A Russian (E-File/Combi) manicure is a high-precision, dry manicure technique focused on advanced cuticle work and perfect preparation of the natural nail.

It involves:

• meticulous e-file cuticle cleaning

• deep cuticle lifting for a cleaner, longer-lasting look

• precise shaping and smoothing of the nail plate

• a polished, flawless finish

• extended gel retention due to proper prep

Because the cuticle is fully detailed and the nail surface is perfectly prepped, gel polish adheres better, grows out cleaner, and looks more elevated than with traditional manicures.

This technique is known for its luxury aesthetic, long wear, and camera-ready finish — ideal for clients who love clean beauty and precision.

Russian Manicure (E-File/Combi)

• fully dry manicure

• advanced e-file technique

• detailed cuticle cleaning + deep prep

• perfect shaping

• ideal for gel services

• results last longer and look cleaner

• reduces lifting and chipping

• finished with your choice of gel or a transparent polish

➡️ Best for: clients who want long-lasting wear, flawless cuticle work, and a premium, ultra-clean finish.

Express / Classic Manicure

• basic cuticle tidy

• simple shaping

• buffing & optional clear polish

• does not include deep cuticle detailing

• quicker service

• more cosmetic, less structural prep

• perfect for touch-ups or in-between appointments

➡️ Best for: someone who wants a quick refresh or light grooming, not long-term retention.

Short to Medium Length Nails → Gel Polish

Gel polish is flexible and lightweight — perfect for short or natural-length nails.
It:

• bends naturally with the nail

• maintains its integrity on shorter lengths

• prevents bulkiness

• gives a thin, natural look

However, on long nails, gel polish alone is not strong enough and may:

• chip

• break at stress points

• cause lifting due to excess movement

Medium-Long & Long Nails → Hard Gel

Longer nails need a stronger structural base.
Hard gel:

• provides durability

• reinforces the apex (stress point)

• prevents cracking

• supports extended lengths

• holds shape better

• reduces breakage during everyday use

This ensures the nails stay safe, balanced, and healthy - especially for long or almond/coffin shapes.

Gel Polish Needs to Be Redone Every 2.5–3 Weeks

Gel polish is not meant to stay on the nail for long periods.
Keeping it on too long can cause:

1. Excessive Nail Growth Gap

After 3 weeks, the nail grows enough that the gel’s “balance point” moves, creating tension and lifting.

2. Moisture Pockets & Lifting Risks

Lifting increases over time and may trap moisture underneath — creating a risk for green spots or bacterial issues.

3. Increased Breakage

As the nail grows, the gel becomes less structurally supportive, especially without refreshing the base.

4. Over-flexing of the Nail

The longer gel is left on, the more it bends with daily activities. This causes tiny cracks, chipping, and weakens the natural nail.

5. Cuticle Overgrowth

Cuticles naturally grow over the gel.
If left too long, this reduces adhesion and causes premature lifting.

Hard Gel must be redone every 3–4 Weeks

ven though hard gel is stronger and lasts longer than gel polish, it still needs to be refilled regularly — ideally every 3–4 weeks. After 4 weeks, it becomes unsafe for the natural nail and can compromise both structure and health.

Here’s why:

1. Growth Shifts the Apex (Stress Point)

As your natural nail grows, the thickest and strongest part of the hard gel — the apex — moves forward.
After 3–4 weeks, the apex is no longer in the correct place, which can cause:

• breaks

• cracks

• lifting

• snapping off at the free edge

This is especially risky for long nails or almond/coffin shapes.

2. Too Much Natural Nail is Exposed

By the 4-week mark, the bottom third of your nail has grown out and is no longer reinforced.
This creates a weak, unsupported base that can easily bend or break, damaging the natural nail.

3. Lifting Can Create Moisture Pockets

Even the smallest lifting becomes dangerous when left too long.
After 4 weeks, lifting can trap moisture underneath the product — which increases the risk of:

• bacterial infections

• green nail syndrome

• product popping off

Regular fills prevent this from happening.

4. Hard Gel Becomes Too “Top-Heavy”

As the gel grows out, the length stays the same but the reinforced area is now too far forward.
This imbalance makes the nail:

• heavy

• prone to snapping

• uncomfortable

• structurally unsafe

A refill re-establishes the correct architecture.

5. Natural Nail Health Can Decline

When hard gel is left on too long, it:

• puts pressure on the natural nail

• can cause thinning from leverage

• increases risk of painful breaks

• can lead to over-flexing and tearing

Regular maintenance keeps the natural nail protected underneath the structure.

6. Proper E-File Maintenance Is Essential

A hard gel fill isn’t just new product — it involves:

• removing bulk

• rebalancing structure

• refreshing the apex

• correcting shape

• checking nail health

• resealing cuticle area

Without doing this every 3–4 weeks, the product becomes unstable.

Bottom Line

Even though hard gel is strong, it must be rebalanced every 3–4 weeks to keep the nails safe, structurally correct, and healthy.

Going longer risks breakage, damage, and bacterial issues.

I do not remove or work with acrylic, dip powder, or any other artificial nail products.

This is to protect your natural nails and maintain the highest safety + hygiene standards.

Many enhancement products used in salons - especially acrylic and dip - may contain MMA (methyl methacrylate), a harsh chemical that can:

• cause severe nail damage

• thin and weaken the natural nail

• trigger allergic reactions

• cause lifting, peeling, and long-term sensitivity

MMA-based products harden extremely strong and must be aggressively filed off, which can cause further damage.

Acrylic, dip, and many enhancement systems are:

• extremely hard

• non-soakable

• require heavy drilling

• difficult to file without harming the natural nail

Since my studio practices nail-health-first, I avoid any product that forces invasive removal.