The Answer To Winter-Worn Nails? A Japanese Manicure

Dry skin, hangnails and jagged edges – aka, the early signs of winter wreaking havoc on our nails. But aside from a daily hand cream, how can we make sure our digits stay in shape? Hailed as TikTok’s go-to for seasonal hand health, a Japanese manicure is the treatment all the nail techs are recommending this winter.

What Is A Japanese Manicure?

‘A Japanese manicure is a gentle, health-focused treatment that avoids harsh chemicals,’ explains Sophie Vongkhamsao, in-house beauty and content specialist at Fresha. ‘Instead, it relies on natural ingredients like beeswax, minerals and essential oils to nourish the nails. It’s a great option if you want the glossy look of gel but are wanting to give your nails a break from the polish.’

In fact, unlike other trending manicures, this stripped down treatment uses no polish at all. ‘Only a paste and powder is applied which keeps the nail looking natural,’ confirms Sophie. ‘It avoids synthetic materials (i.e. made from chemicals), such as gel and acrylic, and uses only natural ingredients. While other manicures tend to be more focused on adding length or trendy designs, the focus of a Japanese manicure is all about nail health.’

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Can A Japanese Manicure Make Your Nails Healthier?

In short, yes. ‘Over time, a Japanese manicure can improve nail resilience, making it ideal for brittle or weak nails needing extra care,’ highlights Sophie. ‘The manicure itself really focuses on nail health: strengthening the nail, promoting healthy growth and improving the overall condition. It also protects and hydrates nails and restores their natural shine.’

But improved nail health isn’t the only benefit, Sophie tells us. ‘A Japanese manicure only uses natural ingredients, ensuring you don’t come into contact with harsh chemicals,’ she says. ‘The procedure is also gentle and non-invasive – no heat lamps are involved, for example – and the manicure doesn’t require a remover, so it can be repeated again and again with no damage.’

What’s Involved?

So, now you know the benefits, it’s time to get that appointment booked. And when you’ve found a nail bar or salon that offers this service, the fun begins.

Following a quick consultation with your nail tech, they’ll begin the treatment with some light prep. ‘The first step of the process involves the manicurist prepping the nails,’ says Sophie. ‘This generally includes cleaning and shaping the nails and doing cuticle work.’

Sophie tells us the next few steps are all about re-introducing nourishing ingredients to the area on and around your nails. ‘The nail plate is then smoothed using a buffer and a green paste – typically made of a mix of vitamin A, bee pollen, keratin and silica – is applied to the nail,’ she explains. ‘Essential oils such as jojoba and ylang-ylang can be added into the paste for extra nourishment. Once the paste is made it is then buffed into the nails using a chamois.

‘After the paste has been buffed in the manicurist will then buff in a mineral powder made from soft sedimentary rock that has been crumbled into a fine powder,’ Sophie continues. ‘The powder will seal in the nutrients from the paste and give the nails a pearly light pink sheen. This is followed by the final step: applying a moisturising hand creme and cuticle oil.’

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How Much Is A Japanese Manicure?

Thankfully, this isn’t a manicure that will break the bank. ‘You can expect to pay anywhere between £20 and £45 for a Japanese manicure, depending on location,’ notes Sophie.

How Long Does It Last?

With good upkeep, Sophie says that a Japanese manicure ‘will generally last around two weeks’ – giving you some time before you need to book in for another treatment.

Featured image: Daria Liudnaya, Pexels