What are Brazilian manicures? Here's why they're the secret to longer-lasting nails.

If you're looking to elevate your nail game, there's really no shortage of inspo. From 'pixie dust' nails to 'soap' nails, 'old money' manicures and nail crowns, we've covered it all.

But right now, one look is taking the beauty world by storm: the Brazilian manicure.

Watch: Speaking of beauty, here's what happened when we tried the viral peel and reveal lip product on You Beauty podcast. Post continues below.

It's not a new technique, but for some reason, Google searches for Brazilian manicures have surged over the past month — the first time since it initially gained popularity in 2020. And judging by my social media feeds, the hype has also taken over Instagram and TikTok, with countless people showing off their perfectly preened nails (even weeks after getting them done) and professional artists praising this method above other techniques.

Intrigued?

Here's everything you need to know about the Brazilian manicure, what's involved and whether it's really worth trying.

What is a Brazilian manicure?

At first, the Brazilian manicure process looks messy — anyone who is a perfectionist with an aversion to colour outside the lines might be tempted to abandon the trend. But… trust the process! It's all about absolute precision and technique.

First, the entire cuticle is carefully and precisely removed, making your nails look as bare as a post-Brazilian wax job.

Once cleaned and prepped, a clear base coat is applied to the entire nail and surrounding skin. Yes, including all the edges of the nail bed. Then, the polish colour of choice is applied over the base with the same precision as a two-year-old.

This is what the nail looks like mid-process. Chaotic? Yes. But again, please trust the process! 

Image: TikTok/@micaeellypiires.

Once a second layer of colour and a top coat are applied in the same carefree manner, a thin piece of acetone-soaked cotton wrapped around a cuticle stick is used to clean the edges of the nail perfectly. The cotton is replaced every few wipes to prevent colour transfer onto the skin.

And voilà! The end result is a flawless, professional-looking manicure.

Image: TikTok/@micaeellypiires.

This technique ensures total coverage of the nail bed, leaving you with an ultra-neat, long-lasting finish once the excess polish is removed.

What are the benefits of a Brazilian manicure?

Okay, there's a method to all the madness.

Basically, painting freely over the nail and skin allows the polish to adhere fully to the nail bed, eliminating the small gap typically left between the polish and the cuticle. This means better grip and slower regrowth.

Even with frequent handwashing, dishwashing, showering, typing and whatever chore your hands are put through, your polish won't lift or chip. In fact, fans of the technique have proven their nails still look fresh and untouched after two weeks of wear.

For example, TikTok user Tatyana posted a video of her Brazilian manicure, revealing that it had already been two weeks since her salon visit.

"It is absolutely worth your money," she said in the video while holding her nails up to the camera. "Have you ever seen two-week nails look like this? I'll answer for you — no, you haven't. When I was going to a regular nail salon — [my nails] were peeling, they were chipping and they were broken by two weeks. And now my two-week nails look like they've literally left the salon… I mean, come on, they look brand new!"

@tatlafata

Get the Brazilian or Russian manicure its worth it 💅🏽

♬ original sound - Tatyana

Another major plus? This technique uses regular nail polish — no gel, SNS, acrylic, shellac, BIAB or other semi-permanent product — making it a much healthier option. And when it's time for removal, there's no need for scraping or filing down your nail bed — just a quick swipe with an acetone-soaked cotton ball will do the trick.

How does a Brazilian manicure compare to a Ukrainian and Russian manicure?

You may have heard of the Russian or Ukrainian manicure (if not, you can check out our full rundown here). While both offer impressive longevity, there are key differences in application.

A Russian or Ukrainian manicure involves using a nail drill to remove excess cuticle skin, and the polish is applied only to the nail. In contrast, a Brazilian manicure uses cuticle nippers for manual trimming, and the polish is intentionally painted beyond the nail's edge before being cleaned up.

@taamibarros

Brazilian manicure #unhasdecoradas #unhasnaturais #videodeunhas #unhas #tutorialdeunhas #unhasfofas #unhascoloridas #unhasbrasil #unhasdasemana #unhasfeitas #nails #unhasfortes

♬ som original - ★𝑴𝒖𝒔𝒊𝒄𝒂 𝑳𝒐𝒃𝒂★

How to do a Brazilian manicure at home.

If your DIY manicures often result in polish everywhere but on your nails, don't worry! With a Brazilian mani, messiness is part of the process. Plus, you likely already have everything you need at home since no gel polish, UV lights or electric tools are required.

But just be aware, this technique does come with a word of warning. You need to be extra careful when trimming your cuticles since cutting too aggressively can increase the risk of infection and inflammation. So, it's ESSENTIAL to sterilise all your nail tools before and after your DIY manicure.

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A post shared by Brazilian Soul Beauty Salon (@braziliansoul.beauty)

Once the hard part is done, the rest is easy. First, apply a good base coat to the nails and surrounding skin. Then, follow with two coats of your chosen polish, applying it freely around the edges.

Now, it's time to clean up your mess. Grab a cuticle stick, a cotton ball and acetone. Use the stick to scrape away excess polish around the cuticle, then clean up the edges with an acetone-soaked cotton swab. Or, wrap a small piece of acetone-soaked cotton around the tip of the stick and wipe away the excess polish.

Finish with some cuticle oil or thick hand cream, and you've got stunning nails that'll last a few weeks.

And remember, the clean-up process is what gives you the results — not your painting skills. Trust! The! Process!

Would you try the Brazilian manicure method? Why/why not? Share with us in the comment section below.

Feature image: Instagram/@theparlourroom__, @noor.nailbar.