Minimalism is back at your fingertips, literally. This summer’s chicest statement is surprisingly simple after seasons of glazed doughnut chrome, bejewelled talons, and sculptural nail art. Think clean shapes, softened nudes, and classic reds with a modern edge. Whether on short, almond, or natural tips, the new nail mood is wearable, polished, and quietly luxurious.
A shift from maximalism
The return to basics doesn’t mean boring. In fact, it’s a recalibration. “Clients are craving a breath of fresh air,” says Haneen Odeh, founder of Snob Salon in Dubai, whose clientele is slowly swapping bold designs for elevated neutrals. “The mood is confident but understated, like your nails, but better.”
This shift mirrors wider trends in fashion and beauty, quiet luxury, skin-forward makeup, and timeless silhouettes. It’s about low maintenance that still looks like high effort.
Colour codes for the season
The palette? Milky whites, soft blushes, sandy taupes, and the occasional clean rouge. These shades flatter all skin tones and transition seamlessly from beach to boardroom. Sheer washes of pink or beige lend a healthy, glossy finish, while a true crimson or poppy red nods to vintage glamour.
The new neutrals
What sets this return apart is the attention to detail. Buffed cuticles, a high-gloss finish, and perfectly sculpted edges take centre stage. Even the French tip is making a comeback but in thinner, barely-there lines or inverted versions with tonal contrasts. “A beautiful manicure doesn’t need to shout,” says Odeh. “It just needs to feel considered and effortless with attention to the smallest detail.”
The rise of the natural nail
Strengthening formulas, builder gels, and BIAB (builder in a bottle) are seeing a rise in popularity. “We’re focusing more on nail health,” she explains. “It’s not just how they look. It’s about how they feel and how long they last.”
Whether you’re booking at your favourite salon or reaching for a sheer polish at home, the message is clear: nails are no longer just an accessory, they’re a reflection of intention.
Expert-approved looks
From tonal French tips to sheer blush finishes, these are the minimalist manis professionals are brushing up this season.
Harriet Westmoreland
The milky manicure, perfected. Polished in Sweet Lily by Glitterbels, shaped by celebrity nail artist Harriet Westmoreland, with hand care that doubles as an accessory, courtesy of Augustinus Bader’s restorative formulas and Sol de Janeiro’s glow-inducing scrub.
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