The Tamesis
This summer’s nail art trends seem to fall firmly into two camps—the minimalist team (led by Selena Gomez) and the maximalist team (Dua Lipa, Kylie Jenner, and Megan Thee Stallion). If you love Gomez’s bright pink soapy nails, you’ll love the trendy Japanese manicure. Not to be confused with a Japanese gel manicure, a no-polish treatment that gives nails an “elegant pearly sheen,” says manicure expert Darya Kholodova, co-founder of Darlings Beauty Lab in New York.
“Japanese manicures are especially popular with clients looking for a more natural, low-maintenance approach to nail care,” she adds. If you need a break from the gems, shells, and colorful swirls in your feed, read on.
What is Japanese manicure?
Vera Maximova, a diamond manicure technician at Gorgeous Gorgona in New York City, says Japanese manicure takes its name from the Japanese brand P.Shine, which developed a two-step polishing technique consisting of paste and powder.
Maximova and Holodova explained that the paste is made from diatomaceous earth, which comes from the remains of fossilized algae. At the same time, the powder contains beeswax, which helps give the nails a shine. Maximova adds that each piece is coated with specialized suede (a type of leather) cushioning.
The end result “looks like you’ve applied a clear coat of glossy polish—but there’s nothing on the nail,” says Maksimova. “The plate has a bright, almost unnatural shine that comes entirely from polishing and pasting.”
What are the benefits of Japanese manicure?
“The main benefits are healthy, natural-looking shine, clean, polished nails, and a relatively quick treatment time,” says Kholodova, adding, “It’s a beautiful option during the summer because many people prefer to take a break after polishing and enjoy their natural nails.”
However, it’s worth noting that while both experts agree on the cosmetic benefits of this treatment, they disagree on how effective it is at enhancing natural nails.
What is the difference between Japanese manicure and Japanese gel manicure?
The focus of Japanese gel manicure is to use high-quality gel polish from Japan, and Japanese manicure does not use any polish, but relies on the P.Shine system.
What is the difference between Japanese manicure and Russian manicure?
“Russian manicure is a broader term that refers to an electronic file-based manicure with precise cuticle preparation and nail shape, followed by a soft or hard gel coat depending on the nail’s needs,” Maximova explains.
Kholodova and Maximova actually combine Russian and Japanese manicure techniques when providing Japanese manicures, starting with detailed cuticle work and then using the P.Shine treatment system.
Who is this service recommended for – and who should avoid using it?
“Japanese manicures are great for clients who want their nails to look neat and beautiful without any polishing,” says Maksimova.
However, if you’ve just removed your gel polish, both experts recommend waiting before booking a service. “After using gel polish for an extended period of time, your nail plate may be more sensitive than usual,” says Kolodova. “Since Japanese manicures require polishing your natural nails, doing it too early may cause discomfort.”
Maksimova agreed, but offered a different reason. “In our practice, when the gel is removed, it’s nearly impossible to completely remove it without damaging the live nail underneath, so we always leave a very thin, invisible layer of residue on the nail plate,” she says. “The P.Shine system cannot buff away the residual layer, so the result will be uneven: part of the nail will be shiny and part will remain matte. There is no real harm in polishing immediately after removing the gel – it’s purely a matter of the quality of the result.”
