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This summer\u2019s nail trends<\/a> seem to be firmly divided into two camps\u2014Team Minimalism<\/a> (with Selena Gomez<\/a> leading the charge) and Team Maximalism (Dua Lipa<\/a>, Kylie Jenner<\/a>, and Megan Thee Stallion<\/a>). If you liked Gomez\u2019s glossy pink soap nails<\/a>, you\u2019ll love the trending Japanese Manicure. Not to be confused with Japanese gel manicures, a Japanese manicure is a no-polish treatment that gives nails \u201can elegant pearl shine,\u201d says Darya Kholodova<\/a>, expert nail technician and the co-founder of Darlings Beauty Lab<\/a> in New York City.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Japanese manicure has become especially popular for clients who are looking for a more natural, low-maintenance approach to nail care<\/a>,\u201d she adds. If you need a break from the gems<\/a>, seashells<\/a>, and colorful swirls<\/a> on your feed, read on.<\/p>\n Japanese manicures get their name from the Japanese brand P.Shine, which developed a two-step buffing technique consisting of a paste and a powder, says Vera Maximova<\/a>, a diamond nail technician at Gorgeous Gorgona<\/a> in New York City.<\/p>\n The paste is made with diatomaceous clay, which comes from the fossilized remains of algae, Maximova and Kholodova explain. The powder, meanwhile, contains beeswax, which helps give the nail a glossy finish<\/a>. Each is applied with a specialized chamois (a type of leather) buffer, Maximova adds.<\/p>\n The finished result \u201clooks as though you\u2019ve applied a clear gloss polish<\/a>\u2014but there\u2019s nothing on the nail,\u201d Maximova says. \u201cThe plate has a bright, almost unnatural shine that comes entirely from the buffing and the paste.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe main benefits are a healthy, natural shine, a clean and polished nail, and a relatively quick treatment time,\u201d Kholodova says, adding, \u201cIt\u2019s a beautiful choice for summer<\/a>, when many people prefer to take a break from polish and enjoy their own natural nails.\u201d<\/p>\n However, it\u2019s important to note that while both experts agree on the aesthetic benefits, they disagree on how effective the treatment is at strengthening your natural nails.<\/p>\n The focal point of a Japanese gel manicure is the use of premium gel polishes sourced from Japan, while Japanese manicures don\u2019t use any polish and instead rely on the P.Shine system.<\/p>\n \u201cA Russian manicure<\/a> is the broader term for an e-file (electric-file) based manicure with precise cuticle work and nail shaping\u2014followed by either a soft gel<\/a> or hard gel coating, depending on what the nail needs,\u201d Maximova explains.<\/p>\n Both Kholodova and Maximova actually combine Russian and Japanese manicure techniques when providing Japanese manicures, beginning with the detailed cuticle work<\/a> before applying the P.Shine treatment system.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Japanese manicure is a great fit for clients who want their nails to look groomed and presentable without any polish,\u201d Maximova says.<\/p>\n However, if you\u2019ve just removed your gel polish<\/a>, both experts recommend waiting before booking the service. \u201cAfter wearing gel polish for an extended period, the nail plate can be more sensitive than usual,\u201d Kholodova says. \u201cSince Japanese manicure involves buffing the natural nail, doing it too soon may cause discomfort.\u201d<\/p>\n Maximova agrees, but offers a different reason. \u201cIn our practice, when gel is removed<\/a>, it\u2019s nearly impossible to remove it completely without damaging the live nail underneath\u2014so we always leave a very thin, invisible residual layer on the nail plate,\u201d she says. \u201cThe P.Shine system can\u2019t buff through the residual layer, so the result will be uneven: part of the nail will shine, and part will stay matte. There\u2019s no actual harm in doing it right after gel removal\u2014it\u2019s purely a matter of result quality.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\nWhat is a Japanese manicure?<\/h2>\n
What are the benefits of a Japanese manicure?<\/h2>\n
How is a Japanese manicure different from a Japanese gel manicure?<\/h2>\n
How is a Japanese manicure different from a Russian manicure?<\/h2>\n
Who is this service recommended for\u2014and is there anyone who should avoid it?<\/h2>\n