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The Russian manicure is a trend that is spoken about among nail technicians. Yet, it has recently begun to garner significant popularity and even viral status on social media.
Russian manicure is one of the most searched terms on Google right now, and if you look around on TikTok, you’ll see many videos of nails that look so perfect they must have been photoshopped. It has been reported that models Kendall Jenner and Jasmine Tookes are both fans of the Russian manicure, with Tookes telling her Instagram followers that she will never have a “regular” manicure again.
Considering this, it’s tough to maintain complete disinterest. Nonetheless, many experts in the nail industry view the Russian manicure with suspicion. Please visit Maby blog to update the latest nail news.
What exactly is a Russian manicure?
A Russian manicure is a dry manicure, which means no soaking in water is required. The procedure entails very accurate cuticle manipulation, which frequently involves the use of a nail drill and other specialized tools to clean and remove superfluous skin surrounding the nail bed.
“The technique originated in Russia,” says Kamola Malikova, owner of Minx Nails in Los Angeles. “The Russian manicure has spread to Ukraine, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan. Traditional methods are no longer practiced in these countries because it has become so mainstream.”
Since then, a few UK-based salons, primarily in London, have begun to offer the Russian manicure, which may be done with either regular polish or gel. “First, we use an electronic file to carefully remove any old gel on the nail,” Malikova explains. “The nail technician will then work on the contour of the nail before polishing the nail bed. Following that, each cuticle is thoroughly removed.” According to Malikova, some specialists use scissors at the very end of the process, while others only use a drill.
The Russian manicure is significantly more elaborate and painstakingly perfect than the versions we’re used to. Malikova estimates that clients will spend approximately two hours in the chair. “The longest part is applying the nail color,” she says. “We apply a customized base coat and let it dry completely. The color is then applied, followed by a firm gel overlay.”
The step of painting the nails is very crucial. Malikova explains that because the polish is put under the cuticle, natural regrowth is negligible. In fact, the manicure will still look great after four weeks! Those with hectic schedules will benefit greatly from this method, Malikova says. You are spending two hours at the salon, which is OK, but you can space out your visits.
What are the advantages of getting a Russian manicure?
Malikova points out that the Russian manicure is not only aesthetically beautiful but also lasts significantly longer than other manicures, resulting in fewer trips to the salon. Clients may also experience improved nail growth due to the manicure’s focus on precision and care with the real nail (nothing is rushed during this manicure). Malikova emphasizes the importance of caution when using drills to remove gel. “Most salons don’t have technicians educated in this method, so they file the nails down too much, causing them to become weak and brittle. We take our time and carefully remove the gel to protect the nail underneath.”
Instead of flying to Los Angeles to visit Minx, where they do Russian manicures, I went to LY Beauty in Chelsea, London. This is the best-looking manicure I’ve ever gotten, and the process was incredibly “clean.” My nails have the appearance of press-ons (but they stay on).
However, the Russian manicure is not as popular as it once was.
Why is the Russian manicure so contentious?
There are several potential dangers when removing gel polish by drilling into the nail bed rather than soaking the nails in foil and acetone. In order to remove the cuticle, the nail technician uses an electric file to open the eponychium, as described by Dr. Unnati Desai, medical director at Skinfluencer London. The eponychium is the calloused skin that covers the nail beds of the fingers and toes.
Dr. Desai explains that its purpose is to prevent bacteria from entering the space between the nail and the epidermis. There is a significant risk of infection if it is removed, thus I would never advise doing so. Dr. Desai notes that people with darker skin tones may experience hyperpigmentation in the nail bed as a reaction to the treatment.
There are also some skeptics among industry insiders. According to Tinu Bello, senior brand ambassador for Mylee, “I would caution against a Russian manicure unless it is done by a skilled expert.” Using a cuticle pusher [wooden stick or metal] to push them back and nippers to snip any hangnails or dead skin, which neatens the region, is still the best way to keep cuticles in order.
Is it safe to use a Russian manicure?
Malikova acknowledges the potential risk posed by the method in the wrong hands. So, it is not something you should do on your own. Malikova only employs Russian-educated professionals, and she boasts, “All of my technicians are trained with a minimum of five to seven years of experience.” “The bar is set significantly higher in that region. Aside from the risk of infection from using unclean tools, there is also the risk of injury to the nail bed and surrounding skin if one does not know the drill’s strength.”
And what about the claim that protecting the nail bed from germs is why the skin extends over it? Could the danger of infection rise if it were to be taken out? To Malikova’s knowledge, this has never occurred, and if it did, her company would be out of business in no time.
Nina Prisk, an aesthetic nurse who works on Harley Street, agrees. The risk of infection can be eliminated and the likelihood of complications during the treatment can be reduced if you see a trained and experienced practitioner, she says. But, according to Prisk, qualifications for aesthetic practitioners in the UK are not required as of yet. Nail salons are in the same boat, Nina says. “This opens the door for anyone to take a training course and then practice medicine. That’s why it’s so important to take precautions to avoid harm.”
Malikova uses hospital-grade sterilizers to assure the cleanliness of her clinic and the safety of her patients. Any salon advertising a Russian manicure should use hospital-grade disinfection, according to her.
What is the price of a Russian manicure?
A Russian manicure will likely set you back a little more than your standard gel or acrylic service because to the additional time and effort involved. Russian manicures with gel polish cost £50 (about $56) at LY Beauty but $90 at Malikova’s L.A. salon. But, you may up up saving money because a Russian manicure lasts longer and requires fewer touch-ups.
Where is the best place to get a Russian manicure?
Russian manicures are becoming increasingly popular, but because they call for specialized training and sterilization equipment, they are not as widely available as regular gel and acrylic manicures.
It goes without saying that you shouldn’t skimp on quality for the sake of price when getting a manicure. Always visit a reputed salon or skilled practitioner, and make sure they have the proper training and experience, as well as proof that they are using clean tools. What happens if you aren’t at ease? Just get up and leave. Also you can refer to: Top Nail Trends for 2023.