{"id":5639,"date":"2026-04-22T10:00:58","date_gmt":"2026-04-22T10:00:58","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/baldheadedgirls.com\/?p=5639"},"modified":"2026-04-23T14:57:16","modified_gmt":"2026-04-23T14:57:16","slug":"whats-a-russian-manicure-why-is-it-controversial","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/baldheadedgirls.com\/index.php\/2026\/04\/22\/whats-a-russian-manicure-why-is-it-controversial\/","title":{"rendered":"What\u2019s A \u2018Russian\u2019 Manicure \u2014 & Why Is It Controversial?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Among nail artists, the Russian manicure is a beauty trend that is often spoken about in hushed tones. But it has been steadily growing in popularity over the past few years, and has recently reached a point of near-viral status on social media.<\/p>\n

\u2018Russian manicure near me\u2019 is currently a top Googled nail search, and on TikTok<\/a>, you\u2019ll spot countless videos featuring nails so immaculate, they almost appear photoshopped. Model devotees of the Russian manicure supposedly include Kendall Jenner<\/a> and Jasmine Tookes<\/a>, with the latter announcing to her followers on Instagram Stories that she wasn\u2019t going back to a \u2018normal\u2019 manicure ever again. <\/p>\n

With that in mind, it\u2019s hard not to be a little intrigued. But many nail technicians think the Russian manicure is controversial. <\/p>\n

What is a Russian manicure?<\/h2>\n

For the uninitiated, a Russian manicure is a dry manicure, so no soaking in water is required. The technique consists of very precise cuticle work, often involving a nail drill and other special equipment to clean and remove excess skin around the nail bed.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe technique originated in Russia,\u201d explains Kamola Malikova, founder of Los Angeles-based nail salon Minx Nails<\/a>. \u201cThe Russian manicure has moved into places like Ukraine, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan. In these countries, it has gone so mainstream that traditional methods are no longer used.\u201d<\/p>\n

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@nailmartusa<\/a> What do you guys think of this idea? #russianmanicureseries<\/a> #russianmanicure<\/a> #nailtutorials<\/a> #nailtipsandtricks<\/a> \u266c original sound \u2013 Nail Mart USA<\/a> <\/section>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Since then, a handful of US-based salons, particularly in New York, have started offering the Russian manicure, which can be performed either with normal polish or gel. \u201cFirstly, we carefully remove any previous gel on the nail with an electronic file,\u201d Malikova explains. \u201cThen the nail technician works on the actual shape of the nail, before polishing the nail bed. After which, every cuticle is carefully removed.\u201d Malikova says that some technicians work with scissors at the very last stage, but some work just with a drill.<\/p>\n

Being much more intricate and painstakingly precise, the Russian manicure takes a lot longer than the versions we\u2019re used to. Malikova says clients should expect to spend around two hours in the chair. \u201cApplication of the nail color is the longest part,\u201d she says. \u201cWe use a specialized base coat and allow it to dry properly. This is followed by a hard gel overlay and then by the color.\u201d<\/p>\n

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The nail painting is important to the process, too. Malikova explains that the polish is applied deep under<\/em> the cuticle, which allows for minimal natural regrowth. In fact, clients can expect the manicure to last for roughly four weeks. \u201cThis technique is amazing for people who are busy,\u201d Malikova adds. \u201cYes, you are spending two hours in the salon, but you don\u2019t need to come every week.\u201d<\/p>\n

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@violetluxe_<\/a> No more reg manicures! #russianmanicure<\/a> #pamperday<\/a> #dayinlifevlog<\/a> #vancouvertiktok<\/a> \u266c Forever \u2013 Labrinth<\/a> <\/section>\n<\/blockquote>\n

What are the benefits of a Russian manicure?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

As well as being aesthetically pleasing, as Malikova notes, the Russian manicure lasts much longer than other manicures, so there are fewer frequent salon visits. Plus, given the attention to detail and the care taken with the actual nail (nothing is rushed during this manicure), clients may even notice their nail growth improving over time. \u201cWe are very careful when it comes to removing gel with drills,\u201d Malikova says. \u201cA lot of places haven\u2019t been trained in this technique and file down too much so that the nails end up thin and brittle. We remove the gel carefully and take our time so the nail underneath stays healthy and strong.\u201d<\/p>\n

I was unable to jet off to L.A. to book in at Minx, but I visited LY Beauty<\/a> in London, a salon that offers the Russian manicure service. The end result was very \u2018clean,\u2019 and it\u2019s probably the nicest-looking manicure I\u2019ve ever had. My nails almost look like press-ons<\/a> (only they don\u2019t fall off). <\/p>\n

That said, the Russian manicure has a bad rap.<\/p>\n

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@emmaavishort<\/a> #russianmanicuremanhattan<\/a> \u266c Buttercup \u2013 Jack Stauber<\/a> <\/section>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Why is the Russian manicure controversial?<\/h2>\n

When you\u2019re drilling closely into the nail bed \u2014 or drilling at all to remove gel polish, rather than soaking using foils and acetone \u2014 there are several risks. As Dr. Unnati Desai, medical director at Skinfluencer London<\/a>, outlines: \u201cDuring a Russian manicure, the nail technician uses an electric file to open up the eponychium to remove the cuticle.\u201d The eponychium is essentially the thickened layer of\u00a0skin\u00a0at the base of the\u00a0fingernails and toenails. <\/p>\n

\u201cIts function is to protect the area between the nail and\u00a0epidermis\u00a0from exposure to bacteria,\u201d says Dr. Desai.\u00a0\u201cBy removing it, there is a real risk of infection, so I would never recommend it.\u201d When this treatment is performed on darker skin types, adds Dr. Desai, there is a risk of hyperpigmentation<\/a> in the area around the nail in response to the injury caused.<\/p>\n

Some industry insiders have their reservations about this practice, too. \u201cI would caution against a Russian manicure, unless it is done by a trained professional,\u201d notes Tinu Bello, senior brand ambassador for Mylee<\/a>.\u00a0\u201cThe traditional method [of tidying up cuticles] is still best: using a cuticle pusher [wooden stick or metal] to push them back, and to just use nippers to clip any hangnails or dead skin, which neatens up the area.\u201d<\/p>\n

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@shevymalibu<\/a> follow 4 more \ud83e\udef6\ud83c\udffb #fallnails<\/a>#fallnailideas<\/a>#fallnailideas2022<\/a>#autumnnails<\/a>#autumnnails2022<\/a>#darkrednails<\/a>#cherrynails<\/a>#manicureinspo<\/a>#russianmanicure<\/a>#russianmanicurenyc<\/a>#russianmanicuretutorial<\/a>#whatnailsdoiget<\/a> \u266c syrup by solomon \u2013 joe \u2661<\/a> <\/section>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Is the Russian manicure safe?<\/h2>\n

Malikova agrees that in untrained hands, the technique can be dangerous. As a result, it is definitely not one to try at home. \u201cAll of my technicians are trained with a minimum of five to seven years\u2019 experience,\u201d says Malikova, who hires individuals trained in Russia. \u201cStandards are much higher there. If you don\u2019t sterilize your instruments, there is the possibility for infection, and if someone doesn\u2019t know the strength of the drill, they can penetrate or pierce the nail bed and the skin around it.\u201d <\/p>\n

And what of the argument that the skin over the nail is there to prevent infection? Could removing it increase the infection risk? Malikova says she has not seen this happen \u2014 and that her business would likely be shut down if so. <\/p>\n

Harley Street aesthetic nurse Nina Prisk<\/a> holds a similar opinion. \u201cEnsuring that you visit a qualified and experienced practitioner will not only help to eliminate any risk of infection but also reduce the risk of complications if the procedure isn\u2019t carried out correctly,\u201d she notes. \u201cThe same can be said for nail technicians,\u201d Nina warns. \u201cThis means that anyone can go on a training course and then be allowed to perform treatments. For this reason, it\u2019s vital that you take steps to stay safe in order to reduce risk.\u201d<\/p>\n

Because of this, Malikova works with hospital-grade sterilizers and ensures every table and all the instruments are properly sterilized after each treatment. Hospital-grade disinfectant should be standard with any salon offering a Russian manicure, she says.<\/p>\n

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@lyss.mia<\/a> the CLEANEST and only nail salon i will ever go to in nyc #russianmanicure<\/a> #nail<\/a> #manicure<\/a> #nyc<\/a> \u266c original sound \u2013 nicole<\/a> <\/section>\n<\/blockquote>\n

How much does a Russian manicure cost?<\/h2>\n

You should expect a Russian manicure to cost slightly more than regular gels or acrylics given the special training and equipment required, plus the time it takes. In New York, the average cost of a Russian manicure typically starts at around $100. However, as the Russian manicure lasts longer, you may find you save money with less frequent appointments.<\/p>\n

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A post shared by NYC Russian Manicure Nail Art (@bedofnailsnyc)<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Where can I get a Russian manicure?<\/h2>\n

Although Russian manicures are growing in popularity, the method does require special training and sterilizing equipment, so it\u2019s not as commonly offered as traditional gels and acrylics. <\/p>\n

It goes without saying that this is not a manicure where you should opt for cheap and cheerful. Always go to a reputable salon or a qualified practitioner and ask if they are specially trained in this technique, how long they have been practicing for, and to prove that they are using sterilized equipment. If you don\u2019t feel comfortable? <\/a>Simply walk away.<\/p>\n

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Optical-Illusion French Tips Are Spring Nail Hit<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Among nail artists, the Russian manicure is a beauty trend that is often spoken about in hushed tones. But it has been steadily growing in popularity over the past few years, and has recently reached a point of near-viral status on social media. \u2018Russian manicure near me\u2019 is currently a top Googled nail search, and…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":5641,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[15],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/baldheadedgirls.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5639"}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/baldheadedgirls.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/baldheadedgirls.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/baldheadedgirls.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/baldheadedgirls.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5639"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"http:\/\/baldheadedgirls.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5639\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5645,"href":"http:\/\/baldheadedgirls.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5639\/revisions\/5645"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/baldheadedgirls.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5641"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/baldheadedgirls.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5639"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/baldheadedgirls.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5639"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/baldheadedgirls.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5639"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}