At The Nail Culture & Co., Russian manicures use electric files with diamond bits to produce safe and stylish results.
By Libby Nichols
The Nail Culture & Co. studio in Clive is redefining nail care with a technique rooted in European standards. Located inside Culture Collective, Luxury Salon Suites, this boutique studio specializes in Russian manicures, focusing exclusively on natural nails.
The Russian manicure, also called a European manicure, caught on through TikTok and Instagram in early 2023 but was hard to come by in Des Moines.
“When I moved here, I couldn’t find a place that offered Russian manicures with the level of hygiene I was comfortable with, so I created my own,” said Tanya Yevych, who owns The Nail Culture.
Yevych (pictured) left Ukraine in 2022 when war reached her home of Kyiv, and she resettled in Des Moines to be near family already living here. With her longstanding interest in nail care, she enrolled in a training program in Chicago, earned her technician’s license, and began working in salons across Des Moines. Over time, she realized she was ready to build something of her own. “If it weren’t for my family here, I wouldn’t have had the courage to open my studio,” she said. “I’m forever grateful for them.”
What makes the Russian manicure different is the absence of water or acetone used in the service. Technicians use an electric file with diamond bits to exfoliate the nail plate and remove excess skin around the cuticle. They also avoid the use of harsh clippers or extensions. Every step is designed to protect the nail bed, reduce trauma and support long-term nail strength.
The process involves carefully cleaning and removing the cuticle to create a seamless polish across the nail bed. After prep, a structured gel overlay is applied for durability and shine. The Nail Culture uses Ukrainian brands like GAMA, DARK and Luna, all with formulations known for their purity and performance. The results often last three to four weeks, far longer than traditional polish.
Hygiene is especially critical with this technique due to the use of high-speed tools and their proximity to living skin beneath the cuticle. The Nail Culture follows strict sanitation protocols and tool sterilization to reduce the risk of infection and to support nail health. Clients consistently praise the studio’s immaculate environment and careful attention to detail, saying it’s the first place they’ve found that combines aesthetic precision with true professionalism.
“This is the only way we do manicures in Ukraine,” Yevych said.
Appointments can be booked online and range from $75 to $85, with optional add-ons.
Libby Nichols is the creator and founder of Meet DSM, an Instagram account and brand dedicated to showcasing Des Moines. She also writes about local businesses and events for dsm magazine.
