A manicure is a cosmetic beauty treatment for the fingernails and hands, performed at home or in a nail salon. A manicure consists of filing and shaping of the free edge, pushing (with a cuticle pusher) and clipping (with cuticle nippers) any nonliving tissue (limited to cuticle and hangnails), treatments, massage of the hand, and the application of fingernail polish. When applied to the toenails and feet, this treatment is referred to as a pedicure.

Some manicures can include the painting of pictures or designs on the nails, or applying small decals or imitation jewels.

In many areas, manicurists are licensed and follow regulations. Since skin is manipulated and is sometimes trimmed, there is a certain risk of spreading infection when tools are used across many people; therefore, sanitation is a serious issue