What is the difference between a Russian manicure and a macro manicure?

Both the Russian and the Macro manicure are popular nail enhancement techniques that involve shaping, polishing and removing cuticles. However, there are some important differences between the two methods.

The Russian manicure is a more in-depth technique where the cuticles are pushed back, trimmed and cut by a scissor. A few different tools are needed to remove the excess cuticle. This method is often considered to be more precise and thorough than the macro manicure.

The macro manicure is a newer technique that removes cuticles in a gentle way. Less is more is the motto. This method is often considered less harsh on the skin and more comfortable for the client.

Russian Manicure:

Russian Manicure is always a very deep Manicure. Healthy living skin is always irritated to the extreme and tends to become keratinized over time. Für sensible Hauttypen ist diese Art von Maniküre nicht zu empfehlen, da die Umliegende Haut noch schneller rötet und die Kundinn scherzempfindlicher sind. 

During a Russian manicure, a nail pocket (Nageltasche) is formed to penetrate deeply with the e-file/bit.

The nail needs a 45° angle (see picture) to create a Nail pocket/Russian Manicure at all, ignorance lets exactly this become a problem and healthy skin will be damaged for a lifetime.

For a Russian Manicure, 3-5 different bits are used per treatment and the cuticle is only removed with scissors and then smoothed with a silicone or ball bit.

Macro Manicure

The Macro Manicure only removes the dead exfoliated skin and can be customized for any nail type.

Here the motto is: less is more and health takes precedence over the optical.

A well-made macro manicure with the right care products does not differ from a Russian manicure visually at first glance.

Here it is rather the duration and application that lead to lasting success.

Also, the application of the bits and thus the overstimulation of the nail and the surrounding skin is reduced in a macro manicure to 1-2 bits per treatment.

Only protruding cuticles are removed with scissors or nippers.

The Macro manicure is a gentle variant of file preparation that ensures a visually flawless appearance. Here, however, nail care is very important and is a mandatory must-have for both techniques. 

In general, Russian manicure is considered to be a more traditional and precise method, while Macro manicure is considered to be a newer and more comfortable method. The best method for you will depend on your individual preferences and needs.

Here is a list of pros and cons for each method:

Russian Manicure Pros:
More precise
Thorougher
Can help to prevent ingrown nails

Russian Manicure Cons:
Can be more harsh on the skin
Less comfortable for some clients

Macro Manicure Pros:
Less harsh on the skin
More comfortable for most clients

Macro Manicure Cons:
Less precise