What Is Russian Manicure? Expert Decodes Its Safety For Nails

If you are a fan of manicures, then you must have heard about the viral Russian manicure by now. It is quite different from the regular manicure. Russian manicure, as the name suggests, originates from Russia. It gained popularity in the US, and then took over social media. But what makes it stand apart from the other manicure treatments? Well, to begin with, Russian manicures involve super-detailed cuticle work and it is done using an electric file. If you want to know more about it, then you have to read this article.

To get a better understanding of what Russian manicure is, and whether it is better than the traditional manicure, the editorial team of OnlyMyHealth reached out to Dr DM Mahajan, Senior Consultant, Dermatology, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals. Let’s take a look at what he has to say.

Are Russian Manicures Safe?

Before we address the query whether Russian manicure is safe for us or not, let us tell you what this manicure is all about. “From a dermatology standpoint, a Russian manicure is a nail-prep technique that uses an electric drill (e-file) with fine bits to clean the nail plate and remove dead skin around the cuticle. Unlike a regular manicure, which only pushes the cuticle back, a Russian manicure involves working extremely close to the living cuticle tissue. The goal is to create a very clean, extended cuticle line, so that nail polish can be applied right up to the skin,” explains Dr Mahajan.

But the expert adds that Russian manicures carry higher dermatological risk compared to traditional manicures; this is because the technique involves mechanical abrasion near living skin, it can cause:

• Disruption of the cuticle barrier.
• Micro-abrasions that invite fungal or bacterial infections.
• Nail plate thinning if the e-file is overused.
• Inflammation (paronychia) or dermatitis.
• Increased sensitivity around the nail folds.

Also Read: Pamper Your Hands And Feet: Steps To Do Manicure And Pedicure At Home

Are Electric Files Safe For Nails And Skin?

As we know now that Russian manicures use electric files, our expert shares how safe these files are. Dr Mahajan mentions that electric files are safe only when used correctly and at appropriate speeds. He adds that dermatologists generally caution against aggressive e-file use on natural nails because:

• Excess heat from friction can damage the nail matrix.
• Over-filing can thin the nail plate, making it brittle.
• Improper bit choice can cause grooves or trauma.
• Filing living cuticle tissue increases infection risk.
• For natural nails, manual filing is usually considered gentler and safer.

Russian Manicure Vs Regular Manicure: Which Is Better?

People are often apprehensive before exploring anything other than a regular manicure for their nails. “Dermatologists typically recommend a regular manicure for long-term nail and skin health. Traditional manicures preserve the cuticle, which is the body’s natural seal that protects against infections. They use gentler techniques and avoid heavy e-file use on the natural nail. Russian manicures can be safe only in expert hands; but for the average person, a regular manicure is a safer and healthier choice,” explains Dr Mahajan.

On this note, the expert shares who should not opt for Russian manicures. He says that dermatologists advise avoiding Russian manicures if someone has:

• Thin, peeling, or already damaged nails.
• Eczema, psoriasis, or dermatitis around the nails.
• Diabetes or impaired wound healing.
• Active fungal or bacterial nail infections.
• Chronic paronychia.
• Very sensitive or easily inflamed cuticles.
• History of nail trauma or recurrent ingrown cuticles.

“These individuals are more prone to infections, delayed healing, and nail dystrophy,” adds Dr Mahajan.

Benefits And Risks Of Russian Manicures

Just like every coin has two sides, Russian manicures also come with both benefits and side effects. Our expert jots them down for us. Let’s take a look at them.

Pros:

Removes dead skin more precisely when done by a skilled professional.

Cons:

• High infection risk due to disruption of the cuticle’s protective barrier.
• Increased risk of paronychia, bacterial infection, and fungal overgrowth.
• Nail plate thinning if the e-file is overused.
• Greater risk of micro-tears and inflammation around nail folds.
• Not recommended for individuals with sensitive skin or chronic nail conditions.
• Requires a very high skill level to perform safely.

“From a skin and nail health perspective, the risks generally outweigh the benefits if the technician is not properly trained,” concludes Dr Mahajan.

Also Read: Amazing Reasons To Try Hot Oil Manicure This Winter Season

The Final Word

A Russian manicure is a nail-prep technique which uses an electric drill (e-file) with fine bits to clean the nail plate and remove dead skin around the cuticle. It is different from a regular manicure as it pushes the cuticle back. A Russian manicure involves working extremely close to the living cuticle tissue, and its goal is to create a very clean, extended cuticle line, so that nail polish can be applied right up to the skin.