modern
