Have you heard about soap nails?
It’s the latest beauty trend for fingernails, and we love it because it emphasizes natural, healthy beauty.
If you love the look of a fresh, polished manicure but are tired of constantly painting your nails or dealing with gel nails, this is a new trend you may enjoy trying.
This ultra-clean, natural, and effortlessly chic look is making waves in the beauty world—even actress Selena Gomez showed it off on manicurist Tom Bachik’s Instagram channel. It’s a big hit, especially among those who prioritize healthy, low-maintenance beauty routines.
We have gathered all the information below if you’d like to check it out.
What Are Soap Nails?
So what are these soap nails anyway?
This minimalist manicure emphasizes clean, healthy nails with a glossy, translucent finish. They were inspired by the fresh, just-washed look of nails after using a gentle, hydrating soap. This trend is all about subtle, understated beauty. Unlike traditional nail polish or gel manicures, soap nails rely on a natural, high-shine effect achieved through extra hydration, buffing, and lightweight nail treatments.
The trend started gaining traction in 2023 when clean beauty influencers and nail artists began sharing the look on social media. It caught on quickly because it aligns with the broader movement toward natural and sustainable beauty—something we here at CV Skinlabs have been touting for years.
People love soap nails because they offer a polished aesthetic that enhances the natural beauty of the nails without the need for harsh chemicals or excessive maintenance.
Why Are Soap Nails Better than Regular Manicures?
Regular nail polish and gel manicures—while often attractive—can damage your nails over time. Traditional polishes often contain harsh chemicals that can dry out and weaken the nail bed, particularly with repeated applications. Gel nails and acrylics require strong adhesives and removal processes that involve soaking in acetone, which strips moisture from both the nails and the surrounding skin.
This can lead to brittleness, peeling, and even long-term damage to the nail plate. Frequent use of these products can also dry and irritate the cuticles, making nails more prone to infections and breakage.
People love soap nails because they offer a healthier but beautiful alternative that focuses on hydration and natural shine rather than artificial coatings.
Why Do People Love Soap Nails?
Most people gravitate toward soap nails because they are a cleaner, healthier version of the traditional manicure. But there are other reasons to love this trend, too.
Effortless and Elegant
Soap nails create a fresh, dewy look that complements any outfit or occasion.
Low Maintenance
Unlike gel nails or acrylics, which require frequent salon visits (and extra expense), soap nails are easy to maintain at home.
Healthier Nails
Because this trend emphasizes natural shine over artificial coatings, your nails can breathe and stay strong. In addition, you are encouraged to take better care of your nails to maintain this look.
Perfect for Clean Beauty Fans
If you’re reading this blog, you’re most likely someone who prefers beauty routines with minimal chemicals and a focus on natural ingredients. That means this trend is perfect for you. You get pretty, shiny nails without the unhealthy polishes or high maintenance requirements.
How to Get the Soap Nails Look
Fortunately, getting this look at home is easy! You don’t need a lot of tools or products. Here’s a step-by-step guide to achieving this clean and glossy manicure.
Step 1: Prep Your Nails
Start by thoroughly cleansing your nails. Use a gentle nail brush and mild soap to remove any dirt or oils. Pat your nails dry with a soft towel.
Step 2: Shape and Buff
This part is similar to your traditional manicure. Use a nail file to gently shape your nails into your preferred style. Short, rounded, or soft square shapes work best for the soap nail trend.
Next, use a fine-grit buffing block to smooth the nail surface and create a natural sheen. Don’t skip this step! It’s crucial for achieving that soft, dewy finish.
Step 3: Hydrate and Moisturize
Moisturization is key to this look. Healthy nails need hydration, so apply a nourishing cuticle oil or our multi-tasking Restorative Skin Balm.
CV Skinlabs Restorative Skin Balm is a great option here as it deeply moisturizes the cuticles and strengthens the nail bed, ensuring your nails stay smooth and resilient. We recommend applying it throughout the day as needed, or before you go to bed, putting on some cotton gloves, and leaving them on overnight to bathe your nails in moisture.
Step 4: Apply a Sheer Nail Treatment
You can skip this step if you like, but if you’re looking for extra, longer-lasting shine, use a lightweight, clear nail treatment or nourishing, strengthening serum. Look for formulas with natural ingredients like keratin, biotin, and plant-based oils that promote nail health. A thin layer of a glossy top coat can also enhance the natural soap-like effect, but it’s optional.
Step 5: Maintain the Look
To keep your nails looking their best, reapply our Restorative Skin Balm daily. Gently buff your nails every few days to maintain the shine, and keep your hands moisturized (our Body Repair Lotion makes a great hand lotion!) to enhance the fresh, hydrated appearance.
Healthy Nails Enhance the Soap Nails Look
It makes sense that the healthier your nails are, the better your soap nails will look. Strong, hydrated nails prevent breakage, reduce the risk of nail infections, and improve the overall polished appearance.
To keep your nails in top condition, trim them regularly to prevent splitting. Avoid using your nails as tools to open or scrape things. Wear gloves when doing household chores, such as washing dishes or using cleaning products.
Moisturizing your nails and cuticles daily is absolutely necessary to keep them strong and healthy. Apply our Restorative Skin Balm to hydrate the nail bed and prevent cracking. Drinking plenty of water and maintaining a balanced vitamin-rich diet can also contribute to overall nail health.
Whether you try soap nails or not, daily nail care can help keep your nails beautiful and healthy, giving you that natural beauty look that shines!
Have you tried soap nails?
Featured image by Kaboompics.com via Pexels.
