Soap Nails Trend: The Minimalist Manicure to Try This Winter 2025

If you’ve been scrolling through celebrity feeds, chances are you’ve spotted a shiny, almost wet-looking manicure popping up left and right. Move over, lip gloss nails—a new nail trend has got everyone’s attention: soap nails trend.

And no, this isn’t about getting soapy hands; it’s about keeping things as clean and minimalist as possible.

What Are Soap Nails?

Picture this: you’ve just washed your hands, slathered on some luxurious hand cream, and left them looking effortlessly fresh and dewy. That’s the vibe of soap nails trend—a look so subtle it’s almost like you’re wearing no polish.

Still, in reality, you’re flaunting a perfect, natural manicure. The result is a clean, fresh look with a touch of shine—no glitter, shimmer, or prominent color. Think of it as the bare-nail trend’s chic older sister.

Soap Nails vs. Milk Bath Nails

If you’re familiar with the milk bath nails trend, you might think soap nails are just a slight variation. And you’re right, but here’s the twist: while milk bath nails often have a milky white or soft pink hue, soap nails are about achieving an almost transparent, freshly washed look.

Milk bath nails are the softer cousin, while soap nails trend are the elegant, pared-down sibling. They’re both understated, but soap nails hit the sweet spot of “done, but not too done.”

Celebrities like Selena Gomez have already jumped on this trend, showing off their soap nails with nothing more than a faint, glossy finish.

Quickly scroll through Instagram, and you’ll find celebs like Zendaya, Hailey Bieber, and Kylie Jenner rocking the look.

Soap nails have become the go-to choice for many this winter, even appearing at the Golden Globes. Is the clean girl aesthetic? You got it.

How to Achieve Soap Nails

Getting soap nails may sound simple, but it’s all about the preparation. Think again about hopping out of the shower and calling it a day. This look requires a solid nail care routine to shine genuinely.

Nail Health Is Key:

For a soap nail manicure to work, your nails must be in tip-top shape. Like your skin and hair, healthy nails don’t happen overnight—they need constant care. Manicurist Rita Remark (who works with celebs like Jennifer Lopez and Zendaya) suggests treating your cuticles with nourishing oil like Essie’s On a Roll Apricot Nail & Cuticle Oil. Keep it handy everywhere: at your desk, in your purse, by your bed. Your nails will thank you.

Short and Sweet:

Soap nails are best with short nails—nothing too long or dramatic. The shorter your nails, the easier to maintain and the more polished they look without trying too hard. File your nails into a rounded oval or soft square shape to achieve that “flawless yet effortless” look. Short nails, especially those with a gentle curve, maintain that minimalist beauty that soap nails are all about.

Polish with a Sheer Touch:

Once your nails are healthy and prepped, it’s time for polish. Remember: the more subtle, the better. The best nail polish for soap nails is sheer, barely there, and forgiving. Essie’s Gel Couture in shades like “Fairy Tailor” or “Mademoiselle” works wonders. These shades give you that barely-there look with just the right amount of shine.

To brighten your nails, use a rose-toned sheer, like Essie’s “Sugar Daddy” or Londontown’s “Perfecting Nail Veil.” The goal here isn’t bold color; it enhances your nails’ natural beauty. A quick coat, and you’re good to go.

Top Coat for That Glossy Finish:

Once your nails are painted, finish with the highest-gloss top coat. This will give your nails that ultra-shiny, just-washed finish that screams soap nails.

Look for a top coat with a high-gloss shine, like Essie’s Gel Couture Top Coat. This coat will make your nails sparkle like you’ve just dipped them in water.

Why Soap Nails?

You might wonder, “Why the fuss about barely-there nails?” Well, soap nails are perfect for anyone who loves a minimalist manicure but still wants to look polished.

If you don’t have the time or patience to deal with chipped polish, soap nails are your best bet. They’re also great for those who aren’t big on wearing color but still want their nails to look fresh and well-maintained.

This trend is super chic and a low-maintenance option that works with any outfit, whether attending a gala or grabbing coffee with friends.

The best part? Soap nails won’t leave you constantly checking for chips or smudges, as there’s virtually no noticeable color to fade or flake off.

Celebrity Soap NailsIt’s no surprise that celebrities love this trend. From Zendaya to Hailey Bieber, soap nails are a red carpet-favorite.

They’re perfect for A-listers to sport a natural nail look while still keeping things polished (pun intended).

At significant events, you’ll even find soap nails gracing the hands of legends like Jennifer Lopez and Selena Gomez.

Like your favorite celebrities, the key to soap nails is keeping them fresh and well-maintained.

Whether you’re channeling the minimalist beauty vibes of Hailey Bieber or Selena Gomez, soap nails are a timeless, effortless, and refined look.

How to Maintain Soap Nails

Regular nail care is essential to keeping soap nails looking pristine. Treat your nails and cuticles to daily hydration, file regularly to avoid breakage, and reapply the top coat for that shine.

Soap nails are all about the clean, fresh look, so don’t let your nails get too rough around the edges.

Final Thoughts: Soap Nails Trend

Soap nails are more than just a passing trend; they’re an evolution of the minimalist manicure. With its natural, barely-there shine, soap nails are the perfect way to get that fresh, clean girl aesthetic without all the fuss.

Whether you’re looking to nail the look for a big event or want a chic, everyday style, soap nails are the effortless beauty trend you’ll want to try this winter.

If you’re ready to take on this look, why not give it a go at home? With a little TLC, you can rock this subtle, sleek manicure like a celebrity.

The best part? No one will even know you’re wearing polish—unless they’re closely inspecting your shiny, immaculate nails.

Miriam T Gomez

Miriam T Gomez

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