If you’re a fan of neutral nails and like to keep up with the latest trends in nail world, you’ll probably have seen plenty of influencers, celebrities, and even just your friends rocking clear nails across social media. The trend involves applying false clear nails, but then not painting over it with an opaque lacquer. Instead, the tip is left clear for a totally translucent effect, and everything from nail art, to accessories is applied over the top.
The clear nail look is one of those that goes in and out of style, as we first saw it around in 2019. “Clear nails are absolutely the story of the season … it’s everywhere,” nail technician Marian Newman told Image. “We’ve got a reverse French with long, clear tips and a half-moon on the nail bed. The color that goes with it doesn’t matter, it’s all about clear nails.”
But now it’s back in a big way, and Newman wasn’t wrong about its versatility. There are so many different ways you can rock this look, that it can be a little overwhelming coming up with new ideas. That’s why we’re stepping in. We’re bringing you some of our very favorite clear nail manicure ideas for a neutral look so that you can rock this trend to its fullest.
Get your Barbie on
Still not over the Barbiecore summer of 2023 when the “Barbie” movie was released? Yeah, us neither. So why not continue on with uber-feminine Barbie-esque nails? This look makes use of a Barbie pink shade around the edge of the nail to frame the see-through tip, while also adding super shiny rhinestones to the top for a glam addition.
Or add some texture to your clear nail look
Are you a fan of 3D nails? Then why not try a look like this that adds some texture to your manicure. This nail idea used clear builder gel on the tips to add what looks like elongated raindrops for a super shiny and glossy, water-like finish along the lengths.
While glitter and clear nails create a stunning effect
If you’re a fan of glitter, then putting a little on top of clear nails will probably be for you. This version of the clear trend uses thin light pink glitter to create a gradient effect from the nail bed to the tip. It creates a perfectly glamorous, yet still somewhat understated look for those who like something a little more neutral.
You could bring out the butterflies, too
Another take on the clear nail trend? Shiny, colorful butterflies! This vibrant, shimmery variation of the trend we’ve been seeing all over is great for those who like to have a little fun with their nails. But if you’re not into butterflies, that’s ok. This design can be totally customized to have whatever shape you want on your nails. More into the darker side of life? Then why not try bats? A lover not a fighter? Then try shiny hearts.
And gold flecks will add a little extra glamour to clear nails
For an arguably more glamorous take on clear nails, it may be time to give gold flecks a go. For this manicure, the nail tech added several pieces of gold foil to the top of the clear nail to bring a little luxury and sophistication. And it totally worked.
While colorful gems will really shine on a clear base
If you’re a big fan of 3D nail art, then adding it to clear nails really is the way to go. That’s because not applying them over a color will really let any rhinestones, gems, or similar have their moment to shine without getting lost in a colorful background. This variation proves just how effective a clear base with colorful nail accessories really can be.
But an animal print will work, as well!
If you’re a fan of an animal print, then why not bring that passion to your nails? This manicure shows us just how effective painting something like a zebra print can be, still without being too over the top. Opting for a white polish keeps the whole look on the more neutral side, with the clear base giving you some fierce vibes without being too over the top.
Metallic nail art can really make clear nails pop
Clear nails make a great base for metallic nail art, as not having your metallic shades compete with the color of the nail will keep things that little bit more neutral. In this case, the silver polish adds a touch of futuristic glamour, as do the additions of the small rhinestones.
Or try a matte clear nail for another twist on the look
Who said your clear nails have to be glossy? Not us! This version shows how you can make the trend matte for a different version of the popular look. For this white neutral manicure, the nail tech added a gorgeous white flower design over the matte base alongside a few holographic rhinestones.
And even the simplest of nail accessories can make the clear look pop
If you want something super minimalist for your neutral clear mani, then you could try this unique take, which includes two silver balls on either side of the nail. This design proves how easy it can be to customize the look with simplistic nail accessories, because you don’t necessarily have to go overboard to get something super effective.
