By Red Dimaandal-Escamillas
For so many years, the Russian manicure remained a salon industry secret, with only a few nail artists performing the method. But once it went viral on Tiktok, it started to gain serious popularity, and now Russian manicure devotees say that they are not going back to the regular manicure again.
The Russian manicure actually isn’t anything new–the only difference is that now more people know about it. The term actually refers to a grooming technique, as opposed to a visual style, not like the French manicure.
What is Russian Manicure
The Russian Manicure, also known as a dry manicure or electric file manicure, involves using an electric drill bit to file down the cuticles and shape the nails without water.
In an interview for Harper’s Bazaar, celebrity manicurist and educator Julie Kandalec said that Russian manicure is a “high-end, specialized type of manicure that utilizes detailed cuticle exfoliation using an electric nail file with diamond bits and occasionally special, extremely sharp cuticle scissors.”
One nail drill is used to clean the nail bed, then a different type of drill bit is usually utilized to remove excess cuticle, and then lastly, the nail bed is polished.
What to expect
Unlike traditional nail salons where your hands are soaked in a bowl of warm water to soften dead skin cells followed by push-back tools to clip cuticles, Russian manicures clean up your cuticle by using electric nail bits.
Once your cuticles are cleaned, polishing is the next step. But before your nail tech applies your nail polish, a base coat is applied. Then comes the gel polish, which is applied with an artist brush and sealed with a top coat.
Is it safe?
Russian manicures require the utmost level of care and attention to prevent damage to your natural nail bed. So before you book, we urge you to carefully select a salon, as the technique is only safe when performed by a trained professional.
The technique isn’t inherently unsafe. In fact, it is just as safe as the traditional manicure when done correctly. Make sure your nail technician is certified, trained and follows strict hygiene protocols.
Where can I get a Russian Manicure?
Always go to a reputable salon or a qualified practitioner and ask if they are specially trained in this technique.
In the Philippines, you can get yours done at Benibana Beauty Hub, a Japanese Salon and Aesthetics Center or The Blowout Beauty Lounge, a premiere destination for high-end salon treatments.
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