What’s A ‘Russian’ Manicure — And Why Is It So Controversial?

Some industry insiders have their reservations about this practice, too. “I would caution against a Russian manicure, unless it is done by a trained professional,” notes Tinu Bello, senior brand ambassador for Mylee. “The traditional method [of tidying up cuticles] is still best: using a cuticle pusher [wooden stick or metal] to push them back, and to just use nippers to clip any hangnails or dead skin, which neatens up the area.”