Russian Manicure in Toronto.
Performed by a two-time champion of Ukraine in manicure. From CA$150.
A Russian manicure is a precision dry-manicure technique that uses a small electric file (e-file) to remove the cuticle and surrounding dead skin without water-soaking. The technique originated in Eastern Europe and produces a meticulously clean nail plate, allowing gel polish to bond more securely than with traditional methods. The result is a manicure that typically lasts three to four weeks without lifting or chipping. At Take My Hand in Toronto, the Russian manicure is led by Anna Urlapova, a two-time national champion of Ukraine in manicure with over 15 years of experience.
What is a Russian manicure?
Developed in Russia and Ukraine and refined over decades, the Russian manicure is a dry, e-file-driven technique. We don't soak — water softens the nail plate and weakens gel adhesion. We don't reach for nippers. The cuticle area is precisely lifted and refined with a low-RPM medical-grade rotary file, allowing gel polish to be placed flush against the cuticle line.
Done correctly, the technique is gentler on healthy tissue than traditional cuticle nipping. The visible difference is a flawless edge and noticeably longer wear. The invisible difference is a philosophy: less aggression on the nail itself, more patience, more precision.
What makes our Russian manicure different
Anna Urlapova holds two national championship titles in Ukraine and previously founded a manicure school in Kyiv, where she trained other professionals. Amanda Brown completed advanced Russian-technique training and has performed over 10,000 hours of manicures.
Every appointment uses single-use e-file bits and medical-grade autoclave sterilisation between clients. We finish with house-made cuticle oil, a Dior hand scrub and a hand massage with Chanel body oil. Every client leaves with personalized aftercare guidance.
Pricing and duration
| Service | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Russian Manicure (single colour) | 2 hours | CA$150 |
| + Tier 1 nail art | 2.5 hours | CA$175 |
| + Tier 2 nail art | 3 hours | CA$200 |
| + Tier 3 nail art | 3.5 hours | CA$250 |
All prices in CAD. Tax additional.
What's included
- · Consultation, nail-health assessment, shape and length planning
- · Precision e-file cuticle work — no soak, no nippers
- · Single-use bits, medical-grade sterilisation between every client
- · Gel polish application — your colour, our finish
- · House-made cuticle oil, Dior hand scrub, Chanel hand massage
- · Removal of existing product, included
What clients say about the Russian manicure.
"Take my Hand will be the only place I get a manicure from here on out. Hands down the best manicure I have ever had."
"I have been waiting for YEARS for this quality of manicure in Toronto. Amanda is absolutely the BEST at Russian manicure."
"Amanda is the absolute BEST! Her Russian manicure technique is a game changer. My manicure game has been elevated since I found her."
Eight things people ask.
A Russian manicure is a precision dry-manicure technique that uses a small electric file (e-file) to remove the cuticle and surrounding dead skin without water-soaking. The technique originated in Eastern Europe and produces a meticulously clean nail plate, allowing gel polish to bond more securely. The result is a manicure that typically lasts three to four weeks without lifting or chipping.