What is a manicure?

A manicure is best defined as a cosmetic treatment that encompasses both the hands and fingernails. This service typically includes various procedures aimed at enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the hands and nails, such as shaping the nails, cuticle care, exfoliation, moisturizing, and applying nail polish. The goal of a manicure is to promote not only beauty but also nail health.

The other options, while related to nails and beauty, do not capture the full scope of a manicure. For example, applying nail polish only is a part of what may occur during a manicure, but it does not represent the complete treatment, which includes additional aspects of nail and hand care. Likewise, the process for removing gel nails pertains specifically to a particular type of manicure but does not encompass the entire treatment. Finally, a type of nail art design may be a decorative element that can accompany a manicure, but it does not define the service itself. Thus, the comprehensive nature of a manicure is accurately described as a cosmetic treatment of the hands and fingernails.