What is a Russian Manicure?

A Russian mani is a meticulous e-file technique focusing on the cuticle area, removing dead skin, shaping the nails, and machine polishing. Our nail technicians create perfect nails with a long-lasting finish and promote healthy nail growth.

What’s the difference between a Russian and a regular manicure?

Unlike regular manicures, a Russian manicure uses an electric file to precisely clean and contour the cuticle and nail. This technique delivers a smoother, longer-lasting result and a healthier nail bed, while traditional manicures use hand tools and often skip detailed cuticle work.

What is a Russian Pedicure?

It is a dry, machine-based foot treatment that removes cuticles, smooths calluses, and finishes with gel or builder products for a durable, hygienic result. This approach avoids soaking, which lowers infection risks and improves precision.

How long do Builder Gel Nails last?

Builder Gel Nails typically last up to 4 weeks, depending on your lifestyle and nail care routine. Builder gel creates a strong overlay, making it ideal for those who want extra durability, especially for weak or brittle nails.

What nail designs are available at Mars Nails?

Mars Nails offers a wide range of custom nail designs, including classic French, marble, cat eye, ombré, stamping, chrome, and unique hand-painted nail art. Each design is tailored to your style by our nail artists and crafted with high attention to detail for a lasting and personalized finish.

Holiday 2025 Nail Art Trends in NYC – Festive Looks with a Russian Manicure Twist

Holiday season in New York is more than just lights and shopping – it’s a fashion moment from head to toe, and yes, that includes your nails. Whether you’re attending an office party in FiDi, hosting friends for cocktails in Brooklyn, or heading to a black-tie event in Midtown, your manicure sets the tone.

At Mars Nails, we’re already preparing for the Holiday 2025 rush, and we’ve curated the most in-demand festive nail art trends in NYC – all brought to life with the flawless base of our signature Russian manicure.

From chrome shimmer to delicate holiday motifs, these designs are proof that your nails can be both celebratory and sophisticated.

Russian Manicure with Nail design — Russian Manicure

1. Dark Red Magic & Snowflakes

This design blends a velvety deep red with a smooth gradient into icy silver, finished with snowflakes and silhouettes of reindeer. The shimmering effect gives it a magical, starry-night feel – perfect for both Christmas Eve and New Year’s dinner.

What makes it special?
The Russian manicure base ensures cuticles are clean and polished, letting even the tiniest snowflake detail shine with clarity. Smooth ombré transitions like this are only possible on a flawless nail canvas.

2. Glossy Red with Holiday Ribbon Accents

Nails with Ribbon design — Nails with **Ribbon design**

Nothing says holiday chic like a classic glossy red gel – but this minimalist version adds hand-drawn white ribbon bows on just two nails for a modern gift-wrap feel. Clean, precise, and stylish, it’s the manicure version of a red velvet box with a silk bow.

Ideal for: Corporate holiday events, gallery openings, and December brunches in SoHo.
Done with a Russian manicure, the gel polish glides perfectly from edge to edge – no overpainting, no gaps, just razor-sharp cuticle lines.

3. French Twist with Holly & Berries

A festive take on the timeless French tip. This design features a crisp white almond-shaped French line paired with hand-painted holly leaves and red berries – a subtle nod to holiday decor without going over the top.

This look is perfect for those who want to stay elegant yet seasonally inspired. It’s versatile, works with every outfit, and thanks to our Russian prep, the natural base stays ultra-smooth with no lifting around the edges.

4. Reindeer Forest Nail Tips – Design Swatches

These swatches show variations of our reindeer + forest silhouette set, with gradients in midnight black, deep red, and steel gray. Perfect for clients who want a custom set tailored to their winter wardrobe – or to match a favorite coat, scarf, or event dress.

These designs are especially beautiful on sculpted gel extensions with almond or oval shapes.
The Russian manicure helps maximize the wearable time of intricate designs like these – no chipping or peeling before New Year’s.

Why Russian Manicure Is the Holiday Upgrade NYC Clients Want

Holiday designs can’t shine on a messy canvas. That’s why we use the Russian manicure technique as the base for all seasonal nail art. It provides:

Clean, dry cuticle work using an e-file – no soaking, no damage
Flawless polish application that hugs the nail edge tightly
Longer wear time (3+ weeks), so you can party through New Year’s without worry

At Mars Nails, you can choose from several long-lasting, professional options:

Russian Manicure for ultra-clean, natural-length nails
Hard Gel Manicure (Builder Gel) if you prefer extra strength and structure
Gel Nail Extensions for dramatic holiday length and sculpted shape

No matter which base you choose, our team can create the perfect custom holiday design on top – from minimalist bows to sparkling snowflakes.