SMYN · TREATMENTS
Russian Manicure
The one that actually lasts. Cuticle work so precise the polish sits flush to the skin — and stays there for four weeks.
01 · WHAT IT IS
What it is.
A Russian manicure is dry cuticle work done with an e-file, finished by hand. No soaking, no clipping into live skin — the cuticle is gently lifted and removed so the gel can be applied right up to the base of the nail.
That last millimetre is the whole point. Polish applied that close grows out cleanly instead of chipping at the edges. Most of our clients rebook every four weeks — not because the colour failed, but because their nails grew.
It takes us up to two hours. It takes that long because that’s what the result requires. We don’t do the thirty-minute version.
02 · WHY IT WORKS
Why clients choose it.
Four-week wear.
The gel sits flush to the cuticle, so there's no lifted edge to catch and peel.
A cleaner look from day one.
No halo of skin between polish and cuticle.
Kinder to the nail.
Dry technique means no over-soaked skin and no aggressive clipping.
Grows out gracefully.
Week three still looks deliberate, not neglected.
Built for real hands.
Typing, gym, washing up — the finish is made for use.
Honest advice included.
If your nails need a break or a strengthener, we'll say so.
03 · YOUR VISIT
Your visit, step by step.
Consultation.
We look at your nails and your last manicure, and agree shape, length and colour. Bring references — we like them.
Preparation.
Old coating comes off gently (e-file, not acetone soaking where possible). Cuticles are lifted and removed dry.
The manicure.
Shape, then gel polish in thin, cured layers, sealed at the edge. This is the slow part. It's meant to be.
Aftercare.
Cuticle oil daily is the one thing we ask. We'll show you how little you need.
04 · PRICES
Prices.
Base prices. Removal of previous coating is listed separately on the full price list.
05 · GOOD TO KNOW
Questions, answered.
Three to four weeks for most clients. The limit is usually nail growth, not the polish.
In trained hands, yes — and ours are. Every specialist here works with the e-file daily and finishes by hand. Instruments are autoclaved between every appointment, in a sterilisation room we're happy to show you.
No. Dry cuticle work feels like a light vibration. If anything is uncomfortable, tell us — pressure is adjustable.
Cuticle work at this precision can't be rushed, and thin gel layers each need curing. Two hours is what four weeks of wear costs.
Yes — builder gel adds strength and a smooth arch, applied with the same Russian technique. Choose the builder option when you book.
A classic manicure soaks and clips; polish stops short of the cuticle and tends to chip within a week or two. The Russian method works dry and applies polish flush to the base — that's the difference you can see in week three.
RELATED TREATMENTS