What's A Russian Manicure: Everything You Need To Know

Photo Credit: @_nail_art_house_

Do you adore beautifully groomed and precisely polished nails? If you're an avid fan of the clean beauty aesthetic, then you're bound to fall in love with the Russian manicure.

This nail technique involves very delicate cuticle work using a drill or other specialized tools. Its name comes from the multi-step nail process done by Russian nail technicians for years.

At a Glance

• A Russian manicure is a nail technique that involves meticulous cuticle work, resulting in a perfectly precise application.
• We don't recommend trying a Russian manicure on your own - it's a good idea to only go to a Russian manicure expert for a dry manicure.
• Russian manicures involve a dry process of filing, cutting, and removing the cuticles and excess skin with an electric file.
• Unlike traditional manicures, a Russian manicure service doesn't involve soaking the nail bed to soften the cuticles.

Keep reading to learn everything there is to know about the Russian manicure.

See Related: The 12 Top Nail Polish Brands Of 2024

What Is a Russian Manicure?

The Russian manicure is one of the latest trends in nail art and nail care. You might have seen it pop up on your TikTok, or maybe you saw it on celebs like Kendall Jenner. It's also referred to as a dry manicure or an e-file manicure.

This nail technique originated in Russia and soon spread to surrounding areas like Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. Russian manicures should be done by trained and experienced nail technicians who know what they're doing.

Photo Credit: @_nail_art_house_

Bonus: 13 Cute Beach-Themed Nails For A Tropical Getaway

Are Russian Manicures Safe?

Dry manicures require the utmost level of care and attention to prevent damage to your natural nail bed. Unlike traditional manicures, Russian manicures have the polish applied underneath the proximal nail fold. This is a breach in your nail's protective membrane which can lead to infection if done incorrectly.

The technique itself is not dangerous or unsafe. However, if not done properly, you can harm your natural nails. It's best to only get a Russian manicure from a technician trained in this nail care technique.

Can I Do a Russian Manicure at Home?

If you want to create stunning nail art at home, you don't need to try your hand at an e-file manicure. All it takes is a nail stamping plate to bring your creative vision to life! The nail stamping kits from Maniology feature all the items needed to create flawless and gorgeous designs.

Whether you want to create cute Halloween spiderwebs or Y2K-inspired aura nails, our stamping plates are limitless. You can create any design or pattern you can imagine with ease, all in the comfort of your own home!

Photo Credit: @janaxxnails

What Is the Difference Between a Russian Manicure and a Regular Manicure?

Unlike a traditional manicure, Russian manicures don't involve soaking your hands in a bowl of warm water. This is normally done to soften the dead skin cells and excess skin surrounding the nails. This makes it easier to push back the cuticles. Instead, Russian manicures clean up the cuticles with various electric drill bits.

This allows the cuticle to be trimmed as finely as possible to the highest level of accuracy. This precise cuticle work does make the process a bit lengthier.

What Does a Russian Manicure Include?

After the cuticles are carefully removed and the nail bed is filed into the desired shape, it comes time to apply the product.

A base coat designed for Russian manicures is applied before gel polish. The color is then sealed with a top coat, allowing the manicure can last weeks at a time. Usually, the base coat is selected based on the length and strength of the client's nails. This personalized approach is one of the many reasons why the Russian manicure technique has become so popular around the globe!

Photo Credit: @look_at_my_clean_nails

What Are the Benefits of a Russian Dry Manicure?

The main benefit of a Russian gel manicure is how long it lasts. A perfectly groomed Russian manicure can last upwards of three weeks with minimal or no chipping.

Another great thing about this specific technique is that the nails aren't soaked in acetone. Most of the gel polish is filed down with a nail drill, and a small amount of the previous gel is left remaining as long as there is no chipping or lifting.

After cuticle removal is complete, structure gel is reapplied. This specialized process helps nails grow and prevents dehydration.

However, it's not just your nail health that can benefit from a Russian manicure. It also looks so very aesthetically pleasing! 💅

Final Thoughts

Russian manicures are one of the hottest nail trends, effortlessly captivating nail art enthusiasts around the globe. However, you don't need to take a trip to your local salon to get a clean and crisp mani. You can easily DIY your own!

Though we don't recommend giving yourself a Russian manicure unless you're plenty experienced, that doesn't mean you can't try your hand at any other nail art techniques. The sky is the limit!

Photo Credit: @_nail_art_house_

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Do Russian Manicures Last So Long?

Because the gel polish is placed under the proximal nail fold, Russian manicures are able to last a long time. A precise Russian manicure can last up to three weeks with no chipping.

Why Is a Russian Manicure So Expensive?

Nail techs need specialized training, precise skill, and extra time to do a Russian manicure. Russian nails can cost a lot more than a standard gel manicure. For a dry manicure without any polish, you can pay as much as $50 to $70. For a single color using a structured gel polish, the cost increases to $70 to $90.

Keep Reading: 10 Red, White, And Blue Nail Ideas For The Fourth Of July

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At Maniology, we believe your nails are opportunities for adventure, fun, and unrestrained artistic expression. Our nail stamping plates and nail accessories are here to help foster your self-expression in the hopes of building a community of individuality. For more nail tutorials, subscription box updates, and designs, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok, LinkedIn, and YouTube.