Photo: Instagram.com/nailsbyzola
We’ve seen lots of trendy mani moments this summer, and naked nails is the latest to take over our feeds. From mismatched nails to coquette nails, there seems to be no shortage of new nail colors and designs, but the latest trend is less over-the-top and more about a pared-back simplicity.
Need further proof that naked nails are the trend to try? It girls like Kylie Jenner and glazed-donut queen Hailey Bieber have been spotted wearing the clean-girl nail aesthetic.
Hayley Dang, a nail artist at Bellacures, says naked nails are trending because of their effortless and polished look. “When doing naked nails, it can seem like someone put a lot of effort into their look with minimal effort and maximum results,” she says.
So what are naked nails exactly? “Naked nails means a barely there color, or no color on the base of the nail at all,” explains Dang. So, if you want to go totally polish-free, that’s one way to get the look. Another is by using a clear coat or a sheer polish.
If you go the bare route, we suggest making sure that your hands and nails are in top condition. This may mean having a little at-home spa sesh for yourself including an exfoliation moment (we like Oribe Cte d’Azur Refining Hand Scrub), cutting your cuticles, using some cuticle oil, clipping, filing, and even buffing your nails so that they’re smooth and shiny.
As for those who prefer a little polish, there are still lots of shades to choose from that will still read as “naked.” Dang recommends OPI Bare My Soul, OPI Put It in Neutral, OPI Bubble Bath, Dazzle Dry Mind Your Mani, and Dazzle Dry Pawn for sheer nude polishes and says that if none of those suit your skin tone, then your manicurist can help you find a more suitable match.
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Sometimes a nail trend really lends itself to a certain shape or length, but with naked nails, it’s up to you. Because naked nails are essentially what yours look like naturally, everyone can lean into whatever their own preference is. If you’re struggling with weak or discolored nails, you may want to add some polish or a strengthener. We like Essie Hard to Resist Nail Strengthener Treatment, which brightens and strengthens.
Ready to try the trend yourself? Scroll on for some naked nails inspo and get ready to screenshot.
Glazed Naked Nails
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Nude Pink
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Clean and Simple
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Short Naked Nails
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Ombré Naked Nails
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Polish-Free Naked Nails
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Clear Polish
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Milky Naked Nails
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Rhinestone Accent
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Abstract Naked
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Pearly Naked
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Naked Quartz
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Round Naked Nails
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Long Naked Nails
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Originally published on Glamour.com
Read Next: Nude Nails: All the Inspiration You Need To Ace the Timeless Manicure Trend
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