You probably know that maximalism has completely taken over if you’ve been keeping up with the latest nail trends. In a way that makes their nails look like an extension of the jewelry they wear, everyone has different patterns and textured designs on their nails. As a beauty editor, I always notice one thing when I look at all the new colors and designs that are coming out. No matter how strange some trends are, people will always go back to a simple, clean look at some point.
Clean Nail Trends
Even though people aren’t going for bold designs these days, they still want their nails done in a way that isn’t just plain and without polish. Instead, they’re choosing colors that are almost invisible but still look classy without much work. Think of tiny French tips, milky nails, short nail designs, and, of course, soap nails. It seems like soap nails are a new version of the clean girl look that was popular in 2025.
Easy to Recreate at Home
The good news is that soap nails are very easy to copy at home, unlike some other trends. That means you won’t have to wait long for your nails to be done and you won’t have to pay a lot. I talked to nail artist Koti Sixxx and nail expert and teacher Radina Ignatova for all the details on a full, in-depth breakdown. Keep reading for their best advice.
What are soap nails?
If you’ve never heard of soap nails before, you might be wondering what they are and why they’re so popular. According to Ignatova, “Soap nails are a clean, shiny manicure that makes it look like you’ve just washed your hands.” “Usually, they are done in sheer pinks or soft nudes with a shine that looks like glass.” The main goal is to look stylish and put together without putting in too much effort.
Differences Between Soap Nails and Milky Nails
Milky nails and soap nails may look the same at first, but they are not quite the same. Sixxx says, “The difference is in the opacity and undertone.” “Soap nails are very sheer and have a finish that is almost invisible. Milky nails, on the other hand, are more opaque and lean toward soft pastel colors.” One example she gives is how OPI’s Bubble Bath for soap nails is different from Funny Bunny. The difference is in the opacity and finish that is almost invisible.
How to Do Soap Nails at Home
No joke, these might be the easiest nail trends to do at home. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get the look without any more fuss. These might be the easiest nail trends and step-by-step guide on how to get the look.
The tools you will need
- File for nails
- Push cuticles
- Buffer base coat
- Sheer blush polish
- Topcoat with shine
- Optional cuticle oil
Step 1: Get ready
You’ll need to get ready once you have all your materials in front of you. “Ignatova says to start by shaping the nails into a soft square or round shape. Then, gently push back the cuticles and buff the nail surface lightly to make it smooth.” Start by shaping the nails and buff the nail surface lightly.
Step 2: The First Coat
You’ll need to start with the first coat of paint, just like you would with any other manicure. “Apply a structured base coat to give the nails shape and make them look the same on all sides,” says Sixxx. “This is what makes the illusion of being seamless and not there.” Apply a structured base coat and illusion of being seamless and not there.
Step 3: Add a second coat and shine
The third step is more like two steps in one. “Ignatova says to “apply one to two thin coats of a sheer, pale polish, keeping the layers light rather than thick.” “Put on a glossy topcoat to get that shiny look.” Apply one to two thin coats and glossy topcoat to get that shiny look.
Step 4: Optional Final Touches
There are a few more things you can do to finish everything off once your nails are dry. You can use cuticle oil, but if your nails are broken, Sixxx says to use tinted builder gel instead. It should have a slightly yellow or cream tone along the free edge to look like a natural nail. Finish everything off once your nails are dry and look like a natural nail.
