Russian manicure
Russian manicure in Parnell, Auckland
A careful 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 is a Russian manicure?
A Russian manicure is a dry manicure, so 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, polished look, and it means the gap that shows as your nails grow is less noticeable at first.
What happens at your appointment
We shape your nails and gently buff the surface.
Your technician works slowly around each cuticle with the e-file.
Your colour or BIAB goes on in thin layers, close to the cuticle.
We finish with cuticle oil.
It should never hurt. The e-file feels like a light vibration, and if anything feels hot or uncomfortable, just tell your technician.
Which one to book
E-file + Removal + Gel (short): a Russian manicure with gel polish, with your old gel taken off first.
E-file Mani + BIAB + Removal (medium): a Russian manicure finished with builder gel (BIAB) for extra strength.
Advanced Pedi + Gel Polish: the same careful e-file work for your toes.
Under Premium gel you will also find an E-file Gel Polish Manicure and an E-file Gel Polish Pedicure. Our premium gel and our BIAB are by The Gel Bottle, which is HEMA-free and TPO-free. Prices for all of them are on our services page.
Is it right for me?
A Russian manicure suits you 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.
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.
Looking after your nails afterwards
Use cuticle oil every day to keep the skin soft.
Wear gloves for washing up and cleaning.
Please don't pick or peel your gel. Book a removal instead, so your own nails stay in good condition.
Book your next appointment when the regrowth starts to show.
Questions we are often asked
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It shouldn't. The e-file is used on the cuticle and the dead skin around it, and it feels like a light vibration. If anything feels hot or sore, tell your technician straight away.
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The cuticle work is slow and detailed, and the colour is placed carefully close to the skin. Please allow a little more time than you would for a regular gel manicure.
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Yes. Book the E-file Mani + BIAB + Removal, and your builder gel goes on after the e-file cuticle work.
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Yes. Book the Advanced Pedi + Gel Polish, or the E-file Gel Polish Pedicure.
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Our premium gel and our BIAB are by The Gel Bottle, which is HEMA-free and TPO-free.