Last Updated on January 20, 2025
Russian manicure is making waves
While eye-catching glazed-donut nails and TikTok’s “red nail theory,” which suggests the shade makes you more alluring, have been dominating fingertips worldwide, going cuticle-free is now a hot trend.
The hashtag #russianmanicure is exploding on TikTok with over 625 million views and thousands of fans raving about it. This manicure gets its name from the “clean” look associated with Russian nail technicians. Unlike traditional manicures — where the white of the cuticle remains visible — this technique controversially removes the cuticle with an electric filer, allowing the polish to reach the base of the nail bed.
Social Media Buzz and Growing Popularity
Social media is buzzing with people trying to achieve the “best absolute” manicure ever. Despite warnings from experts about potential infection risks, Russian manicures have become increasingly popular in the US, making their way into mainstream salons over the past five years.
“There’s been a boom,” said the creator of a popular TikTok account focusing on nail techniques. “It’s crazy.”
A nail technician in New York, known for showcasing this extremely neat technique, has noticed growing demand in the past year.
“This is so satisfying,” one fan commented on TikTok, after watching a video of the process. “Looks clean and gorgeous!” agreed another.
The Process and Price of Perfection
The process takes around two hours — even longer if nail designs are added. Unlike traditional manicures, where nails are soaked in water and the cuticles are gently trimmed, Russian manicures are done dry. This approach is said to create a longer-lasting finish but comes with a higher price tag. In NYC, they start at around $70 — more than double the cost of a basic manicure.
First, a technician uses an electric file on the cuticle area, followed by precise finishing with scissors to tidy the nail bed.
After the cuticle care — which takes about an hour — another hour is spent applying a special rubber gel base to strengthen the nails, followed by the polish and drying time.
Experts Warn of Risks Despite Long-Lasting Results
However, nail experts warn that this technique should only be done by trained professionals to minimize the risk of infection caused by cuticle removal, which serves as a natural protective barrier.
“When the thin skin around the nail is damaged, it becomes more susceptible to irritation,” explained a nail care expert. “This may lead to permanent allergic reactions to nail coating products.”
Despite these concerns, the results can last three to four weeks — sometimes longer — although experts recommend removing the gel before the one-month mark to prevent pressure and damage to the natural nail underneath.
