Russian Manicure FAQ — Peak Nails Colorado Springs

A Russian manicure is a dry, e-file manicure focused on the cuticle area. Dead skin around the nail is carefully removed with fine rotary bits instead of soaking and clipping, so color can be applied right at the cuticle line. The result looks cleaner and stays fresh much longer than a typical salon manicure.

A regular manicure usually pushes the cuticle back and trims it quickly, and polish is applied with a visible gap. In a Russian manicure the whole nail fold is cleaned, the nail is reinforced with hard gel, and color sits close to the cuticle. That is why it takes longer — and why it lasts 3–5 weeks instead of 1–2.

These names are often used for the same technique. At Peak Nails we use the e-file method with no soaking, which is the classic Russian approach.

Most of our clients wear their set 3–5 weeks without chipping or lifting. Because the cuticle area is fully cleaned, the grow-out looks neat, so you can comfortably wait longer between appointments.

It shouldn’t. The technique is precise and gentle, and there should be no cuts or soreness. If anything feels uncomfortable, just tell your nail tech and she will adjust.

Yes. Hard gel reinforces your natural nails instead of thinning them, and we remove product carefully with an e-file. Many clients tell us their nails became stronger and healthier after switching from acrylic or dip powder.

Hard gel is a strong, flexible gel layer applied over your natural nail. It evens out the surface, protects against breaking and lets us correct the shape. It grows out neatly and is ideal for long-lasting wear on natural nails.

Soft gel polish is a thin color coat — great for short, strong natural nails. Hard gel adds structure and strength underneath the color, so it lasts longer and suits weaker or longer nails. Your nail tech can help you choose.

Yes. We create natural-looking extensions with gel. Extensions take about 2 hours with Maria and about 3.5 hours with Dasha.

We focus on hard gel and natural-nail work rather than acrylic. Gel gives a lighter, more natural look and is gentler on your nails.

Yes — a full pedicure (toes and feet with one-color gel) and a half set (toes only). Prices start at $50 depending on the nail tech.

A Russian manicure with hard gel is $100 with Maria, $80 with Dasha and $70 with Sima. Soft gel polish starts at $50. Nail art and French, ombré or chrome are add-ons. See the full price list on our homepage.

Prices reflect experience and speed. Maria is our founder and master nail tech, Dasha is an experienced nail tech trained by Maria, and Sima is our junior nail tech. Everyone follows the same Peak Nails standard of cuticle work and hygiene.

Absolutely. Bring a photo, decals or an idea, and we will recreate it or help balance the design. French, ombré, chrome, cat-eye, stamping and hand-painted art are all available.

Book online through our booking page. Choose your nail tech, your service and a time that works for you. You can also call us at (719) 407-4387.

Our calendar usually fills 2–3 weeks ahead. For weddings, holidays and events, book as early as you can. Most regular clients book their next appointment before they leave.

We work by appointment only, so every client gets an unhurried, private appointment. Please book online before coming in.

Plan for 1.5–2.5 hours for a manicure, depending on your nail tech, your nails and the design. Extensions can take longer. This time is what makes the result precise and long-lasting.

We are inside Sola Salons at 7150 N Academy Blvd, Unit #13, Colorado Springs, CO 80920. Walk in through the main entrance and look for Unit #13. There is plenty of free parking right outside.

No. All appointments take place at our studio inside Sola Salons, Unit #13.

Monday to Friday, 9 AM – 8 PM, by appointment. We are closed on Saturday and Sunday.

Please let us know as early as possible if your plans change so another client can take the spot. Missed appointments without notice are charged a $40 no-show fee.

We accept credit and debit cards and contactless payments such as Apple Pay and Google Pay.

Yes! Gift cards are a great present for birthdays and holidays. Message us on Instagram @peaknails.colorado or call (719) 407-4387.

Metal tools and e-file bits are cleaned, disinfected and sterilized in a dry-heat sterilizer, then stored in sealed pouches. The pouch is opened in front of you at the start of your appointment.

No. Every client gets her own nail file — files are never shared between clients.

Yes. Maria is a licensed nail technician in the state of Colorado.

For your safety, we can’t work on nails or skin with an active infection. Please see a doctor first and reschedule once it has healed.

Apply cuticle oil every day, wear gloves for cleaning and dishes, and avoid using your nails as tools. Book your next appointment within 3–5 weeks.

That is rare with our technique, but if it happens within a few days of your appointment, message us and we will take a look.

Please don’t peel or pick it off — that damages the natural nail. Come back to us, and we will safely file off the old product before your new set.