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Maybe you’ve consistently been hearing the trend of Russian manicure on social media, nail salons, or among nail enthusiasts, and you’re wondering what’s special about this manicure? And how is it different from the traditional manicure you’ve known all your life?

Here is a simple breakdown of the differences, techniques, appearances, and other important information you need to know so you can confidently choose the style that suits your nail goals and speaks about your personality.

What is Traditional Manicure?

A traditional manicure is a familiar manicure routine most salons offer, as it focuses on refreshing the appearance of not only the nails but also the hands.  This technique is simple, soothing, and doesn’t require many specialized tools. The basic steps usually include:

  • Soaking the hands to soften skin and cuticles
  • Light cuticle pushing and minimal trimming
  • Nail shaping with a file
  • Basic buffing for smoothness
  • Application of regular or gel polish

This manicure is ideal for people looking for a tidy nail without spending too much time in the chair.

What is Russian Manicure?

Unlike the traditional version, Russian manicure is dry, meaning no soaking of hands in water, as moisture can temporarily swell the nails and affect polish adhesion. Instead, everything is done using an electric file to clean, shape, and refine every tiny detail around the nail.

The process often involves:

  • Gentle lifting of cuticle using e-file bits
  • Removal of dead skin around the sides and base of the nail
  • Smoothing and prepping for a flawless polish base

The result is more refined and smoother enough for nail polish and gel application, leading to a flawless finish and elegant appearance.

Key Differences Between Russian and Traditional Manicure

Beyond appearance, the major differences between Russian manicure and traditional manicure involve the techniques, tools, precision, and longevity, among others. Below is the breakdown:

1. Technique and Tools
  • Traditional Manicure: This manicure involves soaking the nails in water to soften the cuticles, then different tools like a cuticle pusher, nail file, buffer, clippers, and others are used to shape and clean the nails for perfection. It’s always manual.
  • Russian Manicure: This uses multiple electric files to remove excess cuticle and dead skin, making the process smoother and cleaner for gel application.
2. Finish and Appearance
  • Traditional Manicure: It always gives a neat and simple polished look. Although it grows out faster because polish isn’t applied very close to the cuticle.
  • Russian Manicure: This technique creates a flawless finish with polish placed perfectly under the lifted cuticle line. This makes the nails look freshly done even after a few weeks.
3. Longevity
  • Traditional Manicure: This manicure can last for two weeks. Precisely, regular polish can only last between 5-7 days, while gel polish lasts for 10-14 days.
  • Russian Manicure: Russian manicure, on the other hand, lasts 3-4 weeks or more, especially with gel or BIAB. The prepping of a Russian manicure is detailed, so the polish adheres more strongly.
4. Technique Mastery
  • Traditional Manicure: This technique is quicker and easier to learn. Most nail technicians are trained using this method because it is great for clean-ups.
  • Russian Manicure: This method is more advanced than traditional manicure, making it require proper training and certification because the work around the cuticle is more intricate.
5. Cost
  • Traditional Manicure: This technique is more affordable and is mostly used by people. It’s an ideal choice for those looking for regular nail maintenance without financial commitment.
  • Russian Manicure: This is more costly due to the level of maintenance, specialized skills, and tools. This is more ideal for people looking for long-lasting results.
6. Safety Considerations
  • Traditional Manicure: This method carries low risk because it’s gentler and less invasive.
  • Russian Manicure: This method is also safe, but only when it’s done by a skilled professional.

Which should you choose?

Maybe you’re uncertain about deciding between the two options. You have to know that the answer always depends on your priorities, and below are listed points to help you realize your priorities:

  • You can go for a traditional manicure if you want a quick and simple nail treatment, while a Russian manicure is perfect for long-lasting treatment.
  • You can consider a traditional manicure if you’re on a low budget, but choose a Russian Manicure if you want to spend more for durability and longevity.
  • Traditional manicure fits you if you prefer a relaxing soak and soft experience, while Russian manicure is ideal for those who want a clean and professional level finish.
  • You can also consider a traditional manicure if you want to frequently change the color of your nails, while a Russian manicure is not ideal for that.

Conclusion

Choosing between a traditional manicure and a Russian manicure mostly depends on your nail goals and preferences. If you want a quick, classic, and soothing feeling of soaking and massaging your hands, then stick to traditional manicure, but if you prefer a smoother, long-lasting nail treatment, Russian manicure is for you.

However, if you’re looking for any nail service at home in Dubai where you can get a perfect nail service with a professional touch-up and essential nail care tools for at-home manicure, reach out to Nooora Beauty Concierge now and book a session.