Russian Manicure: Benefits, Risks & What to Know

The Russian manicure has quietly built a devoted following over the past few years, and it's now reached near-viral status on social media. TikTok is flooded with videos showcasing nails so flawless they look digitally altered. Celebrity fans reportedly include Kendall Jenner and Jasmine Tookes, with Tookes telling her Instagram followers she would never go back to a 'normal' manicure again.

So what exactly is a Russian manicure? Unlike traditional manicures, it's a completely dry technique — no water soaking involved. A nail technician uses an electric drill and precision tools to meticulously clean and remove excess skin and cuticle around the nail bed. According to Kamola Malikova, founder of Los Angeles-based Minx Nails, the technique originated in Russia and has since become so mainstream in countries like Ukraine, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan that traditional methods are rarely used there anymore. Expect to spend around two hours in the chair, with results lasting up to four weeks.

The benefits are clear: exceptional aesthetics, long-lasting wear, and the careful handling of the nail means clients often notice healthier, stronger nail growth over time. The polish is applied deep beneath the cuticle line, which minimizes visible regrowth and reduces the frequency of salon visits — ideal for those with busy lifestyles.

However, the technique is not without controversy. Dr. Unnati Desai, medical director at Skinfluencer London, warns that removing the eponychium — the protective skin layer at the nail base — can open the door to bacterial infection, and may cause hyperpigmentation on darker skin tones. Tinu Bello of Mylee also urges caution, recommending traditional cuticle care (pushing back and nipping only dead skin) as a safer alternative. Crucially, this is not a DIY technique: all practitioners should have years of specialist training and use hospital-grade sterilization equipment.

If you're interested in experiencing this level of nail artistry in Budapest, the Dubai Beauty salon (Alkotás u. 11.) offers premium nail treatments in a fully hygienic, professional setting — well worth enquiring about for your next appointment.