The Russian manicure originated in Russia and is also known as an e-file or dry manicure. Depending on what you have done, it can take between two and five hours to complete due to the intricacy of the cuticle work performed by a trained technician.

During the Russian gel manicure process, your nail technician chooses a base coat for your nail’s length and level of strength. They also apply high-quality gel polish to your nails starting under the cuticle using a thin brush, which helps give the manicure a flawless TikTok-ready look and helps it last for a month or longer.

How to Do a Russian Manicure?

The Russian manicure requires your technician to perform a detailed step-by-step process to get the signature seamless look. Each step takes around 15 to 20 minutes to complete. Russian manicure steps include:

1. Clean the nail bed

The first step in the Russian manicure process is to clean the nail bed. This step varies from a traditional manicure, where you soak your fingers in warm water to soften and loosen the dead skin cells on your cuticles.

Your technician uses an electric drill bit to clean your nail bed. If you have old polish on your nails, this step removes it and cleans the surface for your new gel.

2. Remove the cuticle

A Russian manicure requires using an electric nail bit instead of the push-back tools used in a traditional manicure. Using an electric drill bit, your nail technician removes dead skin cells. They may also use cuticle scissors to remove dead or loose skin.

3. Polish the nail bed and create the desired shape

Your technician uses a different electronic filing tool to polish your nail bed and prepare it for your base coat. During this third step, they also give your nail the desired shape.

4. Apply special base coat

Before applying your colored top coat, your technician coats your nail in a special base coat. Typically, this base coat is only used for Russian manicures and is selected based on the strength and length of your nails.

5. Apply the gel coat

The last step in the Russian manicure treatment is your top coat. Using an artist brush, your nail technician applies high-quality gel polish to a luxurious, clean look. They then seal your gel with a top coat for long-lasting results. Russian manicures don’t use toxic gels or acrylic nails; instead, this manicure focuses on the health of your nails in the long run.

Benefits of a Russian Manicure

The Russian manicure offers several benefits for those looking for a unique, picture-perfect look for their nails.

• Focuses on the health of your nails
• Offers an exquisite, polished look
• Can restore brittle, dry nails
• Looks great in pictures and online content
• Long-lasting, typically up to four or five weeks without touch-ups

Are There Risks When Getting a Russian Manicure?

Like any manicure process, there are a few risks when getting a Russian manicure. It is a more invasive manicure than the traditional acrylic or powder-dip options, which can cause issues if performed by an untrained technician.

As part of a Russian manicure, your nail technician opens up a part of your cuticle called the eponychium to remove your cuticle. The eponychium is the piece of skin that lies at the base of your growing nail.

Opening the eponychium allows your technician to put gel polish closer to your cuticle. However, opening this area can increase your risk of a bacterial or fungal nail infection unless performed by a trained technician.

Some people may wonder, is a Russian manicure safe? Fortunately, the risk of infection is minimal when you visit a qualified nail technician experienced in Russian manicure techniques. The process is safe and gentle, and you can rest assured that all tools are sterilized in a commercial autoclave to eliminate microbes.

You can avoid an infected Russian manicure by visiting a reputable salon with trained and skilled nail technicians. Professionally trained staff, like the nail technicians at the Nineteen85 Nail Bar, are qualified to perform Russian manicures. They use appropriate safety precautions such as sterilizing and disinfecting equipment to prevent infections.

Explore Manicure Options With Nineteen85 Nail Bar

The Nineteen85 Nail Bar is a professional nail salon offering Russian manicures in Burbank, California. Our skilled nail technicians are trained in the dry manicure process. We can give you a classic Russian manicure that looks perfect for your social media posts, important events, or everyday wear.

View our exciting photo gallery for design inspiration for your next manicure or pedicure, or speak with one of our nail technicians to learn more about our manicure options, including Russian, powder-dip, and acrylic manicures.