The basic manicure is the most rudimentary option listed on the menu. It lays the groundwork for all other manicure styles. With a basic manicure, you'll experience the standard treatments that come with cleaning and shaping, such as trimming, filing, buffing, and removing cuticles. More often than not, you'll also receive a hand massage. Many people may not realise that getting nail polish applied at the end of this type of manicure is completely optional — you can simply go in for just the shaping treatment and leave with bare nails.
If you do opt for polish, the nail technician will most likely apply a base coat, followed by two coats of nail colour, and a top coat. Then, they'll set you up at a hand dryer where you'll sit until it's safe to leave. While it differs from place to place, a standard manicure is always going to be the cheapest option on the menu — usually around $20. Nail polish with this kind of manicure usually lasts about a week, though minimal chipping can occur before that time. When you want to remove it, you can do so at home with regular nail polish remover.