Growing up, I was only really aware of two options at the nail salon—a manicure and a pedicure. Now, when I pop in for an appointment, I have to choose between UV gel, dip powder, regular nail polish and more. Lately, we’ve seen a handful of manicures from different countries. There’s, of course, the Russian manicure and the Japanese gel manicure, and now the British manicure, which aims to set a new standard in nail care with timeless, effortless beauty.
What is a British manicure?
The founder and CEO of Navy Professional Rebecca Crawforth tells us she’s the pioneer behind the British manicure movement. The style is “redefining the standard for natural, beautifully maintained nails.” She also notes, “Unlike the more defined French manicure, the British manicure embraces a refined, effortless elegance that prioritizes nail health and meticulous grooming.”
The sheer shades and attention to nail health remind us of the recent wellness nails trend. The foundation of a British manicure is “a perfectly prepared nail plate, immaculately groomed cuticles and a neatly trimmed, classic nail shape,” says Crawforth. The look is finished “with either a nourishing nail treatment to promote nail health or a soft, subtle, neutral shade that enhances the natural beauty of the nails.”
How to Get the British Manicure Look
Precision grooming is a key attribute of the British manicure, so expect expertly-maintained cuticles and a flawless, healthy nail plate, says Crawforth. The shape of a British manicure should be short and naturally elegant, with softly squared or rounded nails for a timeless, polished look, she notes.
The subtle sheer polish or leave-on treatment should enhance the nails rather than mask them, prioritizing nail care over bold color—think soap nail shades. The final touch is having hydrated hands. “Nourished and moisturized skin to complement the immaculate nail finish, ensuring an overall polished and well-cared-for appearance,” says Crawforth.
