Yes, Russian manicures are legal in Texas. There is no Texas law banning the technique, and nail technicians may legally perform it. However, Russian manicures are closely regulated because they often involve the use of electric e-files directly on the natural nail and cuticle. Texas law requires proper licensing and sanitation standards, and if the procedure is performed incorrectly or by an unlicensed person, both the technician and the salon can face penalties.
So the service itself is legal, but it is only legal when performed by a properly licensed nail technician or cosmetologist who follows state sanitation rules.
What Is a Russian Manicure?
A Russian manicure (also called a “dry manicure” or “e-file manicure”) uses a drill-like electric tool to clean and shape the nail and remove cuticle tissue. Unlike traditional manicures that use clippers and cuticle scissors, this method uses:
- an e-file with multiple drill bits
- no soaking in water
- heavy cuticle exfoliation
- precise shaping of the nail plate
- sealed gel polish under the cuticle
The technique can produce a very long-lasting, clean, polished look — but it carries greater risk if done incorrectly.
What Texas Law Says About Russian Manicures
Texas does not regulate specific manicure styles, so Russian manicures are legal. What Texas does regulate is:
Who Is Allowed to Perform Them
Under the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), only licensed professionals may perform services that involve:
- cutting
- filing or drilling
- removal of cuticle tissue
- chemical application on the nail or skin
This means DIY Russian manicure services sold from home without a license are illegal, even if the person does high-quality work.
Equipment Must Be Sanitized
TDLR requires e-file bits, drills, and tools to be:
- disinfected with EPA-registered solutions
- stored in proper sanitary containers
- thrown away when labeled “single-use”
Failure to sanitize tools can result in:
- fines
- license suspension
- salon closure
No One May Perform Invasive Procedures
Texas prohibits any nail service that pierces skin, creates bleeding, or causes abrasions. A Russian manicure that cuts living skin is illegal because invasive procedures are considered medical treatment, not cosmetic work. If the procedure breaks skin and causes injury, the technician can be penalized.
Why Some People Think Russian Manicures Are Illegal
There is confusion because Russian manicures remove the cuticle aggressively, and Texas rules do not allow cutting living tissue. The cuticle is medically considered a protective barrier against infection. Removing too much of it can increase the risk of:
- bacterial infections
- fungal infections
- paraonychial swelling
- scarring of the nail matrix (permanent damage)
Because of these risks, some states and countries restrict Russian manicures more strictly. Texas allows them, but holds the technician responsible if the service violates safety rules.
Can a Salon Get Fined for Russian Manicures?
Legal if:
- performed by a licensed person
- cuticle bits are used properly (exfoliation, not cutting)
- skin is not punctured
- tools are disinfected properly
Illegal if:
- the technician is unlicensed
- the procedure causes bleeding
- improper sterilization is used
- an e-file is used on skin aggressively
TDLR can issue:
- fines up to thousands of dollars
- license suspension
- business penalties
Texas Rules About Cuticles (Important Detail)
Texas law does not prohibit removing dead cuticle tissue — it only prohibits removal of living tissue and anything that causes injury.
You may exfoliate or push back cuticles, but not remove living skin.
A correct Russian manicure exfoliates dead skin and seals polish under the eponychium without cutting it. If a technician cuts live skin, they are violating the rule.
Final Note
Russian manicures are legal in Texas, but they are regulated. Only licensed professionals may perform them, and they must avoid cutting living cuticle tissue or breaking the skin. Russian manicures that cause bleeding or infection risks can result in TDLR penalties, even though the service itself is not banned.
