Massage and spa ritual included: what is Japanese manicure

If earlier for many years at the peak of popularity there was French in different variations (for example, colored French manicure), today Japanese is increasingly being repeated. We will tell you what is the fundamental difference between its approach in comparison with the classical scheme and why it is worth trying this technique.

The trends in the world of nail aesthetics are always very diverse and unexpected. While some people love neon nails, others love a muted manicure with an emphasis on naturalness. Japanese manicure follows the second direction, and it is based on a whole concept.

What is the essence of Japanese manicure

This nail care technique is over 400 years old and closely related to the worldview of the Japanese people. Japanese manicure is a kind of approach that led to the creation of a whole ritual. The Japanese system of seeing the world can be compared to hygge — it is the ability to find something beautiful in any manifestation of life.

All this is important for understanding the meaning of Japanese manicure because it is closely related to the philosophy of wabi-sabi (translated from Japanese “Wabi” means “unassuming simplicity”, and “Sabi” – “touch of antiquity” or “pacification by loneliness”). It focuses on the use of natural and ingredients, gentle techniques, and not on wow designs or various styles of decoration.

What is the advantage of the procedure

Japanese technique is primarily based on diagnostics and resembles the method used by trichologists. This means that before starting a manicure, the specialist assesses the condition of the nails, finds flaws, and then makes care that is aimed at treatment. The main task is to emphasize natural beauty.

The cosmetics that are created for Japanese manicure are of natural origin. It uses mostly moisturizing ingredients. The most common are ginseng, rice milk, beeswax, bamboo and algae extracts, ylang-ylang oil, lotus seed, and red tea extract. Marine products (such as shark liver) are also widely used.

At the same time, manicure tools are made exclusively from natural materials: orangewood sticks, buffs from polished calfskin, ceramic files. Japanese manicure is safe even for pregnant and nursing mothers.

The cuticle is not trimmed during the procedure. It is important that the nail plate is not damaged during maintenance.

At the same time, before the start of the main stage, creams and compositions are rubbed into the nails, and hands are massaged. This approach helps to maintain healthy nails. They become smoother, break less, grow faster, and look more well-groomed.

Varieties of Japanese manicure

There are two main techniques — Masura or P Shine. They are similar, but there are fundamental differences. The P Shine uses a hand bath. With Masura, this stage is most often skipped — instead, a cuticle massage with nourishing oils is performed.

Coating

The task of an authentic Japanese manicure is to achieve the shine of the nail plate with a pinkish tint without additional coating. But the lifestyle of modern girls involves a lot of stress, and nails must be protected from external influences. That is why Japanese manicure today combines a unique reference to modern technology and traditional art. It allows for gel coating, which should be as harmless as possible.

Japanese gel is the name of the product used in this manicure. The cosmetics are made exclusively in Japan and undergo strict controls. It is marked “5-free”, which means that the composition does not contain the five most toxic components.

Another reason for their unprecedented popularity is their high pigmentation. Gels create bright coverage even in one layer.

Colour

In the world, there is a trend towards naturalness. Therefore, delicate pink, translucent tones, and “50 shades of beige” are now in great demand among Japanese masters.

Amber coating is another hot trend. In this case, the specialist needs to recreate the effect of an amber stone on the nails using a bronze coating and framing it with a thin gold frame near the cuticle. A kind of jacket, only executed in a different direction.

Want to try it out but not sure how to do it? Find and book one of your local nail technicians!

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