The Bella Nails Studio

The Bella Nails Studio is a Brooklyn nail studio at 161 Graham Avenue that works only in Russian technique, for both manicures and pedicures. The studio was founded by Victoria Morocho, who also teaches the method to other nail professionals.

Each client receives their own set of tools, opened in front of them at the start of the appointment. Instruments are cleaned ultrasonically, sterilized in a Class B autoclave and sealed in individual pouches until the visit, and the studio describes this process as hospital-grade. Files and buffers are single-use for every client.

The menu runs from a $30 classic manicure with regular polish and a $55 gel manicure to a $90 Apres Gel X service using soft gel extensions. The signature Russian Structure Manicure is listed at $110 and uses a dry technique. Hard gel or builder gel extensions are $135, and the Russian e-file pedicure with gel finish is $95. Prices are approximate, so clients are asked to contact the studio for exact pricing. Designs and add-ons are not included, and outside removals carry an additional fee. Clients who need a soak-off removal should arrive 30 minutes early.

Reserving a spot takes a $32 deposit that cannot be refunded. Of that amount, $30 is applied to the service and $2 covers a transaction fee. A booking made without the deposit does not hold a time, so booking in advance is suggested. Schedule changes require 24 hours' notice. Cancelling late or not appearing means the deposit is kept. Clients who repeatedly miss appointments may be asked to pay in full ahead of time. Arriving more than 15 minutes after the appointment start can result in a shorter service or a new appointment being set. Cash and cards are both accepted. Paying with cash carries no extra charge, while card payments may carry processing fees. Any concern about a treatment should be raised within 3 days so the studio can review it and make a correction.

The studio also runs intensive one-day Russian manicure and Russian pedicure courses for up to two students at a time, priced at $950 with an optional second day. Each requires a $350 non-refundable deposit, with the balance due on the course day by cash or Zelle. The manicure course covers e-file and scissors use, nail architecture, cuticle pocket preparation and leveling with gels. The pedicure course covers pododisc use, callus removal, cuticle cleaning, nail filing and basic toenail reconstruction, with materials included.

Russian technique only: an e-file and scissors refine cuticles and level the nail structure, and pedicures use dry techniques to treat cuticles, calluses and nail structure.