Which type of manicure does not require soaking the nails?

The choice of a dry manicure is correct because it specifically involves performing the nail care without soaking the nails in water prior to the treatment. This technique is typically used to avoid over-softening the nail and surrounding skin, which can lead to issues during the manicure. Instead, a dry manicure focuses on pushing back the cuticles, trimming, filing, and polishing without the initial soaking step.

In contrast, other manicure types like gel, spa, and French manicures often involve soaking as part of their processes. A gel manicure requires thorough preparation of the nails before applying gel polish, and soaking may be involved to clean or prepare the nails, although this can vary based on technique. A spa manicure usually includes soaking the nails, often accompanied by massages and the use of scrubs, enhancing hydration and relaxation. A French manicure may also include soaking as part of the overall nail preparation to achieve a smooth canvas for the classic white tip. Thus, the dry manicure stands out for its distinct lack of soaking, making it the correct choice for this question.