Maximalism has completely taken over the world of nails, as you may have heard. Everyone has different patterns and textured designs on their nails that make them look like an extension of the jewellery they wear. As a beauty editor who keeps a close eye on all the new colours and designs that are coming out, I always see one thing. No matter how strange some trends are, people will always come back to a simple, clean look at some point.
People still want their nails done in a way that isn’t just plain and polish-free, even when they aren’t going for bold designs. Instead, they’re going for colours that are almost invisible but still look classy without much work. Think of short nail designs, milky nails, and micro French tips. And, of course, soap nails. The clean girl makeup trend may have died out in 2025, but soap nails are a new take on the clean girl look that started in 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 and you won’t have to pay a lot. 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. Read on to find out their best advice.
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What are nails made of soap?
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.”
“Most of the time, 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 trying too hard.
What makes soap nails and milky nails different?
Milky nails and soap nails may look the same at first, but they are actually a little different. Sixxx says, “The difference is in the undertone and the opacity.”
“Soap nails are very sheer and have a finish that is almost see-through. Milky nails, on the other hand, are more opaque and lean toward soft pastel colours.”
She gives the example of OPI’s Bubble Bath for soap nails and Funny Bunny to show the difference.
How to Make Soap Nails at Home
No joke, these nail trends might be the easiest ones to do at home. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to get the look without any more delay.
Things You’ll Need
- File for nails
- Push the cuticle
- Base coat for the buffer
- Nail polish in sheer, blush, or French pink
- Topcoat with a shine
- Cuticle oil (not required)
Step 1: Get ready
You will need to get ready once you have all of 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’ll need to start with your first coat of paint, just like with any other manicure. “Use a structured base coat to give the nails a shape and make them look the same on all sides,” says Sixxx.
“This is what gives you that illusion of being seamless and not there.”
Step 3: Add a second coat and shine
The third step is really two steps in one. “Ignatova says to put on one to two thin coats of a sheer, light polish, making sure the layers are light instead of thick.”
“To get that shiny look, finish with a glossy topcoat.”
Step 4: Optional Final Touches
After your nails are dry, you can do a few more things to make everything fit together. Ignatova says you can use cuticle oil, but if your nails are damaged, Sixxx says you should use tinted builder gel instead.
This should have a slightly yellow or cream tone along the free edge to look like a natural nail.
Polishes We Adore
Now that you know how to get soap nails, check out some of our favourite nail polishes that are exactly the same colour as what the pros say you should use.
