Recently, I came across the trending Japanese Manicure videos on TikTok and was hooked! That’s all I wanted for my nails — a clean girl aesthetic. We spend so much time and investment finding and curating the perfect wardrobe for every season. Somewhere along the line, our nails got lost.
Amidst the wave of heavily embellished nails and overly done acrylics, effortless and healthy nails always stand out. With a Japanese manicure, they turn into a glossy, pearl-like finish—no polish, no drills, just pure, understated elegance.
What is a Japanese Manicure?
Japanese manicure is a nail treatment that uses organic materials to nourish your nails. It does not include applying synthetic stuff that would strip away your nail’s natural shine.
Unlike any other US manicure, Russian manicure (I have tried quite a few tbh!), or DIYs, Japanese manicures enhance the strength and shine of your nail, giving it a natural finish. The technique is traditional, started over 400 years ago, by women in Japan who wanted their nails to look groomed.
The Natural Ingredients
Japanese manicure is highly recommended for damaged nails. In fact, it will restore the pink color and natural shine of your nails due to the ingredients present in the paste and powder.
- Keratin
- Bee’s wax
- vitamins A and E
- Silica (from the Japan Sea)
- Jojoba
Why the Japanese Manicure is the Ultimate ‘Clean Girl’ Ritual
Unlike acrylics, the Japanese manicure won’t strip off the shine on your nails. Due to the organic ingredients and polished finish, it is going to give you an ultimate clean girl look. A plus one, with your perfect outfit and shoes.
Zero Damage: No UV lamps, drills, or acetone. Just your natural nails, healthier than ever.
5-Minute Gloss: Buffing > polish. Achieve a shine that lasts days, not hours.
Low Maintenance: No chipping or salon touch-ups—just re-buff weekly.
Effortless elegance: Perfect for those who prefer a “barely there” polished look.
Step-by-Step Japanese Manicure Routine
Follow these steps to achieve salon-like results at home!
Step 1: Prep Like a Pro
Soak your hands in warm water + 1 tbsp olive oil to soften the cuticles. Trim nails into a soft oval shape to avoid sharp edges. Carefully remove any dirt or dead skin cells to clean the nails perfectly.
Step 2: Nourish & Buff
Gently exfoliate and push back cuticles with a wooden stick. An electrical nail file can also be used to push the cuticle away from the nail bed. Use a 4-way buffer to create a natural shine (skip polish if you prefer).
Images source IG: maria_bairy
Step 3: The Signature Sheer Polish
After buffing, use a sheer base polish infused with vitamin A&E, biotin, ginseng, pollen, etc., to condition your nails.
Step 4: The Setting Powder
Apply a simple talc powder to set the polish. Nail experts use a colored powder made of finely ground pearls to perfect the finishing of a Japanese manicure.
That’s all. Your nails are done!
To do this at home, you can use the P-shine Japanese manicure kit. It will save you $$$ from going to a nail artist.
5 Old Money Tips for Long-Lasting Results
- Hydrate Daily: Massage cuticle oil every night. You can use Jojoba oil or olive oil for best results.
- Gloves for Chores: Protect nails from water and chemicals with gloves when doing chores.
- Avoid Nail Biting: Can’t stress this enough! Keep nails polished even with a clear coat to avoid nail biting.
- Weekly Buffing: 2 minutes with the 4-way buffer maintains shine.
- Skip Acetone: Use a non-drying polish remover (it is free of harsh acetone).
Want more inspiration for timeless, understated nails? Here’s our favorite Old Money nail looks that go perfectly with this routine.
FAQs
How long does a Japanese manicure last?
Japanese manicure usually lasts from 1-2 weeks. Only buffed nails will retain their polish for 7 days straight.
What is the healthiest manicure for nails?
Japanese manicure is the healthiest and safest option for nail care. Since the technique does not involve the use of harsh chemicals and is only focused on improving the nail’s natural shine and strength.
Can I do a Japanese manicure on short nails?
Yes! Japanese manicure works best on short-to-medium lengths.
