Natural beauty trends are gaining popularity with the Japanese manicure at the forefront. Practices like the Japanese manicure work to prioritize health and embrace one’s natural features without the use of artificial enhancements. 

The Japanese manicure is a traditional manicure method from Japan that gives the nails a clean and glossy finish without using polish. The process uses natural pastes and powders rather than polish to strengthen nails and restore nail structure.

Some nail technicians say Japanese manicures are helpful for people who have brittle nails or experience peeling. The Japanese manicure is known to achieve a simple and minimalistic look with a clean finish.

In this article, readers will learn the benefits of the Japanese manicure, the process and why it is worth trying.

What is a Japanese Manicure?

Sometimes, when it comes to beauty, less is more. The Japanese manicure is a minimalist beauty trend focused on nourishing and enhancing the natural beauty of nails.

The Japanese manicure is a treatment that benefits and restores nail conditions. The Japanese manicure treatment is intended to heal weakened nails to their strong natural state. This often involves multiple sessions for the nails to become smooth, firm and shiny.

Owner of The One Beauty Lounge Chelse Collins has experience doing the Japanese manicures on her clients and, says it does great job at restoring the health of natural nails.

“I recommend Japanese manicures for anyone who is dealing with dry, cracked or brittle nails,” Collins said. “For example, someone who removes artificial nails or gel nails improperly, or someone who wants a long-lasting high shine on their nails. “

During a Japanese manicure, it is common for the nail technician to assess your hands before beginning treatment. The nail technician will evaluate your nail’s strength and health, which can be key to understanding the health of the nails.

The Japanese manicure focuses on natural nail care, using no synthetic chemicals or polish. Instead, nail technicians use natural ingredients such as beeswax, mineral pastes and buffers. The tools used during the Japanese manicure are also created with natural materials.

During a Japanese manicure nail technicians use orange wood sticks, or nail files made from ceramic materials. All cleansers and creams are made with natural ingredients such as bamboo extract, rice milk, pearl powder and ginseng oils. 

Nail educator Lauressa highlights her natural nailcare on her Instagram page @lauressasnails. She shared some insight into her experience with the Japanese manicure. Lauressa says she likes to do the Japanese manicure on herself.  

“Unlike regular manicures that use polish, gel, or acrylics, the Japanese manicure focuses on nourishing and strengthening your natural nails,” Lauressa said.

“It uses ingredients like beeswax, rice keratin and seaweed to restore shine and health, without any polish or artificial layers. The result is a subtle but beautiful glossy finish purely from the treatment itself.”

The Japanese manicure originates from Japanese beauty culture, which emphasizes natural beauty aesthetics. In Japanese beauty culture there is a focus on one’s internal health or well-being reflecting on the outside.

Providing Japanese manicures allows nail technicians to prioritize the customer’s health while giving them beautiful nails

The Japanese manicure has numerous benefits. One benefit is that it repairs and strengthens damaged or brittle nails. The entire process of the Japanese manicure is intended to repair the nail’s foundation, creating a healthy base.

As discussed previously, the Japanese manicure is rich in natural ingredients such as sea minerals, keratin and beeswax, which works to restore the nails, benefit nail growth and shield the nails from breaking.

Another benefit of the Japanese manicure is that it leaves the nails with a natural shine. After a Japanese manicure nails are left glossy and polished, without the need for nail polish. 

The Nails Murr Luxe Manicure Salon in Canary Wharf offers the Japanese Manicure as one of their services.

“Most of our clients describe it as a relaxing, luxurious experience, “said Mamura Stucka; who is an employee at the Nails Murr Luxe Salon. “After the treatment, their nails feel smoother, stronger and noticeably shinier – all without a single drop of polish.”

The Japanese manicure uses natural and non-toxic products that are safe for sensitive skin and nails. Traditional manicures often use artificial or chemical-based materials within gels, polish and acrylics.

Many nail polishes or base coats contain chemicals like formaldehyde and toluene which can affect human health. Additionally, acrylic nails use liquid monomers like methyl methacrylate–banned in several areas for health reasons.

Nail polish remover uses acetone which is known to dry out skin. The Japanese manicure uses natural products and is chemical-free.

The Japanese manicure is also considered low maintenance, leading to long-lasting results that reduce the need for frequent touch-ups. The shiny look created from the buffing and mineral paste can create a finish that lasts several weeks.

The Japanese manicure also works to strengthen and restore the nails, making the nails more robust for the future and less prone to breakage. Since the Japanese manicure restores the nail there is not any artificial polish, acrylics, or cover to touch-up.

Collins mentioned that a Japanese manicure may only be suitable for those willing to commit to doing them frequently.

“I would only recommend Japanese manicures to individuals who are committed to coming in bi-weekly for manicures, okay with not having color or enhancements for more than a month or someone who wants a manicure and doesn’t want to wait for traditional clear polish to dry,” Collins said.

Conventional manicures can lead to chemical damage due to the artificial materials used, but the Japanese manicure uses natural products, leading to less up-keep for breakage.

The process of a Japanese manicure begins with nail preparation and removing any existing polish if needed. This is done with a non-acetone remover that is sensitive to the skin. A soft brush or cleansing tool is then used to remove any dead skin cells.

Then, the nails are shaped and filed into the desired shape. This is often done with a glass, crystal or ceramic nail file to prevent breakage. Following this, the surface of the nail is buffed gently to allow for the pastes to absorb better.

Next a nail technician will care of the nail cuticles. The nails are softened with natural oils such as almond or jojoba oil. Then, the cuticles are pushed back using a ceramic or wooden cuticle pusher.

Soon after, the mineral paste is applied to the nails with a soft buffer. The mineral paste is a thick cream containing ingredients such as keratin, ginseng, beeswax and vitamin A and E. The application of a mineral paste helps to nourish and strengthen the nails.

On top of the layer of mineral paste a polishing powder is applied to the nails using a buffer. This polishing powder works to lock in the nutrients and add natural shine. This polishing powder is usually made of ingredients like crushed pearl powder or beeswax.

This layer will create a smooth and translucent look that enhances the nail’s natural beauty. There is no artificial shine, rather the natural nail is reflecting light. Lastly, a moisturizing cuticle oil will be applied and massaged into the nail bed.

The Japanese manicure is a treatment for nail health advocates looking to restore their nail strength or maintain nail health. It is perfect for natural beauty enthusiasts who prefer chemical-free and polish-free nail care. It is also an ideal treatment if you are a busy professional that prefers a low-maintenance and clean nail look. 

There are key differences between the Japanese manicure and traditional manicures. The goal of the Japanese manicure is to strengthen and nourish while still beautifying the nail. A traditional manicure typically intends to create aesthetic beauty using color, nail art and decoration.

“Regular polished, particularly dark shades can stain the nails yellow if not used with a proper base coat,” Mamura said. “The Japanese manicure enhances the natural pink tone of the nail without any staining risk.”

A Japanese manicure uses natural mineral pastes and powders while the traditional manicure relies on chemical-based gels, and polish. Also, the Japanese manicure is finished with a natural shine using no artificial polish while traditional manicures use colorful polishes to create a matte or shinny look.

Over time the traditional manicure can weaken nail health with frequent use or removal. The result of the Japanese manicure leads to a long-lasting shine that can stay for multiple weeks. Traditional manicures may only last a week using regular polish.

Gel or acrylic can last two or three weeks, but chipping, breakage and grow-out, leading to a lot of up-keep. The Japanese manicure is gentle for all nail types while there is potential for damage using acrylics and gels.

You can get a Japanese manicure by seeking out professional salons that specialize in the Japanese manicure techniques. 

In addition to going to a professional, there are at home options and affordable DIY kits available for those looking to do the Japanese manicure themselves. To create a desirable result, it is important to invest in natural, quality products and follow the instructions to avoid over-buffing.

I actually did the Japanese manicure on myself,” Lauressa said. “Afterwards, my nails looked super healthy and had a natural, glass-like shine. I was really happy with the result. Not only did they look good, but they also felt much stronger and smoother.”

There are two common myths about the Japanese manicure. The first myth is that the Japanese manicure is just a regular manicure without polish. In reality, the fact is that the Japanese manicure is a nutrient-focused technique for healthier, shinier nails.

The focus is the deep nourishment and strengthening of the nails. It is a treatment with a specific process–not a simple grooming.

The second common myth about Japanese manicures is that it is only meant for women. Men can also benefit from the natural polished look of a Japanese manicure. The treatment appeals to anyone who desires healthy-looking nails without the use of artificial materials. Healthy, clean nails cannot be gendered.

“Many are surprised how polished and healthy their natural nails can look,” Stucka said. “Both male and female customers come out super satisfied.”

“If someone is trying to repair damaged nails, a Japanese Manicure is only part of the solution,” Stucka said. “We always advise clients to take care of their nails from the inside as well – things like collagen supplements, biotin, omega-3 and maintaining proper hydration all support healthy nail regrowth.”

The Japanese Manicure can do wonders for restoring nail health, but maintaining that health involves more steps. 

For those considering the treatment, the Japanese manicure is a beauty treatment that moisturizes the nails thoroughly and strengthens them with natural vitamins and minerals. Unlike traditional manicures that focus on decoration and use chemical ingredients, the Japanese Manicure is elegant and low-maintenance—perfect for those who value natural beauty and a long-lasting look. Embrace the beauty of simplicity and natural elegance with the Japanese Manicure.

Chelse

Chelse Collins is a millennial entrepreneur with a diverse background in broadcast media, beauty, health, and wellness. Holding a bachelor's degree in journalism from Florida A&M University and earning her nail specialist license at just 16, she now leverages her expertise to educate women on unique spa experiences, treatments, and overall wellness.