If you couldn’t get long fingers through the genetic lottery, would you take matters into your hands (sorry) and give them a “facelift?” And what if that method didn’t involve any sort of surgery or recovery time?
Elongated fingers have been synonymous with poise and elegance for as long as we can remember, with many who weren’t born with them naturally trying to find ways to achieve this look. So if the answer is an emphatic yes to both questions, say hello to what the internet claims to be the answer to faking long, chic fingers sans going under the knife: the facelift manicure.
What is a “facelift” manicure?
If there’s one thing we’ve learned during the TikTok era, it’s that the social media platform loves to give a cute, catching name to something that already exists. Case in point: The facelift manicure is just a rebrand of a nail treatment many of us are already familiar with—the Russian manicure.
According to celebrity and editorial manicurist Marisa Carmichael, a the facelift manicure (and, thusly, the Russian manicure) is a dry manicure that is known for immaculate cuticle care and an extremely clean look.
The application process itself is simple: You can expect a licensed nail tech to use the electric file and diamond bit to remove dead skin and exfoliate the nail plate before a soft gel is applied. Most uniquely, the nail is then shaped after.
So why the rebrand? Russian manis have long been praised for its durability, but now people are starting to notice how it can also give an elongated appearance to your fingers, resulting in a more “lifted” and elegant look. Carmichael explains that it is the nail prep, which allows for nail color to be applied very close to or even just under the proximal nail fold with a small brush, to give you that appearance of a longer nail bed. “They just look very clean and expensive,” she says. “Because they are.”
The Pros
The biggest benefit to a Russian manicure, says Carmichael, is how the nail is prepped for color. You get a super clean cuticle line for more precise application and working on a dry nails extends the lifespan of your manicure. She explains that when you soak nails in water, the nail plate will absorb the liquid and expand, weakening polish adhesion. With dry nails, your nail plate won’t be contracting and expanding, leaving your polish being able to stick on better and longer. “Typically people only need to do a Russian manicure once a month,” she says.
It’s also every minimalist’s dream. She says you typically only see solid colors (at most, very minimal design). A neutral or sheer nude shade will give you the most longevity, she adds, as the grow out process will be less obvious.
The Cons
Russian manicures are generally safe—as long as you go to a professional manicurist. Carmichael emphasizes the importance of going to a licensed and experienced nail tech who sanitizes and disinfects tools meticulously and knows to not cut the skin in a way that will cause infection or injury. If not done properly, she says the skin around the nail can become red and irritated. If your nail technician cuts too much, it can cause the cuticle to harden and callus. Also, this is a time commitment; a Russian manicure can take up to two hours.
Remember to Hydrate (and Other Things)
To keep your “facelift” mani in its best shape, Carmichael recommends wearing gloves when you’re doing anything that might ruin your mani, such as cleaning around the house or washing dishes as soaking your nails in water for long periods of time can weaken the adhesion of the gel. She also says to always use a cream after washing your hands and to use cuticle oil religiously. “As with any manicure, you need to hydrate, hydrate, hydrate,” she says.
