If you’ve been keeping up with the latest nail trends, you know that maximalism is now the most popular style. Everyone has different patterns and textured designs on their nails that make them look like a part of the jewelry they wear. As a beauty editor who keeps a close eye on all the new colors and designs that are coming out, I always notice one thing. Even though some trends are really strange, people will always go back to a clean, simple style at some point.
These days, people don’t want their nails to look plain and polish-free, even when they don’t want bold designs. Instead, they’re going for colors that are hard to see but still look classy without much work. Think about small French tips, milky nails, short nail designs, and, of course, soap nails. Even though clean girl makeup may have gone out of style in 2025, soap nails are still in style, but with a new look for 2026.
The good news is that soap nails are very easy to do at home, unlike some other trends. That means you won’t have to wait long for your nails to be done or pay a lot of money. I talked to nail artist Koti Sixxx and nail expert and teacher Radina Ignatova to get all the details for a full, in-depth breakdown. Keep reading to find out their best advice.
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What do soap nails look like?
You might be wondering what soap nails are and why they’re so popular if you’ve never heard of them before. According to Ignatova, “Soap nails are a clean, shiny manicure that makes it look like you 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.
What makes soap nails and milky nails different?
At first, it might look like milky nails and soap nails are the same, but they are not. Sixxx says, “The difference is in the undertone and opacity.” “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.” She talks about how OPI’s Bubble Bath for soap nails is different from Funny Bunny.
How to Do Soap Nails at Home
No joke, this might be the easiest nail trend to do at home. Here’s how to get the look without any more fuss.
Things You’ll Need
- File for nails
- Push cuticles
- Base coat for the buffer
- Nail polish in sheer, blush, or French pink
- Glossy top coat
- Cuticle oil (not required)
Step 1: Get ready
You will need to get ready once you have all your supplies in front of you. “Ignatova says to start by shaping the nails into a soft square or rounded shape. Then, gently push back the cuticles and buff the nail surface lightly to make it smooth.”
Step 2: The First Coat
You need to start with the first coat of paint, just like with any other manicure. Sixxx says, “Put on a structured base coat to shape the nails and make them look the same on all sides.” “This is what makes the illusion of being seamless and almost not there.”
Step 3: Add a second coat and shine
The third step is more like two steps in one. “Put on one or two thin coats of a sheer, light polish, and make sure the layers are light, not thick,” Ignatova says. “Put on a glossy topcoat to get that shiny look.”
Step 4: Optional Last Touches
There are a few more things you can do to make everything look nice once your nails are dry. You can use cuticle oil, but if your nails are damaged, Sixxx says to use tinted builder gel instead, with a slightly yellow or cream tone along the free edge to make it look like a natural nail.
Polishes We Like
Now that you know how to get soap nails, check out some of our favorite nail polishes that are exactly the right color for the experts’ advice.
