Demi Moore at Cannes Film Festival in May.Getty Images
Practicality isn’t the only reason for that, according to manicurist Georgia Rae, who did a naked manicure on Sofia Richie for her wedding day last spring. “I think we’re seeing a shift in every aspect to embracing and enhancing your natural beauty, and that’s what this nearly naked nail trend embodies,” she says.
Achieving the naked manicure can be as low- or as high-maintenance as you prefer, whether it involves a bare-bones buff on your natural nails, adding extensions, or doing something in-between. But what all naked manicures share is an emphasis on hand care and preparation.
Because the naked manicure leaves nothing to the imagination, keeping the nails spick, span, and hydrated is essential. Georgia recommends establishing a hand-care routine when going this route. Weekly exfoliation with a scrub, using cuticle oil several times a day, and applying hand cream at night and during the day “will keep your hands looking nourished and keep your nails hydrated,” she explains. “If your nails have little white marks, this is often a sign of dehydration, and for the nearly naked manicure you want your natural nails to be in peak condition.”
Cleaning, shaping, and buffing your nails before applying polish (if you’re using any) is non-negotiable for a well executed naked manicure. “A true naked manicure is about creating a healthy, well-groomed base that allows the natural beauty of the sheer polish to shine through,” Jin Soon explains. She recommends softening cuticles with a cuticle remover or oil before gently pushing them back with a cuticle pusher. “Avoid cutting or trimming excessively to prevent infection,” she advises. “Just snip visible hang nails only.”
Clean your nail beds with a non-acetone wipe, then buff the nail for natural shine. “Buffing and shining your nails before applying any polish, not just sheer polish, is a professional trick,” says Jin Soon. “It smooths the nail surface, enhances shine, and allows for better polish adhesion.” Most buffing tools are double-sided with an abrasive side for smoothing and a softer side for shining; just be careful not to overdo it with the abrasive side, which can damage your nails. Buff in an X shape, then flip the tool to the shine side and work in small, circular motions until your nails are gleaming and gorgeous.
