July 28th, 2025
Hi Yappers!!
You might’ve seen me break down the difference in how wet and dry (Russian) manicures are done, if you haven’t but are interested in learning about the different tools used, click here to see the post. Today we will go more in depth on the topic and talk about how to choose the right service for your hands, believe it or not, your lifestyle, daily activities and nail goals play a big factor in choosing the right service.
🌊 Wet Manicure: The Traditional Girlie
A wet manicure (what most people think of when they hear “manicure”) involves soaking your hands in warm, soapy water to soften the skin before trimming and pushing cuticles. In this manicure the massage is performed before polishing.
✨ Pros:
- Can be quicker with the average time being 45 minutes-1 hour, If you need a quick simple emergency service this is ideal.
- Perfect for low maintenance girls. If you like to keep your nails short, and perfectly neatly cleaned.
- If you like to keep your nails unpolished, this is a perfect clean up, with the right technique your cuticles will be healthy and perfectly clean at the end!
- Great for first timers, people with sensitive skin and kids.
🛑 Things to Know:
- Because water temporarily expands the nail plate, gel or enhancements might not last as long. The longer you can expect the polish to last is 3-4 weeks. With extreme after care at home and if you have the proper nail plates they could last up to 6 weeks. However, because it is not structured it is not recommended to go over 3 weeks due to the polishing being soft, going longer without maintenance will weaken your nails and potentially cause breakage.
- Not ideal for clients prone to lifting or sweating of hands.
- Needs to be soaked off every single time. Yes, you cannot refill or rebalance, and if you don’t go back to get a professional soak off your nails could potentially get damaged if you rip them off or go to the wrong person for it.
- Maintenance time: if you like to keep your nails polished, you will need to be going to the salon or your private nail tech, every three weeks for the proper removal process.
- Nail art you can achieve is very limited to basics 2d and simple french.
✂️ Dry/Russian Manicure: The Precision Queen
Dry manicures (especially the Russian method) are done without soaking. Instead, an e-file is used to very gently remove dead skin and perfectly prep the cuticle area. Think snatched. Most techs do not offer a soak at all, however at Yap&nails, every service receives a pampering session at the end that includes a warm relaxing hand soak in rose scented epsom salts, and hydrating soap. Followed by a scrub session and a relaxing massage followed by a steamed towel. That’s what I call pampering. Let’s dive into the pros and cons.
✨ Pros:
- Super clean, precise, and long-lasting.
- Perfect for gel polish, structured manicures, or extensions.
- Better adhesion because the nail plate isn’t expanded by water.
- Your photos will look chef’s kiss perfect 😮💨
- You can grow your natural nails or add extensions to make them as long as you wish allowing you to explore a wider variety of shapes.
- The structure of the products used in this service allows you to explore intricate nail art.
- Lasts longer and you can refill, rebalance it instead of soaking off every single time.
- Can last max 8 weeks with proper aftercare.
- Refills every 3 weeks, rebalances every 4-6 weeks are recommended.
🛑 Things to Know:
- It can feel intense if you’re used to wet manicures — but I promise it’s gentle when done professionally.
- Some techs and salons don’t offer the warm water and pampering at all.
🌿 Let’s Talk Lifestyle:
Your manicure should fit your lifestyle, not just look cute for Instagram (though we love that too 💁♀️). Here’s how to choose based on how you live:
👩💼 Busy Babes (Work, School, On-the-Go)
Go for: Dry/Russian
Why? Less maintenance, longer wear, and stronger adhesion means fewer chips between appointments. After 6 weeks your nails will still look perfect and almost no lifting if you do the proper aftercare! Don’t believe me? Check out my “retention” highlight on insta here.
And if you ever wish to completely skip the soak at the end? Just speak up!! I want you to feel comfortable speaking up for yourself.
🧴 Clean girl (Always Moisturized and Neat)
- Both are fine, but you’ll get longer-lasting results with a dry mani — especially if you’re doing gel or builder.
🧼 Always Cleaning / Hairdresser / In Water Often?
- Dry manicures win here too! Wet manicures + frequent water exposure = lifting, peeling, frustration 😩
🧘♀️ Spa Girlies (Mani is Me Time)
- Wet manicures are lovely if you’re looking for a relaxing, skin-softening moment. Want long wear? Choose a Russian manicure you get the same soakless treatment and the pampering at the end.
✨ Pro Tip: Upgrade with our $25 Paraffin Treatment:
Includes rose petals, luxe rose scrub, honey paraffin dip, and a milk + honey mask before your hot towel moment. Worth it.
💌 Final Thoughts
No matter what you choose, your experience at Yap & Nails will be safe, judgment-free, and tailored to you. Your nails are more than just nails—they’re part of your confidence, your self-expression, and your everyday life.
Still unsure which one to book? Slide into my DMs or leave a note when you book online — I got you. 💕
👉 Book your manicure at yapnails.com/booking
📍 South Florida’s safe space for self-expression.