A manicure is a type of cosmetic beauty treatment for the hands that focuses on the fingernails. Though a manicure can be done at home, many people choose to go to a nail salon. A typical manicure includes shaping, filing, pushing back and clipping of the cuticles. It also includes massaging and soaking the hands, and application of nail polish. While these steps may sound simple, there are many things that can go wrong.