If you have seen the Russian manicure on our menu and wondered how it is different from a regular manicure, here is a simple guide from our team in Parnell.
The short answer
A regular manicure is a soak, a tidy and a polish. A Russian manicure is a dry manicure done with an electric file, finished with gel polish or BIAB that sits close to your cuticle. It takes a little longer than a regular manicure, and you leave with a very clean, neat finish.
What happens in a regular manicure
Our Regular Manicure starts with a soak. We push back your cuticles, trim, file and buff your nails, then finish with Pure Fiji hand lotion and your choice of regular polish.
If you would like your colour to last longer, you can add gel polish. It is set under a lamp, so your nails are dry before you leave, and it lasts around two to three weeks.
What happens in a Russian manicure
There is no soaking. Your technician uses an electric file, called an e-file, with small, fine bits to lift the cuticle and gently clear the dead skin around each nail.
With the nail this clean, your gel polish or BIAB can go on very close to the cuticle. That is what gives a Russian manicure its tidy look, and it means the gap that shows as your nails grow is less noticeable at first.
It should never hurt. The e-file feels like a light vibration, and if anything feels hot or uncomfortable, just tell your technician.
How to choose
Book a regular manicure if you would love a relaxing soak and a classic polish. If you are short on time, our Manicure Shape and Polish is shape and polish only.
Book a Russian manicure if you love a very tidy cuticle line, your cuticles grow quickly, or you would like your gel or BIAB to stay looking fresh between appointments.
Would you like gel without the e-file? Book the No E-file Manicure with Gel Polish.
Before you book
If you have diabetes, a skin condition around your nails, or very thin or damaged nails, please mention it when you book so we can talk it through with you first.
Read more about the Russian manicure and our manicures, or see every price on our services page. We would love to see you in the salon.
The Verdo team