With French manicures in the 1970s, acrylic nails in the 1980s, and square and oval nail forms in the 1990s and early 2000s, nail care methods and aesthetics have changed over time. Now, clean aesthetics are reigning supreme with the trendy Russian manicure, which has gone viral for its impeccable results and immaculate nails that almost appear photoshopped. This unique approach to nail care has gained popularity among nail artists and has even gained viral status on social media. The Russian nail technique is a must-try for everyone who likes a simple, minimalist nail look.
What is the Russian Nail Method? A Dry, Precision-Based Manicure Technique
The goal of the dry nail care approach known as the Russian nail method is to have clean, well-groomed nails. It is more intricate and precise than traditional manicures, using a special nail drill to clean and remove excess cuticle skin around the nail bed. To expose healthier, smoother nails, this technique also gently files away dead skin cells. The Russian nail technique encourages the development of thicker, healthier nails and guarantees a manicure that lasts longer. It is suitable for those who are new to nail care and does not require water soaking.
Traditional/Gel Manicures vs. Russian Manicures: Key Differences
Traditional or gel manicures and Russian manicures both clean, shape, and improve the overall look of nails, but they differ greatly in how they go about it and how much detail goes into it. After soaking the nail, the cuticle is carefully pushed back and clipped in a traditional or gel manicure. After that, the nails undergo shaping, filing, and polishing. The goal is to get a glossy appearance with little to no cuticle work.
The manicure for people obsessed with a clean beauty look is the Russian nail technique. To guarantee that the nails are free of any dead skin or flaws, this stylish technique carefully cleans and prepares the nail beds. The Russian nail procedure involves cutting, filing, and cuticle removal in a dry manner.
5 Steps Are Needed to Achieve a Russian Manicure
To attain a needed clean aesthetic appearance, Russian nails require several processes. This detailed method can be better understood by following this step-by-step guide:
- Step: Nail Preparation and Cleaning
To prepare the nails for the first time in a Russian manicure or pedicure, any previous nail lacquer must be carefully removed. The skin around the nails should be cleaned with a gentle brush. Don’t forget to clean the area around the edges and under the nails of any debris or dead skin cells. For a gel manicure that lasts and doesn’t chip, our Nail Cleaner Prep pads remove oils and dust.
- Step: Cuticle Removal and Nail Buffing
Next, use an electrical nail file or drill to trim the excess skin surrounding the nail bed. For a neat, close trim, use the same drill to remove the cuticles beneath the nail bed. To get the nail bed ready for polishing, use an electronic buffer to smooth out any ridges or surface flaws. This will bring out the nails’ inherent luster and give them a clean, healthy look.
c’est la vie! If you don’t have an electronic buffer, Our 4-sided buffer nail block is an essential item for nail bed preparation. You can get the perfect Russian manicure by utilizing each side to help you file, shape, buff, and finish your nails!
- Step: Gentle Filing
To customize the shape of your nails, use a fine-grit nail file. It might be square, oval, almond, or any other shape you like. To avoid damaging your nails, carefully file their edges in a single direction.
- Step: Paint Your Nails
Put on the nail paint of your choice. To protect your nails, start with a base coat, being careful not to leave any space between the nail and the skin. The base coat, color, and top coat are all included in one bottle of our specially-made gel polish if you’re using Le Mini Macaron’s (which we hope you are!). Our special one-step, three-in-one gel polish recipe dries in our Le Maxi in 60 seconds and under our tiny LED lamp in just 30 seconds!
- Step: Hydration and Moisturization
Applying a moisturizing cuticle oil or lotion to the nails and surrounding skin will finish the Russian manicure. By avoiding dryness and brittleness, this preserves the nails’ strength and health.
Through meticulous nail care for both manicures and pedicures, the Russian nail system aims to create clean, healthy, and long-lasting nails. You can profit from well-maintained Russian nails for up to three weeks if you follow the precise steps of cuticle softening, removal, light filing, buffing, and hydration. For gorgeous, strong, and long-lasting nails, the Russian manicure technique is worth trying out whether you’re a professional technician or just a nail care enthusiast.
What are the benefits of a Russian manicure?
Kamola Malikova is the co-founder of Minx Nails in Los Angeles, California. According to her, the Russian manicure is not only more aesthetically beautiful but also lasts significantly longer than other manicures, resulting in fewer trips to the salon.
Additionally, clients may see an improvement in their nail development over time due to the meticulous attention to detail and the care taken with the real nail (nothing is rushed during this manicure). “We are very careful when it comes to removing gel with drills,” adds Malikova. “Due to a lack of knowledge in this technique, many places unnecessarily file down the nails, which leaves them thin and brittle. To maintain the strength and health of the nail underneath, we carefully remove the gel and take our time.
Since I couldn’t travel to Los Angeles to make a reservation at Minx, I went to LY Beauty, a salon in Chelsea, London, that provides Russian manicure service. The finished product was really “clean,” and it’s arguably the most attractive manicure I’ve ever had. My fingernails resemble press-ons, only they stay in place.
However, the reputation of the Russian manicure is not good.
For an added touch, selecting colors that suit your personal style can enhance the beauty of the Russian manicure. Considering a color analysis that aligns with your unique undertones can help you pick shades that bring out your best features, adding an extra layer of elegance to your overall look.
Is the Russian manicure safe?
Malikova concurs that the procedure can be hazardous in the hands of an inexperienced person. Therefore, you should avoid trying it at home. Malikova, who employs people with Russian training, claims that “all of my technicians are trained with a minimum of five to seven years’ experience.” “There, standards are far higher. An infection could result from not sterilizing your tools, and if someone is not familiar with the drill’s strength, they could pierce or penetrate the nail bed and surrounding skin.”
What about the claim that the epidermis covering the nail serves as an infection-prevention mechanism? Would the danger of infection rise if it were removed? Malikova claims that she has not witnessed this occur and that if it did, her company would probably have to close.
Nina Prisk, an aesthetic nurse on Harley Street, agrees. “In addition to lowering the chance of infection, seeing a skilled and knowledgeable professional can also lessen the possibility of problems if the operation is performed incorrectly,” she writes. Prisk asserts, however, that present regulations in the UK do not require aesthetic practitioners to possess any kind of certification. Nina cautions, “The same can be said for nail technicians,” This implies that anyone can complete a training program and thereafter be authorized to administer therapies. Because of this, you must take precautions to lower risk.
As a result, Malikova uses hospital-grade sterilizers and makes sure that all of the equipment and tables are thoroughly cleaned after every procedure. According to her, every salon that offers a Russian manicure ought to come equipped with hospital-grade disinfection.
How much does a Russian manicure cost?
Given the specialized expertise, equipment, and time needed, you should budget a little more for a Russian manicure than for standard gels or acrylics. Malikova costs $90 for a Russian manicure with gel paint in her salon in Los Angeles, whereas LY Beauty charges £50 (about $56). However, you might discover that you save money by scheduling fewer treatments as the Russian manicure lasts longer.
Where can I get a Russian manicure?
Despite their increasing popularity, Russian manicures are not as widely available as conventional gels and acrylics because they require specialized training and sterile equipment.
It should go without saying that you should not choose cheap and cheery for this manicure. Always visit a respectable salon or a licensed professional and inquire about their level of training in this method, their length of practice, and their use of sterile equipment. If it’s uncomfortable for you? Just leave.
Are you ready to try the precision of the Russian manicure? Share your experiences with us in the comments below!
