Soap Nails Are Trending: What to Know About This Soap-Inspired Manicure

The “clean girl” aesthetic continues to make waves, and the latest manifestation is the emergence of soap nails.

This minimalist manicure trend is characterised by its sheer, glossy finish that mimics the look of freshly washed hands. Embracing simplicity and elegance, soap nails have become a major nail trend of 2025 for those seeking a refined yet understated nail look.

Soap nails are a low-maintenance beauty routines that prioritise natural beauty. The trend has gained traction among celebrities like Selena Gomez and Victoria Beckham, as well as fashion enthusiasts alike, making it a staple in manicure trends.

What Are Soap Nails?

At their core, soap nails are all about achieving a natural, clean appearance. The manicure involves a translucent, milky base often in shades of soft pink, beige, or milky white, with a high-gloss finish that gives the nails a healthy, hydrated look. The result is a manicure that appears effortless yet polished, embodying the essence of the soap manicure trend.

Unlike more elaborate nail designs, soap nails’ appearance resembles natural nails but with a squeaky clean, soapy effect. The beauty trend radiates well-groomed cuticles, a smooth nail surface, and a glossy topcoat that enhances the nail’s natural beauty.

While soap nails and milky nails may appear similar at first glance, with both featuring soft, translucent finishes, they have distinct differences. Milky nails typically showcase a more opaque, creamy white hue that covers the entire nail, giving a cloud-like appearance.

While soap nails are lighter, glossier, and more sheer, the trend emulates the natural glow of freshly washed hands. This subtle, dewy finish aligns with the minimalist aesthetic of soap manicure trends, offering a clean and effortless look.

Celebrities Wearing the Soap Manicure Trend

The soap nails trend gained significant attention when celebrity manicurist Tom Bachik shared a photo of Selena Gomez’s manicure on Instagram, captioning it “Barely there, glossy soap nails for my girl @selenagomez”. This post showcased a minimalist, high-gloss nail look that resonated with the “clean girl” aesthetic, sparking widespread interest in soap manicure trends. 

The popularity of soap nails has also been propelled by endorsements from more celebrities, like Kylie Jenner, Ariana Grande, Lily-Rose Depp, and Elle Fanning.

Why Soap Nails Are Gaining Popularity

The appeal of soap nails lies in their ease of maintenance and versatility. Suitable for various nail lengths and shapes, this manicure trend complements any outfit and occasion. Moreover, the emphasis on natural beauty aligns with the growing preference for minimalist and sustainable beauty practices.

In addition, soap manicure trends are accessible to a wide audience. Whether done at a salon or at home, achieving the soap nail look requires minimal tools and products, making it an attractive option for women seeking a chic yet uncomplicated manicure.

How to Achieve the Soap Nail Look

Follow these steps for DIY of the soap nail trend.

First, nail preparation. Begin by trimming and filing your nails to the desired shape. Gently push back the cuticles and buff the nail surface to ensure smoothness. Next is the Base Coat. Apply a nourishing base coat to protect the nails and provide a smooth foundation.

For colour application, choose a sheer, milky polish in shades like soft pink, beige, or milky white. Apply one or two coats, and allow each to dry thoroughly. Lastly, finish with a high-gloss topcoat to achieve the signature shiny finish of soap nails. Feel free to experiment with subtle colour variations, add delicate nail art, or use polishes with a hint of shimmer.

4 Soap Nail Ideas to Bookmark

If you’re loving the clean girl manicure and want to try it on, these ultra-sheer, almost misty finishes are as dreamy as they sound. Below, we highlight four trending nail designs that show just how versatile this glossy manicure can be. And yes, you’ll want to bookmark them all. 

Think of this as your nails dipped in soft pink colour. Rose Glow brings a hint of blush to your fingertips, keeping it subtle yet warm. It’s the kind of manicure trend that makes people do a double-take.

If you’re ready to stray from neutrals without going full-on colour, lavender mist shine is your pick. This muted purple hue, layered in a sheer gloss, gives off that fresh-from-the-spa vibe. It’s ethereal, clean, and a beautiful manicure look.

A little glow never hurts. This beauty take adds a barely-there micro-shimmer to your natural nail base, giving off that glazed, glowy effect under any lighting. It’s subtle enough for the office but glam enough for your next night out. One of the more luxe soap manicure trends right now it’s for the minimalist who still loves a touch of sparkle.

Proof that you don’t need length for impact. This clean, rounded nail design focuses on high shine and healthy-looking nails. Short and Sleek Gloss is great for low-maintenance lovers who still want in on the Soap Nails wave. Add a bit of cuticle oil and you’re good to go fresh, tidy, and totally on trend.

Embracing the Soap Nail Trend

With beauty trends leaning towards simplicity, soap nails offer a refreshing take. This manicure trend celebrates the natural beauty of well-maintained nails, providing a versatile and low-maintenance option for women seeking a polished look.

As more celebrities and beauty enthusiasts embrace the soap manicure trends, it’s clear that this minimalist approach to nail art is here to stay. Whether you’re a seasoned nail artist or someone looking for a subtle yet sophisticated manicure, soap manicure is a trend worth trying.

Photo: Instagram/@lefevrediary