What should the finger bowl and brush be filled with during a manicure?

During a manicure, the finger bowl should typically be filled with warm water. Warm water helps to soften the skin and nails, making it easier to clean and perform various manicure services. The warmth is beneficial for relaxation and can enhance the overall experience for the client.

While options such as soap and warm water might seem appealing for cleaning, it is standard practice to soak the hands in plain warm water first, allowing for gentle cleansing and softening before any additional products are applied. Soap can come at a later stage in the process when cleaning the nails and surrounding areas but is not typically used in the soaking bowl itself. Cold water and ice would not provide the necessary warmth to soften the nails and skin effectively. Alcohol, while useful for disinfection, should not be mixed with warm water for soaking purposes, as it can irritate the skin and dry it out, which is the opposite of the intent during a manicure.