Getting a French Manicure in Paris for $160; Long lasting and worthwhile

• I get professional manicures monthly and have tried everything from Russian to Japanese techniques.
• On a recent trip to Paris, I decided to treat myself to a $160 French manicure.
• Although the technique wasn’t as unique as other manicures I’ve tried, I was happy with the results.

In preparation for my first trip to Paris, I prepared the usual itinerary – museums, restaurants and boutiques. However, I also knew that this would be the perfect opportunity to experience a French manicure, both in style and technique.

Unlike the Japanese gel and Russian manicures I’ve tried recently, French manicures (a solid color base with a half-moon tip in a different color) aren’t necessarily French. They are a US invention invented in the 1970s and inspired by French fashion and beauty aesthetics.

Still, as a nail lover who gets a monthly manicure, I’m always curious about what it’s like in other countries. Personally, I also think it’s funny to say that I got a French mani in France.

From finding a salon in a foreign country to the actual manicure process, here’s how it went.