NATURAL NAIL CARE

Mineral mani magic

What is the Japanese manicure? Specialists share what the treatment involves & why its reputation is skyrocketing

JESS WATTS REPORTS

The results of a Japanese manicure by the team at Wild Beauty, London.

The term ‘Japanese manicure’ has been circulating on social media, accompanied by a significant amount of buzz surrounding its benefits. According to beauty salon, Figaro London: “The Japanese manicure is an ancient technique, focused on buffing nutrients into the nail to support its condition and shine.” The non-synthetic materials used in the treatment speak to its emphasis on nurturing the natural nail, while maintaining a glossy, elegant finish.

Mary Simmons

Wild Beauty, a wellness spa in Forest Gate, London, specialises in Japanese manicures, and finds that the treatment suits its commitment to providing services that are ‘as kind to the planet as they are to you’. Founder, Mary Simmons, explains: “The Japanese manicure is a natural nail treatment involving mineral pastes and buffing techniques. It enhances the health and appearance of the natural nail, leaving it with a beautiful shine.”

Lisbon-based beauty professional, Sandra Remili of @the_manitherapist, also specialises in Japanese manicures. “The treatment is much more than a nailcare technique,” she comments. “It’s a tradition that has roots in the ancient practices of the Japanese aristocracy. In the past, it was reserved for the elite, and the focus was mainly on the health and natural aesthetics of the nails, rather than decoration.”

Sandra Remili

The technique uses a mineral-rich paste made from natural ingredients, which Mary explains is ‘buffed into the nail using a soft chamois buffer’. The salon owner shares that the treatment ‘strengthens brittle nails, promotes nail growth and restores natural shine’.

“The manicure style appeals to those with weak nails, as well as professionals whose work environments require a minimalist approach to nailcare.”

Sandra offers insight on the benefits of the ingredients used in a Japanese manicure: “Beeswax hydrates, protects and strengthens the natural nail, while enhancing shine; ylang ylang oil promotes nail growth and has antibacterial and antifungal properties; pearl powder smooths, strengthens and boosts natural shine, and marine minerals protect against external damage.

“It takes 45 minutes to an hour to complete the treatment,” Sandra continues. “If nails are kept hydrated, the results of a Japanese manicure can last for 10 to 15 days, but this varies depending on a client’s lifestyle. For example, if they have significant contact with water or cleaning products, the benefits may not last as long.”

“Many of our Japanese manicure clients have seen long-term improvements in their nail health, particularly those who have previously struggled with brittle, weak or peeling nails,” Mary comments. “Over time, nails become stronger, smoother and visibly healthier.” Sandra agrees, adding: “I have noticed a very positive effect on fragile, thin and ridged nails. The paste that I apply is enriched with natural nutrients that help strengthen the nail.”

On the recent rise in popularity of Japanese manicures, Mary notes that ‘clients who are trying to repair damaged nails or want to maintain a clean look’ are common recipients of the treatment. The manicure style appeals to those with weak nails, as well as professionals whose work environments require a minimalist approach to nailcare.

“The treatment is much more than a nailcare technique. It’s a tradition that has roots in the ancient practices of the Japanese aristocracy.”

Sandra iterates this, sharing that her clients ‘want to gain stronger and healthier nails’. “The growing appreciation of the Japanese manicure reflects a broader shift towards minimalist beauty routines, aligning with the ‘quiet luxury’ aesthetic by emphasising natural nailcare,” she says. “This focus on intrinsic health and understated elegance is also driven by a growing demand for sustainability and wellness-focused care.”

The results of a Japanese manicure on a client of Sandra Remili.

A Japanese manicure treatment at Wild Beauty.

BEFORE

Sandra shares before and after photos of Japanese manicure clients’ nails.

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

Scratch reader offer! Wild Beauty is offering Scratch readers 15% off a Japanese manicure treatment. To book an appointment, visit www.wildbeautygroup.com and use code WBSCRATCH15.