Introduction to Never Have I Ever Series
TODAY.com’s Never Have I Ever series offers guidance about procedures and practices our trusted health experts would never participate in. Discover why they should be avoided and which healthy practices you should turn to instead.
The Risks of Russian Manicure
Dr. Mona Gohara, a dermatologist and clinical professor of dermatology at the Yale School of Medicine, is quick to share that she loves a manicure and never faults her patients for getting them, but one kind in particular brings more risk than they may have bargained for: the Russian manicure. Also known as a dry manicure or an e-file manicure, the acetone- and water-free treatment involves meticulously grooming the nails and skin around them with electric drills, sharp cuticle cutters and scissors. The result is an immaculate-looking nail bed primed for polish that won’t chip for weeks — and an increased risk of infection and permanent damage, explains Gohara.
Never Have I Ever: Gotten a Russian Manicure
Cutting the cuticle, a standard in a Russian manicure, is what keeps Gohara from getting one. The cuticle is the delicate layer of transparent skin from which the nail grows and protects new nails from bacteria. Think of it like the front door to your home, suggests Gohara. “You may have more space in the room if you remove that, but you’re also subjecting yourself to more danger, which is exactly what you do when you manipulate or get rid of the cuticle because the cuticle is one of the main ways your nails are protected,” she says.
Why Russian Manicures are Risky
Without a cuticle, your nails risk exposure to yeast, fungus and bacteria, which can cause paronychia, a nail infection. With paronychia comes pain, swelling and possible lasting damage to the shape, texture, color and durability of your nail, says Gohara. And it doesn’t take much to expose the sensitive and broken cuticles caused by a Russian manicure to trauma and infection. In addition to the germs you might encounter on public transit or washing dishes, there’s already a heap of germs living on your hands. “All of us are exposed to bacteria constantly,” Gohara says. “One of the biggest places that we harbor bacteria is actually under the nails,” just a few centimeters from the vulnerable cuticle area, making infection likelier.
Alternatives to Russian Manicure
You don’t need to cut the nail salon out of your life entirely, says Gohara, who gets her nails done every three weeks. But here are her tips to ensure the safety of your nails and your health:
- Make sure the nail instruments are sterilized. If you’re not sure or you’re uneasy about how clean they are, bring your own nail file and clippers to the salon. You might even ask to have a set of nail tools set aside just for you, which Gohara’s nail salon allows. Her name is written on her kit and cannot be used for any other clients.
- Don’t cut your cuticles. Though it makes for a great-looking manicure, “never let anybody manipulate or touch the cuticle ever,” advises Gohara. It’s an essential barrier to dirt and germs that can harm the nail and surrounding skin.
- Protect the skin around your nails. Gohara recommends applying sunscreen to your hands to reduce exposure to UV lights used to cure gel nail polish. There are also UV-protective gloves sold for this purpose. Between manicures, keep the cuticles moisturized with lotion or cuticle oil. When washing your hands, use gentle cleansers.
- Monitor your nails closely. “Nails are very reactive to your general overall health,” says Gohara. Brittle, discolored or chipped nails may signal anemia, a change in thyroid function and more.
Conclusion
It’s vital that you look after your nails with care, Gohara says. By following these tips and avoiding Russian manicures, you can keep your nails healthy and beautiful.
FAQs
- Q: What is a Russian manicure?
A: A Russian manicure, also known as a dry manicure or an e-file manicure, is a type of manicure that involves meticulously grooming the nails and skin around them with electric drills, sharp cuticle cutters and scissors. - Q: Why are Russian manicures risky?
A: Russian manicures are risky because they involve cutting the cuticle, which can expose the nail to infection and permanent damage. - Q: How can I keep my nails safe and healthy?
A: To keep your nails safe and healthy, make sure to use sterilized nail instruments, don’t cut your cuticles, protect the skin around your nails, and monitor your nails closely for any signs of infection or damage.
