Manicure
San Francisco
Classic, gel and Russian e-file manicure — all in one studio.
Manicure service in San Francisco
At Nail It Studio we offer three types of manicure to suit every client. Whether you want a regular polish finish, a long-lasting gel, or our signature Russian e-file manicure, you will receive the same level of care and precision at every appointment. Every service starts with thorough nail and cuticle preparation so your polish goes on correctly and lasts as long as possible.
Our e-file manicure technique uses an electric file with specialized drill bits to gently and precisely remove non-living cuticle tissue and excess skin from the nail plate. The result is a cleaner nail bed, a tighter polish seal, and results that outlast a standard manicure by weeks.
Manicure services and pricing
All services use the e-file preparation technique for a cleaner, longer-lasting result. Choose the finish that works best for you.
E-file Manicure (no color)
40 min · Nail and cuticle prep only
E-file Manicure with Regular Polish
50 min · Classic polish finish
E-file Manicure with Gel
80 min · Long-lasting gel finish
Manicure + Pedicure
Manicure and pedicure combo service
View the full service menu and live availability when you click Book Your Manicure above.
What is an e-file manicure?
An e-file manicure is a technique that uses an electric file with different drill bits to gently remove dead skin around the cuticle and sidewalls. This method ensures a clean, precise nail contour and helps extend the longevity of the manicure. After the e-file treatment, cuticles are carefully trimmed with scissors for a flawless finish. This approach is gentle on the skin and provides a polished, long-lasting result.
Why it lasts longer: Because the nail plate is never soaked in water, the surface stays dry and stable throughout the service. This means the base coat bonds more closely to the nail plate, the polish seal is tighter, and there is no gap at the cuticle line for moisture to get underneath and start lifting.
Nail shaping
We start completely dry. Your nails are filed to your desired shape before anything else happens. Square, almond, oval, coffin, squoval. Bring a reference photo if you have one.
E-file cuticle work
Specialized e-file bits remove non-living cuticle tissue and excess skin from the nail plate and surrounding folds. Only non-living tissue is removed. The living skin is never touched.
Buffing and smoothing
The nail plate is buffed to a smooth, even surface. At this point your nails should look like glass even before any polish is applied.
Base coat and color
Base coat is applied slightly underneath the cuticle line for a tighter seal. Gel color is applied in thin even layers and cured under an LED lamp between coats.
Top coat and cuticle oil
Top coat is cured, then cuticle oil is applied to the base of each nail. Your hands feel soft and your nails look flawless.
Why clients keep coming back
Regular gel lasts 2 to 3 weeks. Our Russian e-file technique extends that to 3 to 5 weeks.
Every tool is sterilized before every appointment. Not wiped — sterilized.
Clients who come regularly report stronger, healthier natural nails over time.
Classic, gel, French, nail art. Bring a reference photo and we will match it.
Clean cuticle lines, even coats, and an airbrushed result every single time.
Every technician completes professional Russian manicure certification before working with clients.
How to make your manicure last longer
Do these things
- Apply cuticle oil to the base of each nail every single day
- Wear rubber gloves when washing dishes or using cleaning products
- Moisturize your hands regularly, especially before bed
- Book your next appointment every 3 to 4 weeks
Avoid these things
- Do not use your nails as tools to open packages or scratch surfaces
- Do not peel or pick at chipped polish as this removes layers of the nail plate
- Avoid prolonged soaking in hot water in the first day or two after your appointment
- Do not remove gel at home. Come in for professional removal to protect your nails
San Francisco's home for the Russian manicure done correctly
The Russian manicure is not just a trend at Nail It Studio — it is the foundation of everything we do. While many salons in San Francisco have started offering e-file services, very few have the training, the tools, and the standards to perform the Russian manicure the way it was designed to be done. Irina Evglevskaya built this studio specifically around this technique and has trained every technician to the same exacting standard.
The difference is precision. A properly performed Russian manicure removes only the non-living cuticle tissue using a flame-shaped e-file bit, never touching the living skin underneath. The nail plate is prepared completely dry, the base coat seals underneath the cuticle line, and the result lasts weeks longer than anything a water-soak salon can produce. When it is done wrong it causes damage. When it is done right, your natural nails get healthier with every single appointment.
What makes Nail It Studio different: Every technician completes the same professional training that Irina teaches in her certification courses. We use sterilized tools for every client, every time. And we never rush the cuticle preparation step because that is where the entire result is determined.
Manicure questions answered
Everything you want to know before booking your manicure at Nail It Studio San Francisco.
What is the difference between a Russian manicure and a regular manicure?
A Russian manicure uses an electric file to precisely remove non-living cuticle tissue, creating a cleaner nail bed than a regular manicure. Because the nail plate is never soaked in water, the gel polish adheres more closely and lasts significantly longer. Results typically last 3 to 5 weeks for Russian manicure versus 2 to 3 weeks for standard gel.
How long does gel polish last?
Gel polish typically lasts 2 to 3 weeks depending on nail condition and aftercare. Our Russian e-file manicure technique prepares the nail plate more thoroughly, which helps many clients extend wear time to 3 to 5 weeks.
How often should I get a manicure?
Every 2 to 3 weeks is recommended for regular gel manicures to maintain a neat and fresh look. With our e-file Russian manicure technique, many clients comfortably go 3 to 4 weeks between appointments.
Does gel polish damage nails?
No, when applied and removed correctly, gel polish does not harm your nails. The key is professional removal. Never peel or pick it off yourself as this removes the top layer of the natural nail plate and weakens the nail over time.
Can I get a manicure if my nails are thin and weak?
Yes, but strengthening treatments like rubber base, gel, or polygel overlays are recommended for extra protection. Our technicians will assess your nail health at the start of your appointment and advise the best approach for your specific nails.
Where can I get a Russian manicure in San Francisco?
Nail It Studio at 16 Jessie St in SoMa, San Francisco specializes in the Russian manicure technique. Founded by Irina Evglevskaya, the studio is open daily from 9am to 7pm. You can book online at booking.nailit.studio or call (650) 541-6986.
How much does a manicure cost in San Francisco?
At Nail It Studio in San Francisco, an e-file manicure with no color starts at $60. An e-file manicure with regular polish is $70, and an e-file manicure with gel is $90. A manicure and pedicure combo starts at $200.
Ready for a flawless manicure?
Book your appointment at Nail It Studio in SoMa, San Francisco.
Book Your Manicure16 Jessie St, SoMa, San Francisco (650) 541-6986 Open daily 9am to 7pm
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