The bare nails aesthetic on Helen Marlen of GxBar LA
If long, almond-shaped manicures on Instagram have ever caused you “fingernail FOMO,” stay tuned because short nails will have their moment this Summer. "I definitely see that girls are divided into two categories: less is more, or more is more," says Helen Marlen, owner of GxBar LA, the West Hollywood, California location of the Kiev-based nail franchise, by direct message. "Our clients either want short, natural-looking nails with nude or subtle colors, or long extensions with crazy designs."
Nailcare’s polarized aesthetic is evident on social media and in new launches, most recently with the dual launch of Olive & June’s Mani Minimalist and Maximalist lines of press-on nails. Yet the “minimalist” camp boasts some enviable champions, like Chanel Nail Artist Betina Goldstein, a leading nail influencer and celebrity nail artist with 406 thousand followers on Instagram. Her feed is replete with images of neat cuticles and short, glossy nail beds painted in sheer-neutral and milky hues, some with intricate, negative-space designs. London-based nail artist Corrinna Bianca has also garnered a formidable following behind her short manicures, dainty “micro” French tips and neutral polish shades.
Thus experts predict that short nails and subtle manicures will be big hits this Summer. "The short, classy nail [look] is a return to classic, minimalist, timeless designs, where colors and patterns are muted, neutral and subdued," e-mails dermatologist Dana Stern, MD, who specializes in nail health and is an Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine. "It is a short, glossy, clean, perfectly manicured nail—a chic, summery look."
Learn more about how the bare nails aesthetic became one of Summer 2024’s most anticipated nail trends below.
What Is The Bare Nails Aesthetic?
The inspiration behind the “naked manicure” begins with the Eurasian manicure (also known as the Russian Manicure) and its dry technique, precise cuticle care and long-lasting, hard gel polish. The current desire for "short, natural-looking nails" also arises from the region—specifically from Ukraine, says a nail technician at Margaret Dabbs in London, United Kingdom.
Dainty French manicure by London-based nail artist Corinna Bianca
"The current predominant nail trend in Ukraine focuses on shorter nail lengths, which reflects a shift towards a more natural, clean-cut style [with] soft square and almond shapes,” e-mails beauty founder Aly Korchemniy, who was born in Ukraine but now lives in the United States. She adds that go-to hues include sheer neutrals and soft pastels, which are often paired with a "slim-line" variation of the French manicure. Sheer, milky shades are also popular picks at salons offering the Eurasian manicure technique including GxBar LA and ChaViv Hair. Whatever you opt for on your fingers, Korchemniy is adamant that pedicures should match, stating, "there is 100% no question here."
Marlen, who immigrated to the United States from Ukraine thirteen years ago, also favors the bare nails aesthetic featuring “well-maintained cuticles and clear polish—or no polish at all.” She has seen requests for variations of the look grow since opening GxBar's first U.S.-based location in 2020. "As the beauty industry continues to favor natural looks, so do our customers. Bare, naked-looking manicures [have been] a growing trend ever since the 'old money' trend in fashion became popular," she says over text. "It's a quiet luxury, Princess Diana type of style."
Short, neutral nails by London-based nail artist Corrinna Bianca.
Benefits Of The Bare Nails Aesthetic
According to Dr. Stern, the perks of shorter nail lengths include less potential for breakage and brittleness. She also warns that longer nails are more likely to harbor debris and bacteria beneath them. Because longer nail lengths also run more risk of separation from the nail bed, a condition called onycholysis, the space that forms becomes at-risk of fungal infections. (If separation occurs, she recommends keeping your nails short and avoiding nail cosmetics until healed.)
As the name of the trend implies, Dr. Stern also suggests that it could also be a good idea to give your nails a break from treatments in the summer months. “Just like over-processed hair needs a break from heat and chemicals, so, too, do your nails. Your nail health will benefit and you will save time and money from going to the salon,” she writes. This is why she created the at-home nailcare kit, the Dr. Dana No Polish Manicure Set, $35, with tools like a glass file, a buffing block, and cuticle oil.
You can also learn to create DIY manicures featuring the bare nails aesthetic from home with some hand and nail care. Consider a non-greasy hydrator like the SIDIA The Hand Serum, $36, a multi-tasking cuticle nourisher like Typology Hand & Nail Serum, $29.50, or Marlen’s preferred nail treatment, Manicurist Paris Active Glow™ Raspberry, $16, to strengthen nails while leaving them with a translucent, rosy sheen. Board-certified dermatologist Leela Athalye, DO, and dermatologic nurse Natalie Aguilar are also both fans of using diluted white vinegar to give your manicures and pedicures anti-fungal boosts from home.
