Any additional nail care application is referred to as a “full-set manicure” in general. This can be dip powder, acrylic, nail polish, or even gel. A full-set manicure refers to a more comprehensive manicure approach rather than a specific or actual type of nail application.
In other words, the term “full set manicure” could theoretically be applied to any or all types of manicures.
It might offer nail overlay or even extension (for strength). Or it might just be fashion and art.
So, if you’re new to the nail industry and want to review the fundamentals of what might be offered as part of this service, you’ve come to the right place.
I’ll give you a brief overview of the various nail applications, their prices, and whether you can save some money by performing them at home below.
What Does a Full Set Manicure Consist Of?
A base coat, middle layers (the colors), and a shielding top coat are typically the components of a full set manicure. Nevertheless, what is included will entirely depend on the nail application you choose.
Every one differs in terms of its processes, end results, and even its durability.
So let’s go over the top four nail applications and what they actually entail, which you can easily find in your neighborhood salon.
Acrylic
One of the most common methods for applying false nails is acrylic overlays. Acrylic nails are a service that the majority of nail salons provide.
An acrylic overlay is applied in about 1 hour and 30 minutes and is made of a mixture of a liquid monomer and a powder polymer.
Prior to gradually adding layers of acrylic overlay to build a strong and protective nail, your nail technician will begin by cleaning your nails.
This may not be the best option if you have sensitive skin because each layer is UV-cured.
A high-quality acetone solution must be used to remove an acrylic nail manicure, which if done correctly, can last for 2 to 3 weeks.
Gel
A gel manicure lasts just as long as an acrylic manicure, but it applies in about half the time, or about 45 minutes.
An ordinary manicure and one done with gel polish are very comparable.
Your nail technician will apply a nourishing base coat after cleaning and trimming your cuticles and nails.
Then, one or more coats of gel polish will be applied on top of this.
UV light is used to cure gel polish, just like acrylic overlay. Again, if you have sensitive skin that doesn’t respond well to medium UV light exposure, this can make for a somewhat dubious choice.
To make your new manicure last as long as possible, a layer of protective top coat is applied after the gel polish has dried.
Dip Powder
Dip powder manicures are a little more recent on the salon scene, and they do involve a lot more steps than acrylic or gel manicures.
As with any manicure, this one begins with cleaning and trimming your nails and cuticles. However, in order to remove as much moisture from your nails as possible, your nail technician will also need to use special products.
Long-lasting dip powder manicures cannot survive moisture.
Dip powder nails, like gel and acrylic, can be applied directly to your natural nail or you can add tips to lengthen your nail, which is when these will be fastened.
Dip powder and bonder, which functions similarly to liquid glue, are combined to create dip powder manicures. To create a strong and secure dip powder nail, your nail technician will apply several layers of these products.
Dip powder doesn’t require UV light to cure, in contrast to gel and acrylic.
To increase the longevity of this manicure, which can last from three to six weeks, protective top coats are added after the layers of dip powder have dried.
Nail Polish
Simple: a manicure using conventional nail polish. However, it only lasts for about a week and only takes about 30 minutes to complete.
The process starts with a quick cuticle and nail trim, followed by two or three layers of your preferred color over a nourishing base coat to prevent staining.
A quick swipe with the top coat is applied after that has dried, and you are then good to go.
How Long Do Full Set Manicures Last?
The lifespan of each full-set manicure varies. Traditional nail polish only lasts for a generous seven days, while acrylic lasts about three weeks, gels last about three weeks, dip powder lasts anywhere from three to six weeks, and dip powder is a good option for long-lasting power.
How to Ensure Your Full Set Lasts
But there are some things you can do to maintain your full set manicure in top condition and in stunning condition for as long as possible.
Avoid Water Contact
Any nail polish you have applied will become weak and brittle if it comes into contact with water for an extended period of time, especially warm, soapy water.
So, stay away from water if you want your manicure to last as long as possible.
If this isn’t possible, spend money on a good pair of rubber gloves to protect your hands and nails while they are submerged in water.
Use Premium Products
Cutting corners with your products can eventually cost you more money.
Use top-notch, long-lasting products if you want nails that are of the highest quality and durability.
Yes, they are more expensive, but over time you’ll end up saving money because you won’t need to redo your nails every week but rather every month or even every two months.
Follow Application Steps
This one seems straightforward enough, but many of us, particularly those who do our nails at home, might skip steps to save time.
Don’t do this.
Observe each step exactly.
Every step has a purpose, and if you skip any of them, your manicures will likely split and prematurely flake off, which will look terrible and not last very long.
Where to Get a Full Set Manicure?
The majority of salons fortunately offer a range of manicure services that would include a full set. However, depending on where you go, you might not be able to find the more difficult or advanced full sets.
Unless a beauty salon only offers one particular manicure application, you can get a traditional nail polish manicure anywhere you go.
Most salons offer gel and acrylic nails, which are fairly common.
Regarding dip powder nails, this technique is a little more recent on the beauty scene. As a result, not all salons will provide this service.
Make sure to call ahead and confirm that your salon can perform a dip powder nail full set manicure if that’s what you really want.
Can You DIY a Full Set Manicure?
A full set manicure is doable on your own. Though your expertise, knowledge and product availability will dictate what kind if full set you can do.
The great thing about manicures is that you can easily find at-home starter kits on the Internet, and in the long run, doing them at home might even end up saving you a lot of money.
Complete at-home kits are readily available on Amazon, and your neighborhood pharmacy likely carries nail polishes and occasionally even gel nail products.
To avoid having to spend more money on replacing nails that won’t stay in place, make sure to choose a high-quality kit with high-quality products for your at-home, DIY full-set manicure.
It always pays to ask nearby nail technicians what brands they trust if you are unsure of which ones are reputable.
Some technicians will be delighted to make a trustworthy and expensive brand recommendation to you.
How Much is a Full Set Manicure?
Depending on where you go and what you ask for, a full set manicure can cost anywhere from $15 to 120 (and sometimes even more). Around $50 is typically the going rate.
The cost of your full set manicure will vary depending on the salon’s reputation, its location, and even the kind of manicure you select.
I can give you a general idea of how much these manicures might cost, but just be aware that if you go to a high-end salon and request a ton of nail art additions, the price may end up being higher.
In a Salon?
However, here is a quick average price list to get you started. If you’re visiting a salon, you can anticipate that most full-set manicure prices will vary from one location to the next.
- Nail Polish – $15 – $50
- Gel Nails – $35 – $120
- Acrylic Nails – $35 – $120
- Dip Powder Nails – $40 – $95
- Shellac Nails – $30 – $70
At Home?
If you decide to DIY your full set manicure, you should be aware that the upfront costs might seem a little higher than simply visiting a salon for your manicure.
However, you’ll start saving money right away.
Again, you’ll want to go with a pretty reliable and high-quality brand, and many kits can cost anywhere from $50 to a good couple of hundred for an all in beginners kit, regardless of your nail application choice.
However, if you want to DIY your manicure, you can get all the supplies for $20 at a nearby pharmacy or even online.
What’s the Difference Between Infill and Full Set Nails?
It is known as an infill, refill, or rebalance (same thing, different names) when you add product on top of product. , Affective and personality disorders are her areas of expertise as an associate pranic healer. A full set entails creating artificial nails from scratch.
What is the Difference Between a Full Set and a Fill?
At most once every two weeks, you should get your acrylic nails “filled.” You could easily have them fill just the tip with colored acrylic rather than getting a new full set if you don’t need a new full set because your nails are all lifting or you need or want colored tips applied.
Summary: Are You Ready to Get a Full Set Manicure?
A full-set manicure is a good place to start if you want to spoil yourself rotten. It requires less dedication than a completely new hairstyle but lasts long enough to let you enjoy a lovely full set of nails.
The only challenge you’ll face is selecting the nail application and whether or not you want any small artistic additions.
