Russian manicure sets record. Next beauty salon visit postponed by a month

The "Russian manicure" is setting records on Instagram and TikTok. It's hardly surprising since it ensures a long-lasting effect. An ideally painted nail plate, free of any scratches, discoloration, or damage, can maintain its appearance for over a month. But why is this trendy technique called Russian? Although it's gaining new online traction, Russian manicurists have used this method since the 90s.

This isn’t about a specific color or painting technique, but it concerns the preparatory process of the nail plate. In a conventional manicure, professional manicurists use nail scissors to trim cuticles after soaking the nails. However, for a Russian manicure, the nail scissors are replaced with an electric nail drill.

The aforementioned drill is utilized at nearly every stage of nail preparation - from removing the cuticle, and shaping the nail, right up to polishing the nail matrix coated with a base.

Exhibiting perfectly smooth and clean nail plates is a distinguishing feature of the "Russian manicure." Opting for this technique means you should brace for a slightly longer stay at your beauty salon than usual. While a traditional manicure might take about an hour, the Russian counterpart could take up to two hours. However, this marginally extended process rewards you with outstanding durability, ensuring a flawless look for up to five weeks.

It’s important to note that due to the deployment of an electric drill, the Russian manicure could pose potential hazards if tried out at home by non-professionals. It is thus advised to leave it in the competent hands of a professional manicurist in a well-reputed beauty salon to avoid inflammation. Overzealous removal of cuticles, disrupting cuticle continuity, could lead to fungal, bacterial, and viral infections.