What Is a Russian Manicure? Everything You Need to Know.

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Even if you haven't heard the term Russian manicure, you've likely seen its flawless results on countless celebrity devotees. Why do they swear by this technique, even though it can take up to two hours to complete? Because it's durable, long-lasting, and impeccably elegant. It provides a pristine, photo-ready look that lasts over a month. While the initial appointment may require extra time, the extended wear and superior nail health benefits make it a worthwhile investment.

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The Russian manicure, also known as a dry manicure or an electric file manicure, involves using an electric drill bit to file down the cuticles and shape the nails without water, cuticle softeners, or removers.

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Russian manicure is a five to seven-step process. Unlike traditional nail salons, where hands are treated with cuticle remover to soften dead skin cells before using push-back tools and clippers, the Russian manicure cleans the cuticle using electric nail bits.

First, the nail bed is cleaned with one type of drill bit, then the cuticle is removed with a second type of drill bit. The third step involves polishing the nail bed and creating the desired shape.

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Once your cuticles are cleaned, polishing is the next step. But, before a nail expert applies your colored polish, a special base coat (strictly used only for Russian manicures) is applied. The base coat applied to your tips entirely depends on the strength of your nails. Then comes the gel polish, which is applied with an artist brush and sealed with a topcoat.

Though the process of a Russian Manicure sounds similar to that of a gel manicure, there's a core difference—the Russian Manicure technique specifically caters to the individual client's needs, hence why your base coat is selected based on the length and strength of your nail.

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Benefits of Russian Manicures

Durable and long-lasting: The gel used is quality and is applied in a particular way to help the manicure last over a month if necessary. A Russian manicure done right is so long-lasting—in fact, you won't need a touch-up until four weeks after your first appointment.

Less maintenance: The polish is applied close to the cuticle with a thin brush to eliminate that outgrown look. Keep in mind the process is very detailed, which is why it takes between two and three hours for the entire manicure.

Customized treatment: A key step in the Russian manicure process is using base coats tailored to the unique needs of each client's nails.

Non-toxic: Unlike other manicure techniques where length, shape, and design are prioritized, Russian manicures focus strictly on the health of your nails. No acrylics or toxic gel polish are allowed. Acrylic extensions are harmful to your nails and your health, so we only offer non-toxic hard gel extensions.

Our studio only hires technicians who have undergone professional training in Russia and have completed practical experience at Smart Nails Studio.

Everyone is free to make the best decision for the health of their nails.