The Russian Manicure Guide
Oval Shape Mastery · E-File Technique

Premium technique — premium price.

Perform a complete Russian manicure in 50 minutes.

One real client. Timers on screen. Every stage explained — removal, cuticle work, gel leveling, shaping, color, top coat. This is the complete Russian manicure oval workflow, the 50-minute manicure clients happily pay more for.

Real client result
Timers on screen — every stage timed

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Level
All levels
Lessons
9 videos
Duration
90+ min
Access
Unlimited
Certificate
Included
One-time payment · Unlimited access

Disclosure: I earn a commission if you buy through my link. It doesn't change your price.

Oval looks simple. Then the traps show up.

Oval is forgiving, flattering on most hands, and often the first shape taught. But it has its own mistakes, and most of them come from doing the right moves in the wrong order.

One side never quite matches the other.
A set order for shaping: align first, round second, so the symmetry is built in from the start.
Different finger lengths throw off the whole hand.
Comparing lengths across the hand as you work, not after you've finished.
It looks right from above, but off from the side.
A final side-view check and finishing pass so the curve looks finished from every angle.
Appointments run long because you keep backtracking.
A streamlined workflow with the wasted motion cut out, and a timed run to measure yourself against.

Inside the course, in the order you'll do it

Everything is shown on a real client, from the first bit change to the last brush stroke.

  1. Gel removal and smoothing

    Working with a carbide bit at high speed: which part of the bit for the sidewalls, which for the center, and how to avoid extra movements.

  2. Cuticle work

    Opening the pocket, removing pterygium, and using the flame bit in both forward and reverse.

  3. Gel leveling

    Thin layers, building the apex, the self-leveling method, and capping the free edge.

  4. Oval shaping

    Filing at 90 degrees, removing the lower arch, rounding corners symmetrically, and comparing lengths across all ten nails.

  5. Color and top coat

    The finishing steps, shown in full on camera.

  6. Timed speed run

    A streamlined workflow for when speed matters: what to shorten, what never to skip, and a benchmark to track your progress.

Also covered: express gel restoration for damaged nails and sidewall strengthening for thin, short nails. Lesson lists can change, so check the course page for the current outline.

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Taught by a nail tech who works with clients every day

The course comes from VEL Academy and its instructor, Yuliia. She teaches the way she works: sequence first, speed second. She starts students with oval because once it's solid, every other shape gets easier.

You won't see a cut to "and here's the finished result". The whole service is filmed in one go, so you see how long each stage really takes.

  • 15+ years of professional experience
  • First place at an international nail competition in Warsaw
  • Specialist in dry manicure and e-file work

Is this course right for you?

It suits you if you

  • are a nail tech who wants more consistent, symmetrical ovals
  • are moving into e-file and dry manicure work and want a clear routine to practice
  • want to speed up without cutting the steps that matter
  • learn best by watching a full service, not clips of the finished result

Skip it if you

  • don't own an e-file and don't plan to buy one
  • need a live trainer watching your hands
  • want advanced problem-nail work (that's a separate course)
  • haven't checked the licensing rules where you live

What you'll need

  • An e-file machine with a flame bit and barrel or carbide bits (any brand)
  • Cuticle nippers, scissors, and files in 180 and 240 grit
  • An orange wood stick
  • Gel supplies for leveling and color

The course page has the full equipment list.

14-day money-back guarantee

If you're not satisfied, contact VEL Academy within 14 days of purchase for a full refund, as long as you've watched less than 30% of the course.

Read the full terms at vel.academy/refund before you buy. Refunds are handled by VEL Academy, not by me.

What to know before you buy

A course gives you the map. Your first few ovals will still be slow, and that's normal. Use the timed speed run as your benchmark and come back to it as you improve.

The good

  • A complete service filmed in one take, so nothing is hidden
  • A defined order of steps instead of trial and error
  • Focused on one shape, so you can master it before moving on

Keep in mind

  • It covers the oval shape only. Other shapes and topics are separate courses
  • Video can't replace a trainer watching your hands
  • You'll need the tools, and time to practice

Safety first. Go slowly, keep bits clean and sanitized, and stop if anything hurts or bleeds. Rules for nail work vary by country and state, so check yours.

Questions people ask

I'm new to e-file work. Can I start here?

VEL Academy points newer students to the Oval course first, because it covers the fundamentals. You'll still need patience and practice, so begin slowly.

Is the technique safe and legal for a licensed nail tech?

VEL Academy says its techniques work only on dead tissue, such as pterygium and dry cuticle, and that this fits standard licensing in the USA, Canada, UK, and Australia. Rules differ elsewhere, so check your local requirements.

What if I don't like it?

There's a 14-day money-back guarantee, as long as you've watched less than 30% of the course. Full terms are at vel.academy/refund.

Does it cover other shapes?

This course is the oval shape. VEL Academy also offers separate courses on other topics, including square nails, problem nails, pedicure, and stamping. See the course page for details.

Do you earn money if I click?

Yes. If you buy through my link I earn a commission. It doesn't add to your price.

Ready to shape better ovals?

See the lessons, the current price, and the guarantee on the official course page, then decide for yourself.

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