Russian/Ukrainian manicure in Calgary
In Ukraine it is simply called a manicure. In Canada it goes by Russian manicure, Ukrainian manicure or dry manicure. It is the same technique: cuticle work with an e-file, no water, no cutting, and gel applied so close to the base that the nail looks freshly done for weeks.
| Service | Time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Gel polish manicureDry e-file manicure, shaping, gel colour | 1 h 30 min | $60 |
| Classic manicureCuticle work and shaping, no colour | 45 min | $40 |
| Gel polish onlyColour on a recently done manicure | 1 h | $45 |
| Gel polish removal | 30 min | $20 |
What happens in the chair
- Old gel is filed off, not soaked. The nail plate keeps its strength.
- The cuticle is lifted with a fine e-file bit and cleaned down to the skin. Nothing is cut, so there are no nicks and no rough edges a week later.
- The nail is shaped. Short square, almond, soft oval, whatever suits the hand and the length.
- Base, colour and top are applied right up to the cuticle line, in thin layers, and cured. French, chrome or ombre goes in at this stage.
- Cuticle oil and a hand cream to finish.
Why it lasts longer
- Gel that starts at the base of the nail has nowhere to lift from. With a classic wet manicure the colour starts a millimetre away from the cuticle, and that gap is where chips begin.
- Thin, even layers cure fully. Thick gel cracks.
- The natural nail is not thinned by soaking or by heavy filing, so it does not bend under the gel.
Who it suits
- Anyone who wants hands that look done for three to four weeks, not ten days.
- People with thin or peeling nails who were told gel is not for them. Done this way, it usually is.
- Clients who have been cut by scissors or nippers before and would rather not be again.
Questions people ask
What is a Russian or Ukrainian manicure?
A dry manicure done with an electric file instead of water, scissors and nippers. The cuticle is lifted and cleaned with fine bits, the nail is shaped, and gel is applied right at the base of the nail. The result stays neat for three to four weeks because there is no gap for the regrowth to show in.
Is the e-file safe for my nails?
Yes, in trained hands. Hanna has worked with an e-file every day for over 15 years. The bits are fine, the speed is low, and the file touches the cuticle and the old gel, not the healthy nail plate. There is no cutting, so there are no nicks and no bleeding.
How long does the gel last?
Most clients come back every three to four weeks and the set still looks fine when they do. Toes last longer, often four to six weeks. Gel extensions are filled every three to four weeks rather than removed.
Do I need to remove my old gel before I come?
No. Removal is done in the studio with a file, which is gentler than soaking in acetone. Gel polish removal is $20 on hands and $15 on toes; hard gel or extensions from another salon are $25 to remove. Book it together with the new service.
What clients say
★★★★★Hanna has been doing my nails for two years. She has years of experience and understands how to care for the health of my nails as well as doing a manicure that lasts me 3-6 weeks! She's attentive to my needs and never rushes.
★★★★★I always have such an amazing experience getting my manicure done with Hanna! She is very professional, detail-oriented, and takes her time to make sure everything is perfect. My nails look beautiful, clean, and exactly how I want them. The whole experience is relaxing and comfortable.
★★★★★Hanna is truly the best nail artist I've been to! She is incredibly professional, attentive to every detail, and her work is always neat, precise, and beautiful. My manicure lasts a long time and always looks flawless.
Ready for hands that stay done?
Online booking is open around the clock. Weekday evenings and Saturdays fill first.